Now onto the difficult second album for this series, The Deuce is an uncomfortable subject surrounding the rise of the golden age of porn, centering on the grimey red light district in New York.
A few years have passed since the first season ended, but little has truly changed. The pimps are still in control and the gangsters still have their hands on anything going. The series is honest, portraying the discomforting cross section of women in prostitution, many who suffer but others who just can't seem to walk away, whilst others do walk away. We see those who help or sympathise for them, but also those who abuse them or simply are apathetic to their plight (including many in authority).
So what is it that is so captivating about all that has kept many still watching. Well, it follows the pattern of The Wire, and that is a boon. What is great is the frightening nose to the ground outlook, showing the myriad of characters who constitute this world. The arcs of certain characters is also very fascinating be it the aspiring porn director Candy, the aspiring porn actress and actors, the gangsters, the cops and the barmen. We also have a MacGuffin or two that pulls along the story for one or two characters.
It's grim and funny at times, nasty but tender too. So quite a feat, yet it does struggle more in this season than the last. We know various characters now, and padding out the season seemed to be a bit of leap for the writers. They are within touching distance of greatness, but maybe they are mirroring the porn directors. They also want respect but really all they are making will never earn widespread respect.
It's an intriguing show, not one for some to watch with necessarily with their partner. A bygone age but the issues still resonate. A fine and grimey snapshot and I look forward to watching soon the final season that will draw the curtain over this world for me.