The creator of The Wire reunites with HBO to chronicle the rise of the porn industry in 1970s New York
There are pairings that you just know are going to deliver, and David Simon together with HBO is one of them. The Wire is (rightly) regarded as one of the best TV shows of the last few decades, and their latest collaboration similarly delves into the seedier side of an American city. Instead of Baltimore and crime, this time it’s New York and the burgeoning porn industry of the ‘70s. A period piece that delivers an enthralling look at a fascinating era is brought to life by deft writing and an impressive ensemble.
Synopsis:
The Deuce chronicles the rise of the porn industry that began in New York City in 1971–72, driven by the gradual legalization of porn and a politically motivated effort to “clean up” Times Square. Seizing the chance to cash in on the nascent porn business are a vivid assortment of characters, including: Vincent Martino (James Franco), a bartender with vision and connections; Frankie Martino (Franco again), Vincent’s identical twin, a dangerously freewheeling counterpart to his entrepreneurial brother; Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a self-made, on-the-street sex worker eying a new career in porn filmmaking; pimps C.C. (Gary Carr) and Larry Brown (Gbenga Akinnagbe); young prostitutes Darlene (Dominique Fishback) and Lori (Emily Meade); midtown cop Chris Alston (Lawrence Gilliard, Jr.); newspaper reporter Sandra Washington (Natalie Paul); mob capo Rudy Pipilo (Michael Rispoli); disillusioned college student Abby Parker (Margarita Levieva); and others.
New York in 1971 was a very different place than today, an era of crime, drugs, and violence that fed into a financial and real estate boom. This also benefited the porn industry, which came out of the shadows, and after legalization became entwined with the social scene of the city, not to mention a very profitable business in its own right. The Deuce looks at a number of people, from bartenders, to sex workers, to pimps, cops, and reporters, who all look to take a slice out of this seedy shift in the New York scene.
The show is in essence a period drama. As you’d expect from Simon and writing partner George Pelecanos, the focus is on the characters, their own domestic problems, talents, and dreams, and how their facets weave into the changing landscape of New York. It’s a rich era to mine, criss-crossing racial and economic lines, showcasing entrepreneurship as well as exploitation. Deft direction and exquisite period detail immerse you in the vibe and sleaze of the era. There’s an energy and richness that draws you in, but the show tempers any possible glorification by highlighting the ugliness of this world and many of its characters. The charm and color are tempered by ugly acts, many jarringly violent. The show is a little sprawling at times, juggling many plots and characters, but this lack of focus should pay off in the long run.
Franco will get plenty of attention for his dual role, and he’s undeniably outstanding, his portrayal of twins proving more than a gimmick. But it’s Maggie Gyllenhaal that proves perhaps the most captivating, aided by an arc for her character being somewhat legitimized in going from street worker to porn film production. Stepping up the ladder, it gets to the heart of the story and the changes that embody the era. These are just two names that make up an impressive ensemble, one that gives the show a tangible richness. Supporting characters that are well fleshed out in a short space of time, their journeys in this fast shifting and perilous landscape guaranteeing investment in the show and anticipation for the second season.
The Package
The Deuce embraces an ‘70s era palette, one that is very well showcased here. Lush period details are apparent, colors are bold with a hint of (intentional) oversaturation, blacks are deep, contrast is good; some of the lighter colors do pale in comparison though, no pun intended. The release contains all 8 episodes of the first season spread over 3 discs, along with a number of special features:
- Inside the episode: Short featurettes that introduce/recap the themes of each episode.
- The Deuce in Focus – Delve inside The Deuce with Michelle MacLaren, James Franco and Roxann Dawson as they talk about bringing the show to life: The director and executive producers give insight into the production, ranging from setting the era to specific scenes.
- The Wild West: New York in the Early ‘70s – Head back in time in this featurette that focuses on the frontier of the pornography business — New York City in the early 1970s: Pretty interesting look at the seedier side of NY in the ‘70s that inspired the show. Shame it’s only around 12 minutes, as a meatier featurette would have been appreciated and added to the context of the show.
- Audio Commentaries – Commentaries on Episode 1 and Episode 8 with cast and crew including David Simon (Co-Creator/Exe. Producer), George Pelecanos (Co-Creator/Exe. Producer), Nina Kostroff Noble (Exe. Producer), Michele MacLaren (Director), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Actor/Producer), and James Franco (Actor/Exe. Producer): Packed with insights, both illuminating and entertaining. Shame there isn’t one for every episode.
- Digital Download code
The Bottom Line
The Deuce shows the high level of production and polish you’d expect from HBO and David Simon. Smart direction and memorable performances help craft a rich world and lay plenty of groundwork for future seasons to explore. Highly recommended.
The Deuce: The Complete First Season is available on Blu-ray™ and DVD February 13th, 2018