Season 2 of "Damages" Begins Wednesday
Patty Hewes (Glenn Close, pictured left) tried to have Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne) killed and now Ellen wants payback. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you missed the first season of "Damages," but don't despair, you can catch up when "Damages" returns for it's writers' strike delayed second season, Wednesday night on FX.
The season premiere picks up seven months after Ellen's attack which launched the excellent first season in such a shocking way, and once again the producers use the flashing back and forth technique that gave the first season so much suspense and unpredictability.
Ellen is having what looks like a casual drink with an unseen guest while encouraging that guest to tell her "the truth." The scene is deceptively nonchalant as Ellen sips her whiskey before casually taking out a gun and threatening to use it.
From there we flashback six months to present day and Ellen's attempts to get the goods on Patty, while having revenge fantasies in group therapy about Arthur Frobisher (Ted Danson), the man she thinks was responsible for her fiance, David's death. The last time we saw good ol' Art, he was bleeding to death from a gunshot wound in a field miles from nowhere.
Is he still alive? You'll just have to watch and find out.
Glenn Close won a Best Actress in a Drama Emmy for her portrayal of Patty Hewes and for once the Emmy voters got it right. Close is outstanding as a woman who'll do just about anything to get what she wants, but whose conscience can give her unexpected trouble. One way Patty tries to assuage her guilt in episode one is by starting a charity to help the hungry. When politician Sam Arsenault (James Naughton) pulls his money out of the project, Patty pulls strings as only Patty can and ends up getting double the money Arsenault pledged in the first place. It's funny stuff and classic Patty.
At least she hasn't had a dog killed yet.
Returning cast members include Tate Donovan as Tom Shayes, Patty's longtime flunky and Tom Aldredge as the mysterious Uncle Pete. Mario Van Pebbles, a director from last season also returns as Agent Randall Harrison one of Ellen's FBI handlers. The other agent, L.J. Werner is played by"Damages" co-creator/executive producer/writer Glenn Kessler. Does this guy also sweep the floors on the "Damages" set? How many jobs does he need?
Newcomers are William Hurt as Daniel Purcell, a researcher in the energy industry who has a past with Patty, Marcia Gay Harden as Claire Maddox, a fellow lawyer who may just give Patty more than she can handle and Timothy Olyphant as Wes Krulik, a member of Ellen's therapy group who has more than just a passing interest in her.
Hurt's character Daniel Purcell is a man in trouble and the main legal case revolves around him. Of course there's some plot exposition for all you "Damages" newbies, but if you read my "Damages" recaps you'll be up to date on all that stuff.
If you like excellent drama and plots that aren't spoon fed to you, "Damages" is the show for you. The first two episodes have me hooked and I'm already trying to unravel the conspiracy theories in my head.
I'll be continuing my "Damages" recaps this season and the first one for the premiere will be posted on Thursday.
"Damages" premieres Wednesday, January 7th at 10 PM on FX
Photo Credit: Craig Blankenhorne / FX
