United States of Tara - TV Fanatic

United States of Tara Finale Review: Goodbye Bryce, Hello Boston

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:00:36 EST

I first watched "The Good Parts" months ago, reacting to the season finale with frustration.

After such a tremendous season, one in which United States of Tara shed almost all comedic aspirations and left viewers hanging each week with a darker and darker tone, the concluding episode felt rushed and anticlimactic.

That was it?!? I thought. Tara just offs Bryce, within her own head, 30 seconds in?!? And the rest of the half hour is spent getting the family's affairs in order?

However, following the announcement that Showtime has canceled the series, the finale makes a lot more sense.

I have to believe the writers were given a heads-up that odds were not favoring a fourth season. Therefore, they were forced to tie up various storylines and characters in an efficient manner, likely sooner than they had originally hoped.

In this context, "The Good Parts" was a success.

Yes, the immediate way in which Bryce was killed (repressed?) was confusing and unsatisfying. But we had to spend the series finale with Tara herself, not any alters. We had to see Charmaine and Neil mature as a couple to the point where we actually believe they'd make solid surrogate parents to Marshall.

We had to see Kate finally find a direction in her life, even if it involves spending a lot of time with a manic eight-year old.

And, most of all, we had to see Tara actually want to seek help, with Max - as always - the calm, steady, loving presence in his wife's life. With the knowledge that this was the show's final episode, I couldn't have asked for a better concluding scene.

Tara has been trapped by her disorder for as long as we've known her. But now she's, literally, on the road to recovery. The Gregsons have been a dysfunctional, humorous mess for three seasons, but they weren't ruined by Tara's unusual influence. In many ways, it made them stronger, closer.

Our last shot of the group on the front lawn made it clear that everyone will be okay. They have all evolved since we first met them, which is the same thing we can say about the show itself. United States of Tara started as a quirky comedy and concluded as a fascinating, suspenseful character study, with dynamite performances all around. I'll miss it.

United States of Tara Review: "Crunchy Ice"

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 23:00:26 EST

Marshall moved out of the house to kick off "Crunchy Ice," relocating all the way to... his grandmother's house?

Considering the troubled teen's declaration that he needed to get away from his dysfunctional family, it seemed rather weak for the show to simply place him a simple drive away.

But this irritation was made up for when Marshall stopped at home and was thrown to the ground by Bryce. It was nice to see Tara snapped back to reality following that encounter, a confrontation that would be any mother's worst nightmare.

Among my many reasons to praise this season of the show has been the spotlight it's shined on Keir Gilchrist. He once again rose to the occasion as Marshall, making viewers feel every ounce of pain that was going on inside of a boy who has essentially lost his parent.

But is that parent truly ready to get better? Apparently not, based on the action that concluded the episode.

Where is she running off to? And why? The series has done an outstanding job this season of depicting how Tara's disorder is far more dangerous than the family previously thought, but can Tara herself really not see that?

For someone who wants to rid herself of these alters - that's why Tara sought Hatteras' help to begin with, right? - it's unclear why she's resisting professional help.

Elsewhere, both Kate and Charmaine have really grown over the last few episodes. Mostly self-centered and unsure of their future for a duration of the series, true love appears to have set them straight. The latter can fight it, but Neil is clearly The One for her.

I'm betting Evan will be for Kate, as well. Even a crazed toddler can't get in the way of how he makes her feel.

What did everyone else think of the episode and how it led into next week's finale? With the unfortunate news that Tara has been canceled, how do you think the series will play out?

United States of Tara Review: "Train Wreck"

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:00:34 EST

Despite the title of the previous episode, Bryce truly came out to play this week. Much to the chagrin of Marshall.

But if it's possible for an installment that features a somewhat significant death, along with the outing of a very dangerous alter, to feel like filler, then that would be the case for "Train Wreck."

It was still an interesting half hour, one filled by an especially great performance by Keir Gilchrist as Marshall, but it mostly served as a set-up for the final couple of episodes.

With Bryce now officially in the picture, how will the family handle this eerie development?

Marshall already knows, of course. He's outta there. You really can't blame the guy, can you? We've seen this coming for weeks and he's been nothing but honest with his father...

... who is pretty much left alone now with the spirit (if that's the right word) of his wife's abuser of a half-brother. Marshall is leaving, Kate is committed to her new relationship and Charmaine/Neil are rightfully as angry as they can be over that whole stealing Wheels thing.

(Does anyone else laugh at loud every time they refer to the baby as "Wheels?")

So it's all down to Max, which is also appropriate because the season has given more time to John Corbett than ever before. We get to watch him truly struggle with the issue he's sort of ignored for years: Tara is a lot more than just a nuisance. She's a potential danger to everyone she knows.

Just ask Dr. Hatteras.

That's where we're left heading into next two weeks. What did everyone else think of Bryce's family-wide unveiling this week?

United States of Tara Review: "Bryce Will Play"

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 23 May 2011 23:00:55 EST

Bryce came out to play on United States of Tara this week, and the results were entertaining, dark and, for Dr. Hatteras, quite dangerous.

Indeed, Tara's latest alter couldn't be more different than any of her previous personalities... considering this one actually wants to do them in, not work with them to make Tara's life easier.

A week after killing Chicken, Bryce took aim at Shoshannah and Gimme on "Bryce Will Play," while Hatteras did all he could to control this alter. But it's clear the doctor is way out of his league here.

It took a few episodes for Eddie Izzard's character to make an impression, but he's officially become a fantastic addition to the cast. If we never see him again, it's hard to think of a more fascinating way for Hatteras to make an exit.

I really thought he was gonna die, didn't you? That may have taken things too far, as Kate and Charmaine would have had no choice but to actually turn Bryce/Tara in, but it also would have upped the stakes as much as possible for the end of the season.

Perhaps he was also best left alive, though, merely for the eerie line that concluded the tense episode. The man is now a believer in D.I.D., as Bryce gave him no choice. Great, suspenseful stuff all around. I can't wait to see what happens next.

While such alarming events were unfolding in Kansas, Max and Marshall engaged in their own lively debate in New York City. I've really enjoyed the focus on this relationship over the last few episodes, as it's given John Corbett a chance to shine while also asking a reasonable question: Why has Max stuck around?

Is it possible he can be a good, loyal man - and also a wimp? That's pretty much what Marshall's film stated, that his dad has denied himself a better life in the name of caring for Tara. It's not hard to see why Max would be offended by this notion. He doesn't want anyone, let alone his son, to imply the best life possible does NOT include his family.

It's an interesting struggle and just another layer to what is quickly becoming one of my favorite seasons of any series in recent memory.

Showtime Announces Fate of United States of Tara and Nurse Jackie

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:19:20 EST

Showtime is putting an end to its current Monday night lineup.

The network announced today that United States of Tara has been canceled, while Nurse Jackie has been renewed for a fourth season.

The former series is enjoying a fantastic season, but having already seen the finale, I can safely say it's an ideal conclusion to the story of Tara, Max and company. It's hard to see where the show could have gone in the future.

Conversely, I've been down on Nurse Jackie throughout my third season reviews. It's a program that scarcely takes risks and rarely follows through with any kind of consequences for its characters.

Unlike Tara, it's easy to see where Jackie might go next. It's just not anywhere interesting.

United States of Tara Review: "Chicken 'n' Corn"

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 16 May 2011 23:00:04 EST

When United States of Tara premiered on Showtime, I never could have predicted that we'd be treated to an episode like "Chicken 'n' Corn."

As I've written about all season, the series has taken a welcome, fascinating turn for the dark and suspenseful, and never was that more evident than all the happenings in the corn maze. Chicken is dead. Bryce is inside Tara. And the look of shock and fear on Hatteras' face at the latter revelation was mirrored on my own.

The concept of one alter killing another is a bit vague, but I'm happy to go with it, especially with the concluding tease that Bryce plans on murdering Tara... which would also end his life, I presume, right? Again, it's confusing to try and hash out, so let's just accept what we're seeing and wonder where developments will go from here.

Which altar will fall next? In what fashion? How will Hatteras react to a situation that is clearly over his head? This is a man who claims to not even believe in DID, remember.

While Tara/Bryce dominated the A story, the adventures of Max and Marshall in New York City were equally interesting.

The season has been building to some kind of confrontation between these two, as Marshall almost seems to wish his father would just leave, or change his focus. He's clearly sick of being ignored and having to act way beyond his years. Can't say I blame the guy.

Finally, I've been waiting for something to be revealed about Evan, but perhaps I've been looking at his relationship with Kate all wrong. It's not about him and any secret he may be withholding. It's about her, and whether she's at a place in her life where she can be in a mature, complicated relationship, one that centers around a manic eight-year old.

Great stuff involving all characters, but the addition of Bryce stood above all else on "Chicken 'n' Corn." Were you as joyfully freaked out as I was by this transition? And, seriously, what will happen next?

United States of Tara Review: "The Electrifying & Magnanimous Return of Beaverlamp"

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:44 EST

A major sign you are one effed up individual? Instead of swooning over your husband playing the song he sang for you on the night he proposed...

... you step outside and slice your arm open.

What a chilling scene to conclude "The Electrifying & Magnanimous Return of Beaverlamp," one I can safely say I never saw coming. As Max rocked out on stage, I assumed something foreboding would take place - perhaps a visit from Chicken, or Buck pulling a gun - but I didn't envision the dark turn we witnessed and I'm anxious to learn more about what seems to be a new alter (who wants to make it clear that someone won't win?).

This was a great episode all around. United States of Tara has painted a rich portrayal of all individuals, as the title character and her myriad issues may be at the center of it, but who out there didn't feel Marshall's pain when he cried into Lionel?

Or who isn't amused by a more confident, focused Kate making entertaining announcements to airline passengers while playfully bantering with Evan? Speaking of the latter, there's no way he's simply a new divorcee with a child. I'd say he's married, but that wouldn't be especially dramatic.

I'd also say he's actually Bryce, but that would be an outlandish coincidence, wouldn't it?

All I know for certain is the guy is hiding something. Turbulence is ahead, Kate. You might wanna keep your seatbelt fastened.

As I've noted before, I'm also thrilled that John Corbett's Max is taking center stage more this season. Literally, as was the case tonight, but Marshall was right in his analysis of what his film is really about: what kind of person falls for someone with D.I.D.? It's been a pleasure to get to know that person better over the last few weeks.

Now, though, it appears as though we have someone new with whom we must familiarize ourselves. Someone who experienced something so traumatic during her college years that the mere thought of it causes self-mutilation. Will Dr. Hatteras shake free from his poor cheese-based stupor in time to stop this alter before something terrible happens?

Or is the show about to take a truly dark turn?

United States of Tara Review: "The Road to Hell Is Paved with Breast Intentions"

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 02 May 2011 23:00:07 EST

United States of Tara ran in place a bit this week, not moving many storylines ahead until the final four words of "The Road to Hell Is Paved with Breast Intentions."

You will not win.

These were the same four words typed out incessantly on Tara's computer to kick off season three, of course, although no information was revealed about them here.

I still assume it's a new alter trying to break free, and I also assume it will go back to step-brother Bryce. But let's hope Hatteras brings up the phrase immediately next week and we aren't left hanging for too much longer.

Not much excitement elsewhere on this episode. I'm glad Kate has found a direction, but can't say I care about her getting rebuffed by that passenger. I doubt we've seen the last of him, though, and perhaps he'll lead somewhere interesting.

Meanwhile, Neil got me. I sincerely thought he wanted to get his family back together, only he was using Charmaine's mother for her money. She, in turn, used him and, in turn, found myself yawning.

Charmaine and Neil are very cute together, and I liked his hint that they should get married - but where are we going here? As I continue to hammer home, I assume the answer will be Bryce and I'm starting to get anxious to him to enter the picture.

Overall, somewhat of a filler episode that brought back the mystery of who, exactly, will not win. I'm looking forward to finding out.

United States of Tara Review: "Dr. Hatteras' Miracle Elixir"

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 23:00:09 EST

Following an episode in which all characters made significant decisions, "Dr. Hatteras' Miracle Elixir" saw our favorite dysfunctional family settle in to their new lots in life.

Marshall officially broke things off with Lionel, and is now involved in what appears to be a more normal relationship, one in which I can't imagine the word "boyfriend" is off limits.

Kate is a shining star at flight attendant school, Max is irritated by his gig as just a regular employee (who helps kill the environment) and Tara? She has struck a deal with someone she previously believed to be the devil.

It took Eddie Izzard a couple episodes to really be featured this season, but I'm now officially fascinated by his role as a professor who both doesn't believe in D.I.D. and also wants to study someone who claims to have it.

As Hatteras put it so well, might a doctor with such a perspective actually be the ideal person to assist Tara and her family?

What makes this storyline so interesting is that I legitimately don't know where it will go. Will Tara prove Hatteras wrong and be diagnosed with the dissociative disorder? Will he somehow disprove the last decade of her life and put Tara on a new path? How will step-brother Bryce some back in to play?

Kudos to the series for tackling Tara's issues straight-on. It could have been easy to just sit back, let an alter come out here and there, rely on the comedic elements that come along with such an abnormal family and not try to progress toward anything more significant. But the humor appears to be leaving with each episode, doesn't it?

I don't see anything funny in Max's frustrations, or in Tara's admission that she really may be crazy and really does need help. But I'm fine with that. The acting is so sharp and the characters so well-defined on United States of Tara that I'm thrilled to go in whatever dramatic direction the show wants to take me.

I also liked the reconciliation scene between Charmaine and Tara. No apologies on either end, nothing especially major to bring about the resolution to their fight. It was understandable why Charmaine was so upset and now it's understandable why she'd want her sister back in her life. Simple, sweet, touching. Good, realistic stuff all around and a nice, basic way to conclude a solid episode.

United States of Tara Review: "Wheels"

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:00:36 EST

This United States of Tara episode was titled "Wheels." Which is ironic. Because, following a few significant developments, no can accuse the show of just spinning such apparatuses on season three.

A lot is moving forward. Hints are clearly being dropped about Max leaving; Kate has finally found direction in her life; Marshall is also about sexual experimentation; Charmaine and Neil are new parents; and, oh yeah, Tara might legitimately be insane.

I've been confused for a couple weeks now each time Tara actually confronts her alters, but now it makes sense - pretty much because it doesn't make sense. She's never actually interacted with Buck and company before.

It's all a sign of how far out of touch Tara herself has become. It was sincerely disturbing to come back to reality in that final scene, witness to a disheveled, ink-stained woman. As impressive as Toni Collette can be in each of her personalities, she was never better than in that final shot of Tara, utterly defeated and depressed.

I'm fucking crazy.

Now, it feels like season three can really begin and I'm fascinated to see how Dr. Hatteras deals with his new student/patient.

Elsewhere, solid progress was made on all character fronts. I'm loving the extra focus on John Corbett and the idea that Max might really leave. I'm sure he won't. He made it clear he loves his wife. But... could anyone really blame him if he did finally get sick of it all?

Marshall and Kate have also come into their own as teenagers still unsure about life, but not sitting back and letting it overwhelm them, either. Sure, let's try a threesome! Hey, I should be a flight attendant! Neither of these decisions might go well, but at least the kids are exploring who they are.

The same can be said for Charmaine, who has been an entertaining, albeit self-centered character, for two seasons. But now she's a mom. Now she's responsible for someone other than herself. It was painful to watch her snub her sister, but, again, I ask: Can anyone blame her?