Monday, June 16, 2008

Sepinwall on TV: 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl' review

In one of today's two columns (technically, they ran together in print, but I separated them for on-line purposes), I review Showtime's new "Secret Diary of a Call Girl," in which we find out what Rose Tyler has really been up to since she left The Doctor.

I'll probably have a quick post up tonight to talk about the premiere. I know there have been some requests for "Weeds" commentary, as there are every summer, but having watched the season's first three episodes, I've realized that I just don't care anymore, if I ever did, about what's happening on that show.

8 comments:

Karen said...

This is an interesting review, Alan; thanks. I read a piece somewhere that quoted that opening line about how the main character wasn't abused into prostitution, and I found it really distasteful. It sounded to me like the show's creators wanted to eat their cake and have it, too: show lots of kinky sex without ever having to contemplate the real costs. I was sorry to see that Billie Piper was involved with this; she can do a lot better.

Speaking of "Doctor Who" (nice segue, huh?), are you going to be reviewing the most recent episode? Or did Agatha Christie not really float your boat?

Mrglass said...

Alan, are you going to review 'Burn Notice' season 2? Great summer show.

Anonymous said...

Maybe you shouldn't judge the show without having seen it, Karen. Despite the subject matter there isn't anything overly kinky in any of the episodes and Billie Piper doesn't do anything degrading.

But I agree with your review, Alan. I've seen all 8 episodes and while I enjoyed them they definitely felt very superficial. There's obviously an underbelly to this kind of business, but the show barely scratches the surface of it.

Mal said...

It should also be pointed out that the show is based on a blog written from real life experiences. I haven't watched the show, but while there are obviously reasons to dislike it, a lack of reality probably isn't one of them.

Anonymous said...

@Malcolm. The original blog was far better-written than this. And also, none of the women touted as likely authors of the Belle de Jour blog have ever worked as prostitutes. It's was definitely an expression of fantasy even then.

barefootjim said...

"Hannah, the helpful hooker" ... Hee.

Anonymous said...

It sounds to me that many of you are either on the fence or too afraid to give this show a fair chance. I have to admit it was hard for me to get past the initial stigma attached to prostitution, but I was delightfully surprised by the show.

Don't believe me, check it out yourself. Below is a link to watch the first 2 unedited episodes at sho.com.

http://www.sho.com/site/vip/home.do?source=m_sdcg1_blogs_june08_vipeps

Simon said...

@La G: I've heard many rumours about who the possible author of Belle could've been, but none author has ever come forward to claim her. The consistency of voice makes me personally believe that she probably does exist - particularly as the blog continues despite the fact that her career has changed:

http://belledejour-uk.blogspot.com/