Damages

:

Season 1
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 156 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 135 out of 156
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 156
  3. Negative: 10 out of 156
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User Reviews

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  1. BetsyK.
    Oct 31, 2007
    10
    This had me from beginning to end. Glenn Close and all the others put on the best TV suspense I have seen for a long time. Please FX, go another season. The word is just getting out.
  2. AlC.
    Oct 4, 2007
    4
    I would score this show lower than the 4 I gave it, but then I'd have to ask myself, "Why do I keep watching it?". It is way too slow. The story could play out in 3-5 episodes if it did not have so much repetition of plot elements. And Close, who is an excellent actor, is stuck with a role that is so far over the top that it is almost cartoonish. Hopefully, I will see it to the end I would score this show lower than the 4 I gave it, but then I'd have to ask myself, "Why do I keep watching it?". It is way too slow. The story could play out in 3-5 episodes if it did not have so much repetition of plot elements. And Close, who is an excellent actor, is stuck with a role that is so far over the top that it is almost cartoonish. Hopefully, I will see it to the end and then say, "Well, it wasn't too bad", but at this point I don't see that happening.… Expand
  3. LesD.
    Sep 2, 2008
    9
    Another great show!cant wait for season 2 payback's a bitch!!
  4. amanr
    Jan 8, 2009
    9
    As the show advanced it became more interesting.
  5. BrandonS.
    Aug 11, 2007
    4
    I dropped this show when they revealed at the end of the pilot that Glenn Close's character was responsible for killing a dog. With absolutely no likeable characters, I saw no point in continuing. Overall, it was just another "trust no one" affair. Bla bla bla.
  6. LonelyBoy1105
    Dec 14, 2010
    9
    Mesmerizing and simply perfect. The two leads Glenn Close and young Rose Byrne are the reason this show is so great. The non-linear narrative and the plot twists are cherry on the top. The best part, and the real reason why this show is so good is the reality this show is presented. Its scandalous and "trashy", thrilling and exiting all in the same time without using the "scandalous CWMesmerizing and simply perfect. The two leads Glenn Close and young Rose Byrne are the reason this show is so great. The non-linear narrative and the plot twists are cherry on the top. The best part, and the real reason why this show is so good is the reality this show is presented. Its scandalous and "trashy", thrilling and exiting all in the same time without using the "scandalous CW factor" (young sexy actors, sex and drugs, hot places and luxury) with only the strong acting ability of the cast. The show is not for everyone because its narrative is sometimes confusing and pointless if you don't pay attention, but that's not the reason this show isn't one of the best...… Expand
  7. lauramol
    Aug 7, 2011
    9
    Great casting, acting and writing. Damages is smart, suspenseful and never fails to surprise. Television at its finest, has me hooked! Glenn Close and Rose Byrne provide strong leads. Even side characters seem fully developed as the show rarely introduces a new character without purpose. A great legal thriller where no one can be fully trusted.
  8. ChrisR.
    Nov 21, 2007
    10
    I did not watch tv until I saw the previews for this show-I have not stopped watching it.
  9. DebiM
    Oct 23, 2007
    10
    Amazing work by Close and cast. As a woman, I am intrigued by the evolving relationships between the 'role model' Close and the understudy Byrne. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer!
  10. RisaD.
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    Excellent show. They left an opening for continuation (will Ellen catch Patti, did Frobisher really sustain a fatal wound, etc) Hmmm, I wonder.
  11. EllenB.
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    Highly intelligent, fascinating characters and writing. Hope very much that it will be back next season. Love that nothing is ever as it seems!
  12. PaulC
    Aug 4, 2007
    5
    glenn close's awful character really ruins this show. and its way over the top in cutting back to the 'present' and having the young lawyer looking all spooked out coz she just killed her fiance, big deal.
  13. BebeB.
    Aug 9, 2008
    10
    good writing, excellent acting. I think Ted Danson is great and Glen Close riveting to watch.
  14. AnitaL.
    Oct 23, 2007
    10
    I am so hooked on this show. The last show was excellent! Giving the viewer some closure on what really happened the night Ellen's boyfriend was murdered was written and presented perfectly. Please FX pick up this show! My husband and I want to know more about these characters and see Ellen's trial. Also want to see Ted Danson's Character get his come-uppens.
  15. SalleyJ.
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    Best show on television for a long time! I love it.
  16. CraigG..
    Aug 21, 2007
    3
    This show is draggggging on so sloooowwwwlllly that I am ready to kill one of the characters just so I'll know who did it. This a five night mini-series that should be OVER by now.
  17. MartinS.
    Nov 28, 2007
    9
    It's almost too good for television.
  18. HowardR.
    Dec 29, 2007
    10
    Season 2 of "Damages" is a no brainier. Great writing ...music and cast. We need more of this in todays TV! We have a crew that meets at our home for the show with discussion afterwards....once you enter the room, no cellphones or mindless chatter...focused on the plot. Please make the second season happen..pay the writers what they deserve!!!!
  19. IreneM.
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    Hands down - best show on TV as we speak. Writing & acting - awesome. A bit challenging to watch all the complexities. Top Notch. Second Season - Yes!!! And that's from somebody who couldn't stand GC for the longest time. Her role in 'Shield' turned it all around for me. Am a big fan now.
  20. SandraJ.
    Oct 25, 2007
    10
    Love the show. Can't wait to watch it each week. I even watched the last episode twice to catch some nuances I missed the first time around. I hope FX picks it up for another season. The casting is excellent. Would love to see Ellen in action next season as she unravels more of the mystery.
  21. IsadoraP.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    This is the best series drama I have seen in years. Glenn Close and Ted Danson both deserve awards for their performances. I love shows that really get your brain going and make you think. Each and every time I thought I had it figured out, the ending always blew my theory out the window! I hope there is a second season!
  22. ChrisC
    Jul 25, 2007
    5
    Yet another misguided attempt by a fringe network to garner HBO cred. This summer season is full of them. None of the characters are believable and the villains are a manipulative cross between Enron and Al Capone. All these post-Sopranos hangers-on are trying to manipulate depressed people by presenting hackneyed cynicism as gritty realism. The only people they've actually managed Yet another misguided attempt by a fringe network to garner HBO cred. This summer season is full of them. None of the characters are believable and the villains are a manipulative cross between Enron and Al Capone. All these post-Sopranos hangers-on are trying to manipulate depressed people by presenting hackneyed cynicism as gritty realism. The only people they've actually managed to manipulate are the critics.… Expand
  23. [Anonymous]
    Sep 6, 2007
    2
    Worthless. I am very picky about the shows I watch, and after the first two I thought I'd continue watching this one. However, about the first 4 or 5 shows, I realized that they were dragging it out far too long. Every other scene seemed pointless and annoying. Close's character kept switching between evil and so stupidly quirky that you began to think she was schizophrenic. The Worthless. I am very picky about the shows I watch, and after the first two I thought I'd continue watching this one. However, about the first 4 or 5 shows, I realized that they were dragging it out far too long. Every other scene seemed pointless and annoying. Close's character kept switching between evil and so stupidly quirky that you began to think she was schizophrenic. The "present-tense" drama that they kept teasing you with never got any clearer. It was a carrot on a stick that never got any closer, and in order to fill the empty space you got to see Danson's character standing next to his pool for the umpteenth time. Drivel.… Expand
  24. MichaelH
    Oct 21, 2007
    4
    The Glenn Close character is not believable and neither is the plot. It's like the writers decided to "play" with your sympathies by injecting "good" and "eviL' aspects to her in a kind of random way to keep you on edge. They are not in control of their material ...they don't understand enough about psychology. The time-shifting is not handled well. You can't really The Glenn Close character is not believable and neither is the plot. It's like the writers decided to "play" with your sympathies by injecting "good" and "eviL' aspects to her in a kind of random way to keep you on edge. They are not in control of their material ...they don't understand enough about psychology. The time-shifting is not handled well. You can't really believe the motivation behind trying to get the Ted Danson character either. I just don't understand the critical accolades. I just have turned it on to try to figure out what I'm missing and I never find it.… Expand
  25. C.B.
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    Television at it's finest. Better than any original programming on HBO!
  26. JeffJ
    Jul 29, 2007
    9
    Top quality TV - after one episode it's already on my list of "must see" shows.
  27. Jessica
    Aug 16, 2007
    10
    AWESOME! I love Glenn Close and to see her in this type of roll is great. You, as the viewer, honestly don't know who to trust. I am always on the edge of my seat during this show.
  28. LanceW.
    Aug 17, 2007
    10
    Decided to catch this on a rebroadcast and I'm glad I did. This show is all over the place - and that's what makes it compelling. You don't know who's good and who's bad. Close and Danson are excellent in their roles - so's the rest of the cast.
  29. HellenL.
    Aug 23, 2007
    9
    An excellent show....considering the trashy Saving Grace on TNT
  30. PAULC
    Aug 2, 2007
    10
    EXCELLENT!
  31. OliJ.
    Apr 8, 2008
    3
    Overblown.
  32. DicksS.
    Oct 19, 2007
    9
    Maybe the networks need to learn from the "summer" replacement shows on how to provide interesting and well developed shows. Excellent cast and a good show overall. Like most shows, it has it weak parts but it is certainly a heck of a lot better than anything I have seen yet of the new "prime" fall lineup!
  33. MargaretM.
    Oct 6, 2007
    10
    Bring Andrew back! He's one of the best looking characters in the show, and the only one who even looks like a real lawyer!
  34. gabbyD
    Jul 30, 2007
    10
    Excellent show! can't wait for future episodes when the ellen character makes her transition.
  35. GinaD
    Aug 1, 2007
    7
    Flashbacks a little hard to follow - but the story has me hooked
  36. SW.
    Aug 14, 2007
    9
    Damages is a thriller. You never know what Patty Hewes is thinking. I love it so far.
  37. PrestonJ.
    Aug 2, 2007
    10
    A very well balanced cast, a worthwhile and intriguing story, and plenty of style and wit in its directiing and writing. It has me interested and hooked.
  38. CarolM.
    Sep 5, 2007
    9
    I enjoy this show and can't wait until the following week for the next episode. It is a little frustrating with the flashbacks but it is so compelling...Glenn Close looks like she is thoroughly enjoying playing such a high power meanie...and what a great job she does..Ted Danson isn't quite as compelling but he is a complex figure..probably more truth about the Corporate World I enjoy this show and can't wait until the following week for the next episode. It is a little frustrating with the flashbacks but it is so compelling...Glenn Close looks like she is thoroughly enjoying playing such a high power meanie...and what a great job she does..Ted Danson isn't quite as compelling but he is a complex figure..probably more truth about the Corporate World than we think! Yikes!… Expand
  39. CharlieB
    Jul 25, 2007
    10
    This is an instant hit! Glenn Close is superb!
  40. HeatherG
    Aug 15, 2007
    10
    Excellent! I can't wait for Tuesday nights!
  41. ElynH.
    Aug 17, 2007
    9
    I think this show is fantastic ! High power women making the deals and controling like the situation like we traditionally think males do. This will be a great season. There are so many subplots here it keeps me guessing.
  42. BarbaraM.
    Jun 12, 2008
    3
    Except for Ted Danson having the time of his life, and Glenn Close chewing up the scenery, all the other actors are clumsy, hammy and poorly cast, and in way over their heads.
  43. CydneyB.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    This is why no one goes out to the movies anymore.. FX network kicks ass. Went to see Michael Clayton (snore!) and couldn't wait to get home to finish Tivo'd "Damages". Glen Close at her absolute best. Character is nuanced, sympathetic and psychotic (just like Mackey on the Shield).
  44. MaryG.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Best show on TV!
  45. VeraB
    Jul 25, 2007
    8
    Excellent Show. I totally enjoyed it and rewatched it immediately following the pilot show.
  46. SheilaS.
    Jul 25, 2007
    9
    This has all the signs of a really great show -- amazing actors, tight writing and pacing. I found the first episode a bit confusing due to some scenes interspersed out of sequence. I just watched it again, and am convinced this show has real potential.
  47. NormaC
    Jul 27, 2007
    10
    Thought it was just okay until the very end. I have to watch the pilot again to see if I could pick up the hints of what actually happened. Big time twist. Really surprising!
  48. nateg
    Jul 28, 2007
    9
    1st episode was very good. Glen Close is great in this role. If the writing continues to be this good. We may have a very good show to look forward to
  49. MisterTelevision
    Sep 21, 2008
    2
    As Aeschylus would have said, "this blows." Bad writing, terrible casting, occasionally competent acting, really really really bad Southern accents. How this many good people can make something this bad is a mystery.
  50. Mykl
    Mar 20, 2011
    1
    Except for a couple of the tertiary characters, most of the performances are contrived. Many of the plot elements seem pointlessly oblique. I grew tired of being teased after 2 episodes when nothing seemed to be moving forward.

    Glenn Close's character seems bi-polar and not particularly believable. Ted Danson was ok. Many of the other main characters are just too cute. The graphic    Except for a couple of the tertiary characters, most of the performances are contrived. Many of the plot elements seem pointlessly oblique. I grew tired of being teased after 2 episodes when nothing seemed to be moving forward.

    Glenn Close's character seems bi-polar and not particularly believable. Ted Danson was ok. Many of the other main characters are just too cute.

    The graphic violence and drug use don't do anything to drive the story forward and in my opinion are a cop-out for the writers. I get that Patty (the main character) is slimy-- you don't have to murder a dog to make me believe that.    … Expand
  51. babaracas38
    Jun 28, 2011
    4
    Wow this show is overrated by dorks who don't get HBO or SHO. This is horribly derivative of The Devil's Advocate (entire scenes, small ones, but entire scenes are ripped off) and The Firm (the book more than the TomThetan abortion). It's still engrossing, but telegraphs deceit, etc way too far in advance. There have been dozens of movies and even a few tv shows that did the "playingWow this show is overrated by dorks who don't get HBO or SHO. This is horribly derivative of The Devil's Advocate (entire scenes, small ones, but entire scenes are ripped off) and The Firm (the book more than the TomThetan abortion). It's still engrossing, but telegraphs deceit, etc way too far in advance. There have been dozens of movies and even a few tv shows that did the "playing from ahead" conceit much better. Also, Glen Close's character is so far out there, it becomes less "love to hate" and more "how the ... is this remotely realistic?" Another crappy wanna be premium channel show from FX. Great job fox!… Expand
  52. SandraW
    Jul 26, 2007
    10
    Best new show I have seen. Will definitely continue to watch
  53. GeorgeM
    Jul 25, 2007
    10
    The pilot episode of Damages was amazing. The show is highly entertaining and I couldn't agree more with Orlando Sentinel: "A legal thriller with the depth and structure of an engrossing novel."
  54. drarthurwells
    Dec 21, 2012
    10
    This is an excellent series, though confusing at times with flash forwards as well as flashbacks. Glenn Close is superb as Patty Hewes, the focus of the show. The show focuses on the interplay of Hewes and her young protege Parsons. The personalities of these two and how they interact is at the core of the action focus of the show. Hewes is a cold, logical, realistic, cunning andThis is an excellent series, though confusing at times with flash forwards as well as flashbacks. Glenn Close is superb as Patty Hewes, the focus of the show. The show focuses on the interplay of Hewes and her young protege Parsons. The personalities of these two and how they interact is at the core of the action focus of the show. Hewes is a cold, logical, realistic, cunning and intelligent person whose focus is on achieving power and success at the cost of emotional relationships with others. Parsons admires Hewes and wants to emulate her success, but Parsons is more "normal" meaning emotionally involved with others and love relationships. Parsons tries to have it both ways, combining work success with love of others, but her failure in work is due to her emotion just as Hewes' success is due to her emotionless objectivity. The action is enough to attract the usual viewer, while the psychological aspects of the personalities are an added bonus for the viewer who can appreciate this.… Expand
  55. MethylONE
    Sep 10, 2011
    10
    This is a great show. I have no idea why it was relegated to whatever network it's on now, but I guess they can go a little further with the sex and language now. Kind of puts it in the HBO or Showtime realm. It is creatively directed and very well acted. Those that write bad reviews clearly just don't get it.
  56. cloperrin
    Sep 18, 2011
    10
    This show is genius. Each character equally deep and complex...and the plot just keeps getting better. I have a really hard time enjoying other dramatic tv shows as a result.
  57. Sir_Poopo
    Jan 21, 2012
    7
    The best thing about this series is the story-telling method in which a small piece of the future is revealed at the beginning, and the rest of the season is spent doling out details in bits and pieces. Each episode leaves the viewer with a cliff-hanger ending ensuring your addiction. The cast is great; excellent acting values all around. The director's hand is invisible, and the writingThe best thing about this series is the story-telling method in which a small piece of the future is revealed at the beginning, and the rest of the season is spent doling out details in bits and pieces. Each episode leaves the viewer with a cliff-hanger ending ensuring your addiction. The cast is great; excellent acting values all around. The director's hand is invisible, and the writing is good. This show loses a few points for select weak moments at the hands of the lighting, hair, and costume design departments. From time to time interior and exterior lighting angles don't match creating that "something is not quite right but I can't put my finger on it" feeling. Hair and clothing are 95% right on with that occasional "my grandmother helped me with this" choice thrown in just to keep the viewer guessing. Big points lost for Zeljko Ivanek's horrible southern accent.… Expand
  58. criticathome
    Feb 5, 2012
    10
    Given the cast, i expected acting at least. This series is so thin, and depends on so many tricks, it's maddening. Maybe just the frustration has kept me watching. Characters seesaw from naive to hard as nails and so far, the actors have a hard time knitting those extremes into believable characters. I imagine them saying "how am I going to get into this" and then giving up and justGiven the cast, i expected acting at least. This series is so thin, and depends on so many tricks, it's maddening. Maybe just the frustration has kept me watching. Characters seesaw from naive to hard as nails and so far, the actors have a hard time knitting those extremes into believable characters. I imagine them saying "how am I going to get into this" and then giving up and just reading the lines. The plot twists, bizarre as they are, get predictable because they repeat initial plot patterns. Disappointing.… Expand
  59. LouisLM
    Jul 12, 2012
    10
    Oh my where do I begin! This show is one of the best TV shows ever created. Amazing acting, brilliant writing and the directing and editing is very cinematic. This season was flawless and the pilot was the best hour of television I have seen in years. Let me mention that Glenn Close, the lead of this series is a legend and a phenomenal actress. She really makes the show what it is and isOh my where do I begin! This show is one of the best TV shows ever created. Amazing acting, brilliant writing and the directing and editing is very cinematic. This season was flawless and the pilot was the best hour of television I have seen in years. Let me mention that Glenn Close, the lead of this series is a legend and a phenomenal actress. She really makes the show what it is and is supported by the best cast of actors working today. The show really showed a genre we have never seen on television before, and it is called a legal thriller. We have read Grisham novels and similar books but we have never seen it on tv. You are in for a very satisfying ride!… Expand
  60. orbit
    Aug 9, 2012
    10
    Glenn Close at her best. The rest of the cast is equally good, Rose Byrne is perfect for this role. One of the best show ever. Watch it! Watch it! Watch it!
  61. HankWhite
    Nov 14, 2012
    9
    now that I have watched the first three seasons I can say that this has to be one of the best acted shows out there. I am not a big fan of flashbacks but this show directors and writers have made flashback an art. Koodos to both lead women for carrying this show to the heights.
  62. Nordic
    Jun 26, 2013
    6
    I'm into season 3 but don't know if I want to continue. The constant Six Months Earlier and Six Months Later leaves me too confused, disconnected. Trying to follow the events has become a chore. Too bad because it's a sophisticated crime drama.
  63. thecritical1
    Oct 31, 2013
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. You can't really judge a show till it's over. This, along with the Sopranos are the finest examples of shows that would have rated very high were it not for the awful finales. But where the writers for the sopranos simply failed to do their job, these writers failed to do it well. Nothing bothers me more than plot holes and unfortunately the finale was riddled with them. The most outrageous of them being Patrick Scully, a man willing to testify in court for immunity in a weak case for attemted murder, doesn't hesitate to put himself in an open and shut case of second degree murder. Keeping in mind the man has never killed more than a dog before, i find it nearly impossible to believe. Also, Ellen not only doesn't turn in the woman who tried to have her killed but she gives up a promising career. Not one part of this finale made a bit of sense. It's like the writers just started smoking crack.… Expand
  64. MyReview123
    Sep 28, 2014
    10
    I really liked the show, but one thing about it made no snese.
    Patty Hewes was a bastard to work for.
    Tom and Ellen, worked for her, were treated like dirt, and had other offers from other law firms.
    SO WHY DIDN'T THEY QUIT AND GO TO WORK FOR THEM?
    I know this is only a tv show, fiction, but that part made no sense.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best TV Season of 2007
29
#29 Most Discussed TV Season of 2007
9
#9 Most Shared TV Season of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Nancy Franklin
    70
    The plot is difficult to follow - shot sequences, at least in the first two episodes, often pair sex and death (an FX trademark, practically; it’s the network that looks our animal selves in the eye), whether or not their pairing helps the story--but you’re strung along deftly enough so that you do want to know how it’s all going to play out.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    80
    Who's a villain and who's a hero here? Can you tell the pawns from the players? All excellent questions as we become absorbed in FX's latest thrill ride.
    Read full review
  3. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Nancy DeWolf Smith
    80
    Despite its fantastic nature, the story is an onion with a thousand layers, each one a satisfying mystery of its own.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »