Cheers: A Rose by Any Other Name...

Rose Byrne in Damages by Barbara Nitke/FX
Cheers to Rose Byrne for her sizzling performance on
Damages. As her character, Ellen Parsons, has evolved from idealistic junior lawyer to cynical murder suspect, the Aussie stunner has pulled off a flawless American accent - and more than held her own in scenes opposite the formidable Glenn Close (as her implacable quasi-mentor Patty Hewes). Much ink has been spilled about how TV series like
Damages provide superior roles for actresses of a certain age like Close, but FX's legal thriller has also dealt Byrne more mature dramatic challenges than she's been given in murky movies like
Sunshine and
Troy. Any objections?
More Cheers & Jeers: Read and react to Bruce's opinions on
Housewives,
The Office and
Friday Night Lights, then share your own raves and rants about other shows on the new
Reader Cheers & Jeers discussion board. Your comments could wind up in TV Guide magazine!