Damages - Season 4 [DVD]

The fourth season of Damages lacks the killer punch evident in the three previous seasons. The production values are still very good and the sheer expertise of the film making always holds the attention. That said it is extraordinary that such an experienced production team should go fishing for a plot line in such over tested waters as a rogue security company on the loose in Afghanistan. It is also a surprise that it was felt necessary to introduce such stock characters as an alcholic disbarred lawyer and a bible thumping warmonger. The actual writing is still good but the hackneyed subject of illegal doings in Afghanistan does impose limitations. The script and action flow are not helped by the inclusion of too many and unnecessary dream sequences.

As with the previous seasons the acting is at a very high standard. Dylan Baker and John Goodman make good contrasting villains. The well known character actor Judd Hirsch does a good turn as the alcoholic lawyer and Zachary Booth still successfully maintains his cool detachment as Patty's wayward son Michael. The real surprise is th lower key performance of Glenn Close. Always a consummate professional the actress is always watchable but somehow the definitive commitment evident in the first three seasons and also in season four of the Shield now comes across as not so intense. Here it is hard to accept that Patty's excesses are now more muted for the character is as ambitious and manipulative as ever. The flair of the old Patty is fortunately still evident in the complexities of the relationship with Ellen Parsons and here that special interaction has been maintained.

Despite the mild strictures set out above the DVD is still a very good buy and will provide much enjoyment for the committed Damages fan. On its own it does not stand up so well as the other seasons

Trottman

I would highly recommend Season 4 of Damages- Glenn Close & Rose Byrne are a fantastic Frenemies, the chemistry between them is just electric and Glenn Close is just astounding as Patty- cold, callous and powerful. This like the previous three seasons had me glued to the television,If you haven't seen this show before get buying- you won't regret it.

We rarely watch any series live as we enjoy the ability to view with no interruption, or even recap certain parts of more complex/ thrilling parts of a series.

Season 4 of Damages is excellent; great plot lines. and the chemistry between Glenn Close and Rose Byrn is superb. Series 1 - 3 were great, this excels it as despite having few digital effects, or 'shock' sequences, the writing is strong, the story gripping.

We bought Dexter series 6 at the same time and this is far better as Dexter has endless 'plot loopholes' now and long ago let go of any link to 'reality'.

We thoroughly recommend Damages.