"The Deuce" - HBO Series with James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal

thats what they've communicated with each season taking place in a different decade as I recall showing the change.

 

Wow I didn't realize she was that old. Yep she had me fooled. I thought early 20's

 

Somehow I think Little Rick is not going to go very far in the porn world.

 

I kinda feel that Simon likes to keep things a bit open to show that life in these systems go on, even if the players change or move on....that they are somehow just a little cog in the big picture. Life goes on in these worlds, even if a particular player changes or moves on. Kinda like how in the "Wire", Omar was the focus of what we the audience see, yet when he is shot, his killing is just a small story in the newspaper, another "drug releated homicide" in the hood...

 

Had to duck out of this thread for a while when I realised you were a couple of episodes ahead in the States. I kept seeing dialogue and scenes mentioned and thinking 'how did I miss that bit?'

Seen 'em all now. Thoroughly enjoyed the show, looked forward to every episode and look forward to the next season. Having said that, I think it might be my least favourite David Simon show so far.

Something I can't put my finger on but it hasn't totally clicked with me, I didn't really connect with or care too much for any one character, though they were all great. Might be down to it being such a short run; it could really have done with a few more episodes to give some of the lesser characters more room to breathe like Leon (I hope he returns), Harvey, Big Mike and Black Frankie (embarrassingly I was convinced all through that he was Michael K Williams/Omar, apparently not.) But as one reviewer put it: "Simon and Pelecanos are just beginning to put the machinery of The Deuce into motion in these eight episodes." So by the end of next season I'll probably be saying it's the best thing he's ever done.

Others have said they found James Franco playing twins distracting and so did I. I wonder why the makers went that route and gave themselves the headache of shooting those scenes, rather than just get an actor who could pass as Franco's brother? I was half-expecting a (trite) plot line where the brothers get confused with each other and that that would be the reason why they needed to be convincingly twins. Maybe that will still happen. (Or they become massive porn stars because of the twin thing)

Anyone else think Abby will become a porn star? Perhaps some foreshadowing going on in that conversation with Vincent about living together but it being ok to sleep with other people. I think he might end up sharing Abby with a few more partners than he bargained for...!

 

I think Abby and Paul the bartender are going to get involved in some kind of music club. Evidence being the band she brought in to play in Vince's bar and Pauls desire to get back downtown and open his own place. As I said I upthread, late 70's NYC had a lot of gay clubs/baths and lots of punk rock. Hopefully they go that way, but I'm along for the ride no matter what.

 

Yes, a more likely scenario. We've seen she has ambitions as a photographer too, so maybe that comes into play.

Me too!

Cheers

 

The Wire fans what do you think of The Deuce?

 

not in the same league, but then again....what is?

only one season in and it's very watchable, with some superb characters, a decent storyline and aesthetically very pleasing, with great attention to detail. be interested to see how this one progresses.

on a David Simon tip, I think the best thing he's done, other than The Wire, obviously...is Generation Kill. absolutely loved this. Treme was a bit up and down, for me

 

I'm a huge fan of Simon's works and actually think Treme is his best work, but the Wire is incredible as well. I thought the Deuce was fantastic and continues with his tradition of creating an environment within which plots just unfold. I came to the Wire after the whole thing was available, so kind of knew what it was all about going into it. For the Deuce I can't wait to see where the show heads.

 

Definitely got the year right,
1971?

 

This is the seediest, sleaziest, series I have ever seen, with despicable characters, dirty cops, hookers, pimps, and not one ounce of nobility.

I would say it's pure horror.

 

Better than Vinyl. Period detail setting awesome. Can't see a lot of mileage out the show with the basic subject matter alone.

 

That's post-Woodstock pre-disco NYC.

 

I wonder if David Simon's pitch to HBO went something like that.

If I hadn't seen it already, I would definitely want to now.

 

Really enjoy the Deuce! I'm a little worried about how the timelines going to reportedly advance a few years between this past season and the next, but in David Simon I trust!

 

Anticlimatic ending.
Oh and not many episodes.
Any teasers what the story line is like for season 2?

 

It's filming again right now. They've been in and around Sunset Park/Bay Ridge Brooklyn over the past couple weeks.

 

Sharon Stone had nice things to say about James Franco recently. At least he's still working

 

I think it's supposed to pick up in 1974? I hope so, New York was so writhingly alive at that time they'll probably have trouble picking out what story lines to follow.

 

Stiffed by the Emmys. I thought sure Maggie would at least get a nod, but maybe they didn't want to honor a show about prostitution in the year of #MeToo.

 

Yeah that comes under the " how ironic series" in today's climate.

 

Really not a fan of Maggie. There are a few lauded actresses who seem very inauthentic and lack talent from my perspective. Ashley Judd is another one.

I don't think this holds a candle to The Wire, which unravels threads of state-sponsored dysfunction and crime in each municipal compartment.

 

Was thinking of getting rid of my blu Ray series 1 as I was dissappointed in it, lacks the realism authenticity of The Wire and the Franco brother thing is confusing doesn't work, not got a lot going for this series regards to drama/action/+porn lite nothing like Screw.