Masters Of Sex

Masters of Sex is a 2013 Showtime television medical drama. The series is loosely based on the true story of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, sexologists and researchers in human sexuality who were responsible for exploring sexual dysfunctions and disorders from the 1950's onwards. The series is a very loose adaptation of their story, and Masters and Johnson themselves are the only real life characters in the show, most other characters are either inventions or composite characters.

The design of the series is fantastic, the show, being set in the fifties is a masterpiece of mid-century modern aesthetics, and the interiors are elegant and authentic. Also fabulous is the costuming, the costumes are sexy and tailored without being overly revealing or overtly modern. The series also has a superb cast, the MVP of this show is certainly Lizzy Caplan, who plays Virginia Johnson, i've been a fan of Caplan since Mean Girls, and in Masters Of Sex she has finally found a role worthy of her, Caplan has the poise and grace of a 1930's screen siren and the camera clearly loves her, it is refreshing to rediscover such a talent.  Martin Sheen plays Bill Masters, an obstetrician researching sexuality, Sheen does a surprisingly adequate american accent, and is fine in the role.

The show also features guest stars Allison Janney and Beau Bridges. The first season features one of my favorite subplot's featuring a university provost who is gay and frequents a male prostitute, Dale played by Finn Wittrock. Beau Bridges plays Provost Barton Sculley and Allison Janney plays his wife. The show deals with this plot is a surprisingly contemporary way, and it is handled with grace and elegance. Bridges is great as the conflicted and pained provost. Allison Janney has been one of my favorite actresses since Juno, and she is fantastic as the provost's confused yet understanding wife, struggling to deal with her husband's homosexuality, which was still considered a disease in the 1950's.

Masters Of Sex is a fantastic tv show, it takes something which could easily become dull, and makes it fascinating, the science behind the show is interesting and the authenticity is hugely beneficial to this series. The series acts as a great canvas for some terrific performances from Lizzy Caplan and Allison Janney who are simply naturals in their roles, and from Beau Bridges and Martin Sheen. Masters of Sex is fascinating, invigorating and visually appealing, an all round winner. Rating: A-

William: I'm a doctor. I can spot a statistically average masturbator from a mile away.