Tim DeKay and Ally Walker in Tell Me You Love Me by Doug Hyun/HBO
Skin is... out, at least where Tell Me You Love Me is concerned. HBO, which had ordered a second season of the "controversial" (if not exactly compelling) series after just four episodes, has opted not to resume production after all. In a statement, series creator Cynthia Mort explains that the creative team was "unable to find the direction... for the second season." Tell Me You Love Me concerned three couples undergoing counseling for all manner of sexual issues. Cast members included Sonya Walger (Lost), Ally Walker (Profiler) and Jane Alexander (as the couples therapist who got busy in her own right). — Matt Mitovich
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Tell Me You Love Me: The Complete First Season courtesy HBO Home Video
HBO's controversial series continues to enjoy a groundswell of support from fans. Famous for its sexually explicit scenes, the show focuses on three couples at different stages of their lives trying to navigate their way through infertility, infidelity and other marital struggles. At times, it's brilliantly realistic, capturing in quiet, dramatically unerotic form what married life is like; at others, it veers into the plain bizarre, as characters seem to make inexplicable decisions. Regardless, a unique show that will continue to get people talking. The first season's 10 episodes appear on four discs, with minimal extras in the form of audio commentaries. — Nina Hämmerling SmithBuy Tell Me You Love Me: The Complete First Season on Amazon.com
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Having spent 10 weeks with characters searching for answers and trying to make the best decisions they can, I find it hard to stop watching. So tonight's first-season finale (there will be a second season) had me gasping nonstop. The biggest surprise was watching Jamie avoid Hugo at the minimart, then eventually slap that wedding invitation on his windshield and end up at the notary public's office waiting to marry him. Jamie is so energized by Hugo that in her session with Dr. May, who was very distracted by the death of John, she explains that it was fate that brought them together. Though seemingly inattentive (asking Jamie questions about the gas station), May is still perceptive and unintentionally antagonizing Jamie by telling her she's working hard to convince her of her never-ending love for Hugo. But nothing is holding Jamie back when she snaps, "You're wrong. I'm sure sometimes that happens." (Oh, no she didn't!)Carolyn, disturbed by Palek's decision to leave, was spewing ...
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The couples we've been following so closely went through some changes this week, mostly by their own choosing.Rita is separating from Dan, and it upsets Katie's world. Katie is freaked out that this could be the answer to her marital problems. Even though she is surprised that Katie is surprised at her actions, Rita has proven that having a baby is not a good solution to save a marriage.Unsatisfied with redoing the patio every year, Katie makes changes by seeking a job interview, going clothes shopping and getting a makeup makeover (with "Love Crush" blush). It not only shows Katie asserting herself and elevating her self-esteem but using avoidance tactics and being somewhat irresponsible by dropping her family responsibilities and ditching therapy.Dave, now stranded, goes mano a mano with Dr. May, which was probably the most open and in touch we've seen him yet. He loves Katie but resents her and wants to know if their feelings can come back. We later learn that Dr. May was stumped...
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Becoming a sexual person is a memorable part of growing up, but how many can say that it started when watching the movie Swimfan? Isabella can. She is becoming a young woman, exploring the changes in her body and poses questions about them to her mother. As someone who now wants to avoid talking about sex in therapy, Katie seemed to respond sensitively and was comfortable telling Isabella it's OK to touch herself.Dr. May is two minutes late for their session and Katie is ready to bolt. But therapy must be working because the tables have turned. Dave is now the one who wants to stay and talk. I'm not clear on Katie's about-face regarding therapy. She is probably getting closer to the heart of her problem and is afraid to go there. With Dr. May firing direct questions about orgasms and sexual positions (he likes Katie on top, she prefers the opposite), Katie is out of her comfort zone. I don't think her revelation of wanting to raise another baby will ease the pain — it will only...
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There were a lot of lies uncovered this week by way of honesty. And in some cases, it was the best policy. Let's break it down.With the kids away for the weekend, you'd think that glances at each other's naked bodies would be the perfect catalyst for Dave and Katie to get it on. But they don’t. It becomes apparent at the restaurant when Rita and Dan leave them alone at the table that Katie and Dave are unaccustomed to touching. When looking around the dining room wondering if other couples are "doing it," it seems that public displays of affection confuse them. They identify intimate gestures as signs that people aren't having sex and can't tell if a caress is honest and meaningful.Back home, Katie confesses she was faking her orgasms and Dave seems to be slowly opening up, admitting that things changed after they had kids. These baby steps are honest moves that could help to bring them closer together.Hugo got my sympathy vote after losing control and crying after Jamie told h...
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Question: I just recently got into Showtime's Brotherhood and I have to say, I am totally loving it. The whole cast is great, the stories are interesting, and I'm glad Showtime had faith to keep it going after subpar viewership. I should be caught up soon to start Season 2. In another recent addition to my list, I found Dexter this summer and was equally blown away. Michael C. Hall has found another terrific drama after Six Feet Under; I can't wait for what's in store for Dex this year. Add in the sexy yet funny Californication (and hopefully The Tudors, which is next on my list) and Showtime is really on a roll. Do you think Showtime is surpassing HBO in terms of quality and "buzz" programs, now that The Sopranos and other flagship series are gone? And what new projects are currently in development for Showtime? 'Cause I know I will be watching. Thanks.
Answer: And you left out Weeds, which has been pretty sensational again this season. Yes, I think it's fair to say that Showtime is
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The tale of Katie and Dave kicks off the episode with them visiting Dr. May, and immediately I'm hooked. Ally Walker and Tim DeKay deliver their lines so naturally and with such spontaneity it's hard to imagine it's scripted. Dave is still resistant to therapy, first wanting to leave the session early, then defensively turning Katie's words around to put the blame on her. Dr. May recommends forgetting about sex to remove any burden and expectations. Later, we learn that May and Arthur were in therapy, but whatever advice they got isn't appropriate, at least yet, for the "fragile" Katie and Dave.Though few and far between, I love the much-needed injection of humor when Rita and Katie dish at the diner. Sherry Stringfield always gets Ally Walker to burst into hearty laughter and I can't help but crack up at her reactions. Rita knows her husband views porn on their computer, leading curious Katie to check out Dave's Internet history. (He reads Consumer Reports and ESPN.) She explores a...
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It was difficult deciding whom to discuss first this week, as each couple gets deeper into their stuff. So as Dr. May says, "let's talk about what nobody wants to talk about."I'm always wondering what Carolyn will do next, and insemination day kept me guessing. In spite of the fact that her chances of conception aren't confirmed to be at least 50 percent positive, she smiles nonstop and takes high highs to new heights. Her online search for indications of pregnancy creates psychosomatic symptoms, like sensitive breasts, fatigue and increased appetite. Not only did she surprise the food cart lady by actually ordering lunch, but she also surprised me by choosing her as the first person to announce that she's pregnant, hoping that saying it will make it real. She gets a congratulatory cookie.Low lows return at home when dozens of pregnancy tests come up negative.Palek's expression said a thousand words while watching a dad juggle his crying son, a cup of coffee and a cell phone. But Pa...
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Was anyone surprised when David said he wanted to join Katie in her therapy session? I've been anticipating this moment and it was worth the wait. The elephant in the room isn't initially addressed when Dr. May asks about their anniversary. David loved the steak and the TiVo, but Katie mentions her disappointment with the purple teddy and that he never made a move on her after she showered. David previously stated he didn't want to be blamed and erupts when (rightly?) assuming Katie is doing just that. An awkward silence ends with his angry outburst about how buying household necessities and reading bedtime stories are not sexy. He might be a financial provider but resents nourishing his family. Katie's response: "Our entire life… that's what you just trashed."The thought of Katie at the Hair Fairy checking for nit infestation is another turn-off to David. While pumping gas, he stares at the scantily clad ladies on a billboard for America's Next Top Model. Isabella's doctor tel...
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