In its strongest episode yet, "The Deuce" packed lots of content into an hour. No character or plot line treaded water this time. This show has so far highlighted the effects that money have on the people involved, and this episode explores that further. Candy wants to be something more than a prostitute, but the money dictates what she'll be, and she's staying a prostitute. Meanwhile the pimps are worried about how much money they'll be making in this totally new system.
This episode is mostly about Vince's delving into the porn industry. It's fascinating to see it establish, helped by "The Deuce's" attention to detail. By the end of this episode, everyone should be well informed about how porn was made (perhaps a little too informed). The technical details are told often with a touch of dark humour that stops it feeling like the explicit details are being described for the sake of it seeming "adult". There's also something funny about judges ruling porn should be allowed because it has "redeeming social qualities" while the businessmen are laughing about the ruling. Porn is made to indulge people's sexual fantasies, that's it. Also, the irony of porn being a step up from prostitution for people like Candy is not lost.
Speaking of Candy, you can see she so desperately wants to be something more than a prostitute. It's heartbreaking to see that chance denied to her. However, I have a sneaking suspicion I know where this might be heading. My prediction is that soon, perhaps in Season 2, Candy will work her way up and end up being as inconsiderate towards the pornstars she films as the pimps were to her. I might be totally wrong, it's just a theory. She might stay pure. But money does talk, as this episode provides several examples of.
"Why Me?" is all about the mechanics of the business of porn being established. It's about money, new ideas and how every character adapts to the new business environment. And it's fascinating to watch.
This episode is mostly about Vince's delving into the porn industry. It's fascinating to see it establish, helped by "The Deuce's" attention to detail. By the end of this episode, everyone should be well informed about how porn was made (perhaps a little too informed). The technical details are told often with a touch of dark humour that stops it feeling like the explicit details are being described for the sake of it seeming "adult". There's also something funny about judges ruling porn should be allowed because it has "redeeming social qualities" while the businessmen are laughing about the ruling. Porn is made to indulge people's sexual fantasies, that's it. Also, the irony of porn being a step up from prostitution for people like Candy is not lost.
Speaking of Candy, you can see she so desperately wants to be something more than a prostitute. It's heartbreaking to see that chance denied to her. However, I have a sneaking suspicion I know where this might be heading. My prediction is that soon, perhaps in Season 2, Candy will work her way up and end up being as inconsiderate towards the pornstars she films as the pimps were to her. I might be totally wrong, it's just a theory. She might stay pure. But money does talk, as this episode provides several examples of.
"Why Me?" is all about the mechanics of the business of porn being established. It's about money, new ideas and how every character adapts to the new business environment. And it's fascinating to watch.
