Reviews

I agree with blanche-2's review for the most part. I am a physician/surgeon licensed in California for more than 20 years so I have a slightly different 'take' on this show than some reviewers. First of all, if I were sitting at the table when the direction of the show was discussed, I would have a different opinion on several things. However, I would eventually vote in favor of everything the series has done from a 'general public' viewpoint. Where I would differ, and I would readily accept, the direction of the show, are some things that I know from training and working in many medical centers in several different states. First of all, in California, a physician who pushed anyone would be in deep do do and it simply would not happen. I am sure that somewhere there is a physician who has lost their 'cool' in an operating room, but I have no idea where that happened, certainly not in my experience of 10's of thousands of operations. Beals needs to calm down a little bit. Female physicians do not need to prove they are as 'good' as male doctors. Those days ended some time ago, although I know there are still some 'old school' doctors who hold certain positions in certain hospitals that can make it more difficult for female physicians. Good riddance for those old jerks. My personal physician is a female, not because I think she is any better than any other physician, but because I like having a 'female perspective' on health issues. Not better, maybe, but different and I can assure you the more, different opinions you have at the table, the better the outcome will be. Now a major concern of mine that I would be resistant to change: the issue of the scientist's sister overruling how the data that was collected at the time of his death was handled. I always respect the wishes of the family, of course, however, when the patient has given his/(her?) SPECIFIC/KNOWN wishes (while 100% competent) for whatever is to happen after death, I believe that should be honored to the TOTAL exclusion of any family member's opinions/demands. This scientist obviously gave years of his(her?) life to a belief in a certain field of study. His (her?) data absolutely should not be deleted by anyone (a court or person) and should be used EXACTLY the way that scientist would have wanted.

I should add that I do not believe in a 'life after death' (at least not life as we know it). I think we are all made up of atoms and those atoms will not be destroyed (they may be converted to energy and back to atoms) and memories are all made of chemicals in the brain. I would like to see this explored. Maybe those chemicals can be analyzed and the composition can be turned to data and even converted back to chemicals (by a 3D printer?) and put into an android? There are several TV shows that are exploring this now (Extant?) and, who knows, they could drive future research?

First of all, I love Ashley Judd and I will watch any movie she is in. She puts at least 100% into any role she plays.

My review here is not about Ashley (I apologize, as I said, I love her). My review is about Lauren Lee Smith - an actress I don't see enough. She is absolutely wonderful. I first saw her in 9songs. A movie I watched because a patient recommended it for a reason I won't discuss. That female patient told me to watch as a man looking for beautiful nudity (not porn). So I watched it and I did see the beautiful nudity but, if you can skip though the god-awful music (not my generation), Lauren is so great you can see why I try to see all of Lauren's work. She is amazing. She obviously takes parts that need this type of actress. She brings real life action to the usual US-repressed/suppressed sexuality movies. Thankfully, that seems to be changing. I think we need more reality in our movies and TV. Most other countries are far ahead of the US, but we will get there eventually.

I rented this movie several times. Today I bought it so I can see it anytime I want. My review is like the guy that wanted more for an ending and the other reviews that like Kate, but think that nudity would be better in this movie.

It brings back memories. I was an ER doc at Santa Monica Hospital 12hr shifts, 5 days on 5 days off. I was invited to a lot of parties in Venice Beach, Laurel Canyon, Malibu. Good memories. I never drink more than 1 beer per day (ER docs only see the bad things that happen), but I love that life style. It is not for me, but I had a great time being part of it.

Advice to the director: Do this film again. This time get an actress that will jump into it and give it 'her all'. I am not asking for an xxx film, but you already have R rating. Do it correctly the next time. Also, don't quit so soon. I want to see more with Sam and Sara. I want to see what happens with Alex (I married a girl like that and I am a guy like Sam) You have a great 'showtime' novel. I could compare it to 'Californication' but with REAL people and a REAL life outcome, less drinking and drugs and more REAL life. This is more than one of those day-time soaps. Southern California is an exciting mystery to the rest of the world. I have been around and talked to a lot of people from all over the world. They are all fascinated by California, movie people and crazy lifestyles. They may not be real but are exciting and captivating. Most people are like me: I could never live that lifestyle, but I love to imagine myself in it. I will watch your work long after I retire. You could make showtime a fortune. It is worth 5 seasons minimum.