What I’m Watching: Damages

Damages: Season 5, Episode 2 “Have You Met the Eel Yet?” (B+)

I have to admit that this has quickly and unexpectedly become one of my most anticipated shows of the week this summer (“True Blood” is the main competitor). There’s something about it that’s evolved so well since the show’s much-lauded inception, which I didn’t particularly care for, in both the plotting and the music, which helps considerably in creating an aura of mystery. I’m not sure how I feel about the “gotcha” reveal towards the end of the episode, complete with illustrative flashbacks, in which Patty gloated about tricking Ellen into getting the judge thrown off the case. This show does have a tendency to harp on the same scenes over and over, for effect, which is sometimes more necessary and productive than at others. Ellen interviewing applicants is a good step since she could really use some support, and it’s intriguing to see just how differently her two interviews went. Someone interested in gossip about Patty is not who she wants, while unsolicited applicant Kate is extremely intriguing. It’s good to see Glenn Close and Janet McTeer working together after scoring Oscar nominations for “Albert Nobbs” last year. Channing wearing a wig and meeting random girls is not smart, and being caught on video near Naomi’s room is even worse. This is not going to be an easy battle for Channing or for Ellen, and right now, the deck is stacked against them. There are sure to be many more developments, but as we know already, there’s no way this ends well.