“The Deuce."

“The Deuce” (HBO) historical drama series created by David Simon and George Pelecanos, set in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. Mr Simon is the same brain behind the hit “The Wire” (2002-2008), focusing on the drug menace, shipyard smuggling, and city government corruption in Baltimore. So we know what we are getting in “The Deuce,” derived from the nickname for 42nd Street between Seventh Avenue and Eighth Avenue.

       In a largely journalistic, no hero/no villain tact, the series tells the story of the Golden Age of Porn or the legalization and rise of the porn industry in New York City that began in the 1970s. Themes explored include navigating a culture of extreme misogyny, government and police corruption, the violence of the drug epidemic, and the real-estate booms and busts that coincided with the change. 

       Major characters are twins Vincent and Frankie (James Franco) and porn actress turned porn director Eileen (Maggie Gyllenhaal). The first two seasons gave us all then riveting drama, big city thrills, and concrete jungle dirt of the Big Apple. Tight storytelling, gritty consistency, crisp editing. Mr Franco and Ms Gyllenhaal embodied their assumed personas with cool restraint, unfettered focus, and graceful vulnerability. 

      But as I traversed halfway through Seasons 3, all that I felt was sadness. It gets depressing with no hint of redemption or hope. But then maybe that's the point. 🎥💻📽