The Deuce

I have been greatly enjoying this.

It's Simon and Pelecanos at their best.

I have already read some reviews that complain about the meandering, unfocused narrative, but it's pretty clear that they are more interested in giving us a slice of life in and around early 1970s 42nd Street NYC than a neatly defined and delineated story.

Great performances all around and the level of detail in the art direction and set design used to recreate a vibrant, sleazy 1970s NYC setting is impressive even by HBO standards.

I don't even mind the gimmick of casting James Franco in two roles all that much, even though it's occasionally distracting and was definitely unnecessary.

The theme song is also sneakily a great Curtis Mayfield song.

I hated The Wire, but this looks promising, though Annie Sprinkle gets everywhere. Also, I like Michelle MacLaren and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Not enough to tolerate Sky, unfortunately.

Looks great! Added to the list.