TVSquad

(S05E06) "These people are crazy. The only reason I moved out here was because they threw a bunch of money at me. And... the golfing opportunities." - Nurse Linda

What a great episode! It was different, unique for this show, and was clearly a challenge to shoot and edit so that the "reality" look and feel were achieved. It certainly wasn't the best episode of Nip/Tuck, but I'm all for stuff like this. Taking chances with proven formulas is something I can respect. Anybody pay attention to the beginning? When Christian was trying to convince Sean to do Plastic Fantastic with him? Christian made some comment about how "reality is the future." Granted this was written and shot at least a few months ago, but it's still a little eerie considering the current TV climate because of the WGA strike. Kind of ironic that we all sat down to watch a scripted drama spoofing reality TV when all these writers are fighting to be compensated for creative episodes like this and actual reality is slowly taking over every channel.

Gallery: Nip/Tuck - Season Five

Every cliché from reality TV was played out perfectly as you would expect and most of it was over the top. When you consider Sean and Christian and the company they keep though, it's really not that much of a stretch. Even though Sean pushed for it, you knew right away that there was no way the pilot episode was going to show them in a positive light.

The biggest scenes from the show within the show all focused on Julia, Liz, and Olivia. Once the producer figured out that they were all angry, jealous lesbians... well, not much else to say there. The only thing that bugged me is that by episode's end, nothing stuck. Liz and Olivia kissed, there was a fight, and then Olivia and Julia made up. It would have been nice to see some of that conflict play out for a few more episodes. Although, at this point, it's only a matter of time before Julia realizes that this isn't who she is. I know we haven't really seen anything to back that up (other than her thorough enjoyment when Christian was giving it to her), but I just don't see any other logical outcome.

Also, I mentioned the producer of the show. It was actually Fiona's PR assistant Bliss Berger. You may have even caught the line when Christian said that he got Bliss the job, suggesting that he knew her. Recognize that face? Bliss was a season one McNamara/Troy patient, introduced in the episode "Megan O'Hara." So why bring back someone who wasn't even the title patient for an episode, but rather a minor character? It's subtle really, but cool if you think about it. Remember Bliss' surgery? She had large protrusions on her back, near her shoulder blades if I recall correctly. I believe Christian called her "Batgirl." That's right -- they removed her "wings." Considering the whole fallen angel themed ad campaigns that have been running for this season, bringing her back makes perfect sense.

More observations:

• During one of his interviews, Sean said he played Dr. Peter Casey on Hearts and Scalpels. I think that's the first time we've heard the name of his character.
• During one of Julia's interviews, we heard Connor cry and Julia went to check on him. He's alive! (Are they ever moving back to New York?)
• Speaking of New York (the VH1 variety), how disappointing was that? I saw the previews with her in it and thought it would be hilarious. She guest starred just for the sake of guest starring. She gave Christian some tips, but it was still a little pointless.
• Unless we see her on set, it looks like Kate is gone for good. I was thinking we'd see her come crawling back to Sean, but maybe not.
• Despite Christian's goal to win back the spotlight from Sean, I love how even a foolish little reality show won't even be greenlit unless Sean is on-board. Although, this one didn't get picked up at all...
• We need more Aiden Stone and Freddy Prune. Those two guys are hilarious. I'm sick of them never being around.
• I'm surprised that neither Matt nor Kimber were around. This would have been the perfect situation for their meth addiction to come out.
• I loved that during an interview, Christian mentioned "Grubman." Mrs. Grubman! What a great character she was.
• What was the deal with Damien Sands? How did he know that Christian was also dabbling in the male escort service? Moreover, why did Christian care? After the way it worked out with his last patient (bathtub lady), I thought he was done.

Then there was the big ending (after Plastic Fantastic had finished taping). Eden ran away from rehab, her arms covered in cigarette burns. At first, she was all about spilling secrets but then Sean was nice to her. That was probably a first for her. Result? Instant crush on Dr. McNamara. Then, as we've all waited for, they kissed. OK... first off, she's 18. We think. That's what she told Christian when she wanted surgery. But even still. She's in high school, she's messing with Annie. You'd think Sean would have learned his lesson with Monica Wilder. Guess not.