"Damages"

Season 1:

The law school graduate Ellen Parsons get's a job in the prestigious law firm Hewes & Associates. The firm is working on a case against the billionaire Arthur Frobisher. Ellen soon discovers that everything is not what it seems to be. Especially when it comes to her boss Patty Hewes, the founder of the firm.

"Damages" is a show unlike anything I have seen before. I was a bit skeptical before watching it, because I was unsure if it was the kind of show I would like, but after the first few episodes I was hooked. It is not the normal kind of law show I have watched before, but more of a crime/thriller series from the perspective of a law firm.

There are several reasons why this show is unique. Firstly the way the story is told and how the show is cut. The very first thing we see is the end. Then we start 6 months earlier and as the episodes progress we gradually move closer and closer to the end. Each episode includes some quick glimpses at the present and reveals some small details, but the main story is told as the case and evidence collecting progresses. We quickly learn that no one are who they seem to be and everyone has their own agenda. Especially Patty Hewes is near impossible to read as she uses everyone in one way or another to get what she wants.

Secondly the acting is terrific. Glenn Close is absolutely brilliant as Patty Hewes. It has been a long time since I watched a show with this quality of acting. Rose Byrne as Ellen Parsons is also magnificent and together they easily steal the show. That's not saying the rest of the cast are bad, because just about everyone does great performances.

It's hard to put a finger on something that is bad about Damages. The only thing I can think of is that the story takes a little to long to unfold. This is a tiny detail and overall Damages is incredibly well made. I am already looking forward to season 2. 9/10

Season 2:

Ellen Parsons teams up with the FBI to try and take down Patty Hewes. At the same time she is working undercover at Hewes and Associates with a case against a major energy provider. The case turns out to be the hardest yet.

I was both excited and questioning as to how the writers would pull of season 2, and I must say they did an almost flawless job. The show keeps the same style of storytelling, showing the ending first then moving back in time 6 months and slowly progressing towards the ending again. One detail I like a lot is how we never get to know more than we need, but still get to know enough to keep watching. In addition the story twists and turns several times throughout the episodes.

The cast are as stunning as season 1, both old and new characters. I liked how they did not drop all the old characters but found ways to keep them in smaller roles. Glenn Close and Rose Byrne are again amazing and keeps this show up among the best. If you want a different kind of crime/lawyer show or just something new and fresh Damages is something you should strongly consider. 9/10 based on 2 seasons.