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United States of Tara: Season 2
  • Network: Showtime
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 18, 2009
  • Season #: 1 , 2 , 3
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    100
    The conversations are witty without seeming arch or forced, the relationships feel more organic and there are quite a few interesting developments but a distinct lack of franticness.
  2. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    100
    An addictive show, with great cast, excellent writing.
  3. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    83
    What separates "Tara" from "Jackie," of course, is that Tara's family is aware of Tara's problems and supports her. In creator/writer Diablo Cody's world, even the most damaged among us can lead healthy lives if they are loved for themselves. That's a comforting message.
  4. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    80
    Creator Diablo Cody ("Juno"), in writing a family that's been living for a long time with a skewed idea of normal, shows how resilient people can find the funny in situations that to outsiders might seem tragic.
  5. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    80
    Whether Tara is herself or someone else (including a new alter), "Tara" works as both a character drama and an absurdist family comedy because the characters are so well-drawn, and because what happened before isn't forgotten as the show moves forward.
  6. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    80
    This bizarre character study, created by Diablo Cody, also works as a terrifically quirky family serio-comedy, with fine support from John Corbett as Tara's very patient and loving husband, Brie Larson and Kier Gilchrist as their screwy teenage kids, and Rosemarie DeWitt as Tara's easily exasperated sister.
  7. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    75
    As promising as the early episodes in Season 2 are, the over-the-top nature of "Tara" remains.
  8. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    70
    The show, although plenty entertaining, also feels like it's grasping to keep the drama of Tara's situation at a suitably heightened level while other character story arcs, most notably Marshall's, feel more believable.
  9. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Michael Murray
    63
    In the Gregson family she celebrates an individualist, nonconformist spirit in a decidedly orthodox way, ending up with a diverting rather than affecting product.
  10. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    60
    Tara" also acquires some new supporting players, but the show feels more disconnected in scattering to pursue these various plots. In addition, the evolving interaction between Tara and her alters as she becomes "co-conscious" with them feels like little more than split-screen gimmickry.
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. TVCritical
    10
    I have to say even thou this show might not have the most realistic portrayal of psychological diseases but what media portrayal ever has I think this one was almost perfect in that respect of portraying such a disease. I chose to do a review on this season because I believe this is the best season out of the whole show. This season had it all from healing to discovery to redemption to emotion to inner turmoil to family to quirky comedy to psychological damage/entanglements to seeking liberation to great writing to great acting-directing-producing-with an already amazing set and an all around near perfection which was made even better with the addition of the two new personalities Shoshana Schoenbaum and Chicken which had even better quirks than tara's original three alters or Gimme. But I think what makes this show truly stand out is the lead character Tara's anguish and suffering that through Toni Collette's Exceptional acting is able to portray in a way that makes us feel and resonates within us sympathy and a deep emotional connection for her. Yes, it's definitely Tara that makes this show her story of a woman trying to get her life back together and trying so hard to be and have a normal life after going through an extremely traumatic experience that made her damaged (coupled with her family feeling the damage of her being damaged and her parents/sister also didn't make Tara's damage any better only worst due to years of her childhood also makes her suffering even more heartfelt) is one that although it's tough to watch it's a remarkable story to watch nonetheless. The biggest props must go to the season finale even though it had drama it was still pretty normal not too over the top not too lazy just completely well-thought out just like this show. This show is a true masterpiece and a cult show that will be remembered through the generations if not by a lot of people but a group of truly dedicated fans.… Full Review »
  2. ATMitchell99
    6
    This season lost the comedy for me, and unlike season 1, season 2 was full of unoriginal twists. I also feel they focused too much on just Tara and the other characters lacked the developing story they deserved, like Kate for example, I literally do not know what is going on with her. I still enjoyed this season though because the concept is brilliant.… Full Review »
  3. Spyke
    5
    Season 2 was a major disappointment. It seemed they ran out of idea's towards the end of the season and just added a random cliff hanger, which they did.… Full Review »
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