Damages

NYPress.com

DANSON IN THE DARK
Ted is deep in ‘Damages’

Glenn Close’s performance is the least interesting aspect of the FX thriller “Damages,” which speaks to what a nice job the ensemble cast and crew have done in developing this cinematic tale of power and blood stains in the upper echelons of a greedy, litigious and claustrophobic NYC. The ice queen attorney Patty Hewes is the kind of character Close can do in her sleep. A touch of Fatal Attraction here and a dose of Reversal of Fortune are there as she manipulates colleagues, opponents and her own son. She even gets to channel her 101 Dalmatians brute Cruella De Vil when she arranges a little doggy murder to freak out a witness, then tosses the telltale collar into the sea.

Less predictable—and in perhaps the brightest career move ever by a TV actor—Ted Danson takes on the villain role of Arthur Frobisher, a zillionaire CEO out to screw over a gaggle of blue-collar workers involved in a class action suit against him. In “Cheers,” and forgettably in his other long-running series, “Becker,” Danson never felt as lovable as one would hope. His 6-foot-3 frame, chiseled features and pleading voice all worked against him. But when called upon to rule an evil empire, these same assets enhance his understated delivery, and his familiar face makes the ruthlessness all the more chilling.

Still, the lesser-known Australian actress Rose Byrne, as Ellen, does the show’s keenest work. When first seen, Ellen is dazed and splattered, wandering the city in an overcoat and panties. Smoldering murderess or torn asunder victim? Who can say.

Flashback six months and Ellen is Hewes’ newfound protégé. Here she’s moral to a fault, with a doctor fiancé and good-girl wardrobe. As the story zips back and forth across time, Ellen’s pristine world runs red and Byrne pulls off an entirely entertaining transformation.

Todd A. Kessler, who co-wrote and produced some of the best of the early “Sopranos” episodes, and his brother, Glenn, are the writer/producers along with Daniel Zelman. All three are well-versed in live theater, which perhaps explains the show’s immediacy and attention to character.

- Stan Friedman   August 22, 2007