Smallscreen News

'Damages' on DirecTV a no miss TV drama, July 13

By April MacIntyre Jul 12, 2011, 16:50 GMT

06/29/2011 - Rose Byrne - "Damages" Season Four Premiere - Arrivals - The Paris Theater - New York City, NY, USA © Charles Norfleet / PR Photos

If there was ever a case to have DirecTV, it is their scooping of the FX drama "Damages," a show I am surprised the network let slip through their hands.

I understand that FX fancies themselves a younger male-centric network, but the action and the carnage on this legal potboiler grips everyone, and like "Sons of Anarchy", their MC drama, defies demographics in viewership. I know grannies and bikers who watch that show, executives and middle-aged women too. Same for "Damages," the spectrum of fans covers a huge swath of humanity.

DirecTV has been my provider for the last 13 years. I have never had any issues and nothing but exemplary service when upgrading equipment and receivers. I have recommended the service to several friends and reaped the benefits of their generous payback promotions, and I recommend it to you if cable is working your last nerve.

"Damages" is back only for DirecTV subscribers. The satellite company produced new episodes beginning July 13 at 10 p.m.

The new season picks up a few years after the end of the third season.

Killer lawyer and owner of a prestigious firm, Patty Hewes (Glenn Close) is raising her granddaughter, while her former protégé, Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne), returns to Patty's world with a new case.

The case is a wrongful-death suit against a private military contractor headed by Howard T. Erickson (John Goodman) who has a deadly associate in Jerry Boorman (Dylan Baker).

This is an adult mystery-thriller with language, fleshed out quirky characters and psychological intrigue.  Bonus: Commercial Free on DirecTV.

Initially in the series, Patty Hewes hired Ellen Parsons (played by Rose Byrne) as her legal protegee.  Things went south in their work dynamic.

This season of 10 episodes, with all the guest stars and new dramatic twists and turns in the story, is still - at its heart - about the cobra and mongoose relationship between Patty and Ellen.

Rare that actresses get such a meaty platform to show off their craft.