The Deuce (2017)

The review hails the series as the most potent and provocative drama of the year, praising its gritty, dense portrait of the early Seventies New York sex trade. It singles out Maggie Gyllenhaal’s performance as Eileen/Candy for its feminist edge and James Franco’s dual role.

The series is an instantly immersive experience that delves into 1971 New York City with an eye for overlooked denizens. It stands as David Simon’s most absorbing series since The Wire.

The critic finds the series an extraordinary recreation of 1970s Times Square that is dirty, real and brilliantly alive despite being intense and bewildering at times. She singles out the vivid, high-definition characters and their intersecting stories for praise while noting the uncomfortable portrayal of power and sexual violence.

The review describes it as a substantive, provocative, and entertaining sociological drama with a tremendous ensemble cast and strong attention to power dynamics and exploitation. The critic singles out the vivid, grimy period texture and memorable characters as standout features while noting the first season could benefit from more episodes.

The reviewer finds the series highly authentic and true to the era, praising the producers' extensive research and attention to period detail in recreating 1970s Times Square. She singles out the accurate portrayal of characters, relationships, and the gritty environment as particularly impressive.

The critic calls it a worthy heir to The Wire, praising its immersive, kaleidoscopic look at the seedy underbelly of 1971 New York with exceptional period atmosphere and performances. She singles out the complex, fluid relationships between pimps and prostitutes as the show's strongest and most gutting element.

The Deuce offers a look at the ’70s entirely void of glowing nostalgia, depicting sex workers and pornographers with understated frankness. It achieves a balance of coolheaded representation and you-are-there immediacy at its best.

The piece lauds the careful world-creation and the show's skeptical, tender take on the allure of 'decline' in 1970s America. Maggie Gyllenhaal's performance as Candy is singled out as magnificent.

The critic praises the show's humanity, dialogue, performances, and ability to find depth in characters amid gritty settings. The conversations and vivid capture of the 1970s New York setting are singled out for praise.

The pilot promises sordid fun and weaves a tapestry as diverse and smeared as the population of its titular street. It grinds to a rhythm far more inviting than anything seen from Vinyl.

The review highlights the pulpy, romantic tone of 1970s New York and the strong introduction of a large cast of pimps, sex workers, gangsters, and cops. It singles out the promising setup and Maggie Gyllenhaal's central performance for praise.

The critic finds the series a strong, authentic portrayal of 1970s New York that gets the era right and humanizes its characters amid systemic forces. He singles out the city itself as the real star, crediting its vivid recreation as a highlight alongside strong performances.