I absolutely loved this show! Why oh why didn't they make a 4th season?!
This show touches on some serious issues: DID and childhood sexual abuse being the most prominent ones (as well as homophobia, under age sex) and I can see why people are keen to spout righteous indignation before having even seen how they have dealt with this in the show. I have personal experience in both these issues and I can honestly say that it is done in a very respectful, courageous and thoughtful way. It is not entirely realistic in places, of course there is plenty of artistic license involved but this is a work of fiction, not a documentary! I also believe in the importance of using humour in order to get through life, even at the most tragic of situations and I don't feel that this show was in any way belittling, damaging or insensitive to the issues it included. It is heartbreaking in places and absolutely hilarious in others, but the humour is timely and appropriate. It is not exploitative or mocking in any way and despite its creative license dismissing a few real life technicalities, I don't believe that it does a disservice to those affected by DID or CSA.
Toni Colette is absolutely superb in this as she switches in between her 4/5/6? 'alters' and she plays each one to perfection. Her 'Buck' character is hilarious and between them all it just shows her range as an actress.
The relationship between her and her patient and loving husband Max is endearing and beautiful. To people who are saying that she is a b*tch (can you imagine just for 2 seconds what it is like for her knowing what her condition does to those she loves without having any real control over it?! It is exhausting for one and puts you in a permanent state of guilt and self absorption) and saying that he's too sweet/saintly and it's too unrealistic etc, you have clearly never met a couple who are completely in love, no matter what life throws at them. This couple clearly has that, he is devoted to her and contrary to what your jaded life experience may have taught you, this kind of love and commitment and support exists! Go back to sex in the city if you want to believe that is what true love (ie compromising for the rest of your life with an incompatible pig) is all about.
The love/hate relationship between the two sisters (Charmaine and Tara) and the way that the whole family interacted with each other was touching and remarkably well done. Yes of course the characters quirks were all slightly heightened, but again this is TV land, do you really want to watch a show of a bunch of people just like your next door neighbours who pretend to be 'normal' for the cameras every night? I don't think so. It isn't overly done on the quirky factor.
The son, a quiet, intelligent introvert is lovable and sweet and mature beyond his years but this is quite realistic of someone who has had to grow up with a young mother who suffers from a disruptive mental health problem. It is just as likely for a child to become rebellious, wild and want to grow up fast just as the daughter does. Again the relationship between them is realistic enough and a pleasure to watch. All of the characters are developed really well as the show goes on, particularly that of Tara's younger sister Charmaine who is self indulgent and uptight to begin with before she unfolds as a complete wreck and then becomes more lovable as time goes on. Tara's character also develops well as do all of the alters (although realistically they are not as multi faceted as Tara as herself)
Eddie Izzard, despite him being a better comedian than he is an actor, did a great job in this too. I thought his character was great and he gave a sincere performance.
The message that far surpasses the subject of psychiatry is one of love. It's about how we connect to each other in our relationships and the strength we can find in family and friendship. It is a feast for anyone who enjoys quirky, flawed but endearing characters, has a vague interest in psychology (but doesn't feel the need for 100% accuracy from a TV drama) and doesn't mind peeking into the lives of a liberal, colourful and unique family for laughs and a warm fuzzy feeling. It has plenty of drama and a few cliffhangers to say the least! As well as sex, drugs and jazz!
This show touches on some serious issues: DID and childhood sexual abuse being the most prominent ones (as well as homophobia, under age sex) and I can see why people are keen to spout righteous indignation before having even seen how they have dealt with this in the show. I have personal experience in both these issues and I can honestly say that it is done in a very respectful, courageous and thoughtful way. It is not entirely realistic in places, of course there is plenty of artistic license involved but this is a work of fiction, not a documentary! I also believe in the importance of using humour in order to get through life, even at the most tragic of situations and I don't feel that this show was in any way belittling, damaging or insensitive to the issues it included. It is heartbreaking in places and absolutely hilarious in others, but the humour is timely and appropriate. It is not exploitative or mocking in any way and despite its creative license dismissing a few real life technicalities, I don't believe that it does a disservice to those affected by DID or CSA.
Toni Colette is absolutely superb in this as she switches in between her 4/5/6? 'alters' and she plays each one to perfection. Her 'Buck' character is hilarious and between them all it just shows her range as an actress.
The relationship between her and her patient and loving husband Max is endearing and beautiful. To people who are saying that she is a b*tch (can you imagine just for 2 seconds what it is like for her knowing what her condition does to those she loves without having any real control over it?! It is exhausting for one and puts you in a permanent state of guilt and self absorption) and saying that he's too sweet/saintly and it's too unrealistic etc, you have clearly never met a couple who are completely in love, no matter what life throws at them. This couple clearly has that, he is devoted to her and contrary to what your jaded life experience may have taught you, this kind of love and commitment and support exists! Go back to sex in the city if you want to believe that is what true love (ie compromising for the rest of your life with an incompatible pig) is all about.
The love/hate relationship between the two sisters (Charmaine and Tara) and the way that the whole family interacted with each other was touching and remarkably well done. Yes of course the characters quirks were all slightly heightened, but again this is TV land, do you really want to watch a show of a bunch of people just like your next door neighbours who pretend to be 'normal' for the cameras every night? I don't think so. It isn't overly done on the quirky factor.
The son, a quiet, intelligent introvert is lovable and sweet and mature beyond his years but this is quite realistic of someone who has had to grow up with a young mother who suffers from a disruptive mental health problem. It is just as likely for a child to become rebellious, wild and want to grow up fast just as the daughter does. Again the relationship between them is realistic enough and a pleasure to watch. All of the characters are developed really well as the show goes on, particularly that of Tara's younger sister Charmaine who is self indulgent and uptight to begin with before she unfolds as a complete wreck and then becomes more lovable as time goes on. Tara's character also develops well as do all of the alters (although realistically they are not as multi faceted as Tara as herself)
Eddie Izzard, despite him being a better comedian than he is an actor, did a great job in this too. I thought his character was great and he gave a sincere performance.
The message that far surpasses the subject of psychiatry is one of love. It's about how we connect to each other in our relationships and the strength we can find in family and friendship. It is a feast for anyone who enjoys quirky, flawed but endearing characters, has a vague interest in psychology (but doesn't feel the need for 100% accuracy from a TV drama) and doesn't mind peeking into the lives of a liberal, colourful and unique family for laughs and a warm fuzzy feeling. It has plenty of drama and a few cliffhangers to say the least! As well as sex, drugs and jazz!