Grade: A
HBO’s “The Deuce” is one of the best period dramas in years. Its historical accuracy allows it to recapture the atmosphere of the 1970s and create a rich world that many viewers will want to visit. It is simultaneously a fountain of social commentary and the perfect place to get your James Franco fix, since he simultaneously plays twin brothers in the show.
The first episode of this TV show takes place in New York City during 1971. Vincent Martino is a bartender trying to balance his ambition with family life. His twin brother Frankie is in debt to the mob. The siblings interact with various characters, including an ambitious prostitute nicknamed Candy.
Plot descriptions reveal that “The Deuce” will depict the rise of the pornography industry in New York City but this first episode barely touches on that subject. Instead, co-creators David Simon and George Pelecanos take their time in sketching out the relationships between their characters and introducing us to their richly textured world.
That decision allows this TV show to be about so much more than a titillating subject. Instead, Simon and Pelecanos create an expansive portrait of an entire society. Their version of New York City is so engaging because of its realism.
Director Michelle MacLaren has spoken about how she strove for historical accuracy in this episode. All of the titles on the marquees of movie theaters would have played on 42nd street in 1971. Even the prices of various foods are the same as they were in 1971.
But this realism goes beyond a fidelity to facts. A fictional scene where a pimp analyzes Nixon’s real-life foreign policy feels like something that would have happened during the period.
The large supporting cast matches the epic scope of “The Deuce.” Every actor leaves a vivid mark and makes you want to see how his or her character will develop. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Gary Caar are standouts as Candy and a pimp named C.C.
The most fun performances in “The Deuce” come from Franco. He ably depicts a wide range of emotions and an array of subtle differences between Vincent and Frankie. There is even a scene where the the two brothers argue that feels riveting and not just a showcase for special effects.
At its best “The Deuce” feels less like a TV show and more like a dispatch from 1971. Its eye for historical accuracy and fantastic performances help create a world that is fascinating to observe. This TV show will definitely be a rewarding watch for viewers who catch it on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. or watch it on HBO NOW.
