In Treatment (HBO, 2008)

[X.]

In Treatment (Rodrigo Garcia, 2008)
IMDb Link

Before I embarked on my STAR TREK: TNG project, I took a little detour, based on a chance viewing of the first episode of this very clever and unbelievably underrated show called IN TREATMENT.

This is the show's premise:

* A shrink (Gabriel Byrne) sees patients 4 days a week, and on the 5th day goes to see his own shrink.
* He has 4 patients -- each for the 4 days: Laura on Monday; Alex on Tuesday; Sophie on Wednesday; Jake and Amy on Thursday -- that return the next week, same day, for continuing therapy.
* The shrink is having his own family problems, most of which are entwined with his patient sessions.
* The whole thing takes place inside a room; rarely does the camera leave it. We are voyeurs.

Essentially, that's all you need to know about the show. I am not saying anything else, because I want you to discover how masterful the writing is, how impressive the acting is from everyone and how brilliantly executed IN TREATMENT is (my favorite Rodrigo Garcia of "Nine Lives," the film, and CARNIVALE adapted this for an American audience, from a popular Israeli series).

IN TREATMENT is my favorite discovery of 2008 so far. It is also very addictive, so prepare to stop watching anything else you're presently involved in.

I will only talk about it once you've the first couple of episodes, each conveniently lasting only half-hour. Why spoil the fun.

[kaytee]

It sounds boring.

[X.]

IN TREATMENT gets my strongest recommendation.

[kaytee]

Dianne Wiest wont the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for In Treatment.

[X.]

She's good, but Gabriel Byrne is better. Also, Blair Underwood and Mia Wasikowska didn't even get nominated, which is a downright shame. Mia is going to be very popular after Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" comes out.

IN TREATMENT is an actor's dream.

[X.]

Gabriel Byrne picked up the Best Actor Golden Globe. Isn't it about time you guys gave this criminally underseen show a chance?

Melissa George is mad hot in this show, so may be that might encourage some interest...

[fizz]

Just one question - how many episodes in a season...?

[fizz]

Wait, I found my answer....43 episodes! But 30 mins each...

hmm.....

[kaytee]

Wait, I found my answer....43 episodes! But 30 mins each...

hmm.....

43 episodes? That is a lot...But I will try to acquire this soon.

[fizz]

For me, the best TV shows are the ones that end - i.e. the excellent Firefly.

[X.]

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/vz0QnEyiJno&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/vz0QnEyiJno&rel=1</a>

[fizz]

Haha..."Paul's therapist". Good trailer. I'll try to find time for this after Jan. Give a few episodes a go perhaps.

[ayaa1977]

I just finished watching the 1st season today, and I must say, this is one of the best written and acted shows ever. Since the show is set in one location almost every episode (The therapist room whither it is the Paul's or Gina's) it kind of have to be strong in both account, otherwise we won't be compelled to watch. I found that acting was superb all around, but I must say Dianne Wiest (Gina) and Mia Wasikowska (Sophie) steal the show. Nevertheless, earlier I thought that Gabriel Byrne only got the Golden Globe because he is a movie star, and that John Hamm, Michael C. Hall, or Hugh Laurie were more deserving, but after finishing watching the show I must admit that he was on bar with either one. 

[kaytee]

Damn I need to watch this. Has someone acquired this?

[kaytee]

Finally started watching this and I am hooked just like I was with The Wire. The strength of the show is the writing, though I have only seen 8 episodes so far but the stories of the people involved is intriguing.  The best story for me so far is Mellisa Georges story coz that challenges Gabriel Bryne too. Excellent acting all around. More when I complete the season.