The Blues

Box-Set Blues: The Tara Edition

On August 8, 2010, in Television, by Rosie

This time last year, the first season of ‘United States of Tara‘ had almost finished. Its inaugural 12 shows inspired me to write a post about it, and without mincing words, USoT blows your mind.

Literally.

It’s a relatively short show, both in terms of running time (about 27 mins per episode) and the dozen episodes constituting each season. The subject matter is difficult, with ‘our’ Toni Collette playing a woman plagued by Dissociative Identity Disorder (or, as she mentions to another character in Season 2, ‘a bit like Sybil’) and the ever-gorgeous John Corbett starring as her hubby, Max.

The acting is jaw-droppingly* stunning. Toni Collette is one of the best actors to herald from our shores, surely, and if we’re talking in terms of superior ability and craft, could only be rivaled by Cate Blanchett at the moment. This is only personal opinion, of course, and if a show starring Toni was featured against one with our Nicole, there’s no doubt which would rate more highly.

However, the proof is in the personalities. On USoT, Colette plays so many different characters, the viewer’s head could spin if it’s not strapped on firmly. She’s supported by Corbett, Rosemarie DeWitt (wonderful in Mad Men too) and a range of young, amazing performers.

Still, I find it hard to put USoT into a favourite shows category or recommend it as relaxing, engaging viewing. It is all types of awesome. It’s challenging, ugly, raw, depressing at times, darkly amusing, a commentary on the struggles of the mentally ill, but there’s that element of hope. It’s given in the very last episodes of both seasons, but it does leave you coming away with something upon which to cling.

It’s considered ‘comedy’, but like all rich, well-written humour, it’s so much more. In fact, you might find yourself laughing in despair on the odd occasion, but it’s definitely worth the watch.

See, it’s really hard to classify. It’s not just about head noise. It’s not just about dysfunctional families, childhood trauma, the analysis of teen homosexuality, the craziness of living with half a dozen characters buzzing about your brain. It’s sorrowful and funny, gloomy and bright. It’s a bit of an enigma …

But if you need your TV involving, topical, amazing, moving and confronting, USoT Seasons 1 & 2 might just be for you! It’s through Showtime although Aussies, you could catch the rest of Season 2 on the ABC, I think. Interested fam and friends can let me know.

Because life is too short to watch crap TV!

*droppingly is a Fangirl Sings the Blues devised word used for actors that can play 6 different characters and do so believably (aka, Toni Collette as Tara)