"The Deuce." "The Leftovers."

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“The Deuce.” Netflix DVD. 3 Seasons. This series is exemplary in capturing the texture, grime, and smarts of 70s/80s New York City during the Golden Age of Porn. Co-created by David Simon, former police reporter for The Baltimore Sun who gave us the remarkable “The Wire,” this show explores government and police corruption, the violence of the drug epidemic and the real-estate booms and busts that coincided with the change. Mr Simon’s turf. 



       “The Deuce” is the nickname for 42nd Street between Seventh Avenue and Eighth Avenue.

       The series features a large ensemble cast including James Franco playing twins, which doesn’t move me at all (sorry!) and Maggie Gyllenhaal as an ambitious sex worker who becomes a film director, which is as usual, a compelling portrayal. Maggie is Always Great. Support cast is exemplary as well, notably Gary Carr as C.C., a charismatic but ruthless and controlling pimp; Emily Meade as Lori Madison, a young woman who quickly becomes a sex worker after arriving in New York City from Minnesota; and David Krumholtz as Harvey Wasserman, a highly intelligent and quick-witted director of pornographic movies, who also looks like porn icon Ron Jeremy, LOL! 📹📺📹


“The Leftovers.” Netflix DVD. 3 Seasons. Based on Tom Perrotta's 2011 novel of the same name, this series revolves around a global event that resulted in 2 percent of the world's population disappearing a.k.a. “Sudden Departure.” An intriguing premise. Something like a Christian “Rapture” or the day when believers are transported to heaven at the Second Coming of Christ. “The Leftovers,” however, doesn’t really dwell on that theme but it does explore faith beyond religion per se.



       The series centers on the lives of police chief Kevin Garvey and his family, along with grieving widow Nora Durst and her brother, Reverend Matt Jamison as they struggle to adjust to life after the Departure. The first season was just fine to me although I sense some inconsistencies and overwrought melodrama in the ensuing seasons, and I don’t dig the Finale episode. Yet it is still an intriguing and interesting show to watch.

       Awesome writing, directing, and ensemble acting—with extra praise to Christopher Eccleston as former reverend and current editor of a self-published tabloid that outs “sinners,” and Ann Dowd as the leader of the cult Mapleton chapter of the Guilty Remnant. Pun intended, the series has developed a cult following. And yes Iris Dement’s “Let The Mystery Be” is right on target as theme song. 📹📺📹

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