Cheers: A Rose by Any Other Name...

Rose Byrne in Damages by Barbara Nitke/FX

Cheers to Rose Byrne for her sizzling performance on Damages. As her character, Ellen Parsons, has evolved from idealistic junior lawyer to cynical murder suspect, the Aussie stunner has pulled off a flawless American accent — and more than held her own in scenes opposite the formidable Glenn Close (as her implacable quasi-mentor Patty Hewes). Much ink has been spilled about how TV series like Damages provide superior roles for actresses of a certain age like Close, but FX's legal thriller has also dealt Byrne more mature dramatic challenges than she’s been given in murky movies like Sunshine and Troy. Any objections?

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Posted by

Bruce Fretts

Oct 17, 2007 6:27 AM

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Wholeheartedly agree with this one, Bruce! Rose Byrne is awesome on this show. I wish more people were watching; the show has had an incredible first season.
Posted by Rod Oct 17, 2007 9:50 AM Report Abuse

Glad I'm not alone on this one!
Posted by Bruce Fretts Oct 17, 2007 9:58 AM Report Abuse

I'm 100% behind you on this one. She's been very impressive!
Posted by PixieSpy Oct 17, 2007 10:00 AM Report Abuse

Oh my God, I think she's fantastic. She has mastered the American accent and really impressed me with her acting chops, she definitely has held her own with Glenn Close. Can't wait to see how this show ends!
Posted by buffybot Oct 17, 2007 10:57 AM Report Abuse

I completely agree.....the actress has done fine work, especially opposite Glenn Close and (the delicious) Tate Donovan. However, a jeer-within-a-cheer to whoever cast the boyfriend role. He's weak and forgettable...and I'm talking about the actor, not the character.
Posted by pattimac13 Oct 17, 2007 12:25 PM Report Abuse

I really love Damages. Last week when Ellen told Patty that she was fed up with her BS, I screamed "Yes" at the TV. Patty has met her match, I think, and I can hardly wait until the next episode. Keep up the good work Rose. You have a true fan in me.
Posted by snook Oct 17, 2007 2:05 PM Report Abuse

Rose Byrne is an amazing actress, even before Damages her track record has proven equally adept at holding her own opposite great actors, Peter O'Toole anyone. I love her performance as Ellen Parsons. She is so lovely and I just adore her eyes- as they are just so expressive.
Posted by Shhimundercoverdamnit Oct 17, 2007 2:38 PM Report Abuse

I totally agree also! Ellen has been the character we love throughout the show...inexperienced with a new job, going with her gut instincts and best of all matching standing up to Patty. Are we now seeing that her mentor and friend is on the whole scheme with Frobisher?
Posted by cathead88 Oct 17, 2007 2:40 PM Report Abuse

I'm glad you all think so too. I was beginning to think I was the only one who likes Ellen because the other people I know who watch the show say she's the weak link. I think Rose Byrne is fantastic and more than holds her own among Close and Danson. By the way, I am absolutely terrified for her after last night's episode. I hope if Damages continues, they find a way to keep Ellen on the show.
Posted by Rambaldi47 Oct 17, 2007 4:29 PM Report Abuse

You hit the nail on the head here. She is astoundingly good.
Posted by CinderAngelkc Oct 17, 2007 5:12 PM Report Abuse

she more than holds her own with a cast chock full of seasoned vets. I can't iamgine that's an easy thing to do.
Posted by Buffy Freak Oct 17, 2007 5:14 PM Report Abuse

Rose Byrne was Terrific in the Last episode, absolutely brillant actress!
Posted by capa Oct 17, 2007 11:43 PM Report Abuse

Not only is she good but the whole show is a great departure from the formula-type shows on the networks. Too bad so many people don't even get FX channel or no doubt the ratings would be a whole lot better. Boo to Neilson ratings that don't really represent the majority anymore.
Posted by luv.swans Oct 18, 2007 6:52 PM Report Abuse

She's a great acrtress and all, but does anyone else think her character wears too much makeup? Her cheeks look way too red. It kind of makes me wonder what she looks like underneath that makeup...
Posted by Master Moron Oct 19, 2007 12:46 AM Report Abuse

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