Michael Sheen
Lizzy Caplan
Caitlin Fitzgerald
Teddy Sears
Annaleigh Ashford
Nicholas D’Agosto

Developed by:
Michelle Ashford

2013-
Drama, History
Showtime
TV-MA

“Masters of Sex” is all about layers. There are so many layers to its story and its characters. The result is a fully fleshed-out representation of PEOPLE in the 1950s. No one feels like a simple character, and the entire cast (main and supporting) is flawless (Michael Sheen, Lizzy Caplan, Beau Bridges, Allison Janney, and so on). The writing is well-researched and effective; it serves the actors well. And the acting matches the writing; it’s a seamless marriage.

Based on its title, you would think that this show is focused on one thing. But, instead, it uses sex to explore all of the dimensions of humanity during a time when there were many more strictures on self-expression than there are now. Dr. William Masters represents everything old-fashioned, whereas Virginia Johnson represents a new paradigm. She has a hypnotic influence over many men, and that’s believably shown. Now, don’t get me wrong, there is sex (plenty of it, but not too much); but it serves a larger purpose, and it’s not presented just to stimulate. These are clinicians, after all.

Many compare “Masters of Sex” to “Mad Men,” and that’s warranted. But those two shows stand on their own. Plus, this show starts in the 1950s, whereas “Mad Men” starts in the 1960s. As “Mad Men” is wrapping up its run, this show is a more than welcome substitute. While they’re not the same, they do scratch a similar itch. What they really share in common is superlative execution from top to bottom. …

Unfortunately, the first three episodes of the second season of “Masters of Sex” aren’t as good as any of the episodes of its first season. In this season, the writers have decided to explore the personal relationship between Dr. Masters and Virginia Johnson while Masters searches for a way to continue their study. I understand and appreciate that, but this show’s engine is the study. The study brings a tension to “Masters of Sex” that seeps into all of the relationships between and among the characters. It raises the stakes and pushes the events forward.

The third episode of the second season is essentially a one-act play featuring Masters and Johnson with an occasional interruption by a hotel waiter. They’re lucky that the acting’s good, because, without that, the wheels would come off. Thankfully, the study is back in the fourth episode. The difference between that episode and the previous three proves my point. I’ll forgive them for the indulgence, because everything else has been so good. …

The fifth episode of the second season handles race and (to a lesser extent) sexual identity so surprisingly, powerfully, and deftly that it stands out as one of this show’s finest hours. It’s a triumph of acting and writing without showing off. This is a defining episode. …

By the final episode of the second season, all of the storytelling kinks have been worked out. The study’s back as a major point of focus, and there’s forward momentum. There are several obstacles in place that will provide plenty of material for the third season. Hopefully, the unevenness of the second season will allow for greater focus and clarity during the third season. They’re back on the right track.

So, overall, the second season of “Masters of Sex” is good, not great, due to its inconsistencies. In the long run, I think that all will be forgiven, though. This season is just a minor bump in the road. Regardless, it certainly has its bright spots. …

The first episode of the third season of “Masters of Sex” jumps forward in time (it toggles between 1965 and 1966) and certainly in energy. There’s a lot going on, which is exciting to watch. The rhythms are lovely, and the acting, as always, is excellent. The writing is solid, as well. I hope that the whole season will be like this. It feels a bit lighter, which gives this show a slightly different spirit without losing its original essence.

Verdict: Very Good Overall

About: (Source: masters)

MASTERS OF SEX stars Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan as real-life pioneers of the science of human sexuality, William Masters and Virginia Johnson. Their research touched off the sexual revolution and took them from a midwestern teaching hospital to the cover of Time magazine and multiple appearances on Johnny Carson’s couch. He is a brilliant scientist out of touch with his own feelings, and she is a single working mother ahead of her time. The series chronicles their unusual lives, romance, and unlikely pop culture trajectory.