Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Nip Tuck, which just this last year capped off its final season, was one of the first. Along with The Shield, the show about two plastic surgeons paved the way for the explosion of cable television shows that now dominate the scene (Mad Men, that fireman show, Always Sunny, etc.). With Network television turning to reality TV shows (America's Got Talent absolutely dominates the ratings), the TNTs, FXs and TBSs (almost) handle the hour long dramas a little more darkly than those CBS and NBC execs will allow. If you've ever seen or heard about Nip Tuck, you know it doesn't get more edgier.

Nip Tuck was at its best during its first three years, peaking during the third as plastic partners Christian (the good looking womanizer/marketer) and Sean (the true talent of the operation) fight, battle, and eventually solve the serial killer known as "the carver." That mystery begins in the second season and fuels the entirety of the third. The final twist is just pure Nip Tuck.

Also in the third season, an even more bizarre story line occupies a completely different set of characters that captures another level of Nip Tuck - the level that goes beyond the glitz, the sex, and the murder. It's that level - just a subtle step up from the carver plot - that truly makes this show great.

Though seasons 1 and 2 may lack the blockbuster nature of 3, they don't fall too far. Season 1 is especially strong and unique, while 2 acts more as a buffer to the finale of 3. Even so, all three are among the best TV you'll find out there. Truly grotesque and yet, excellent and worthwhile work - you won't find that type of quality matched with this amount of lewdness, sex, and entertainment nearly anywhere else. TNT's Franklin and Bash meets Academy Award nominee Black Swan.

Though Nip Tuck is considered a drama, it is a funny show somewhat similar to the way Entourage is funny. Just as we are amused/horrified when Ari throws another one of his expletive-laded tirades, we experience similar feelings towards one of Christian's many sexual adventures and the sometimes harsh manner in which he treats people. In a way, we have to laugh at it - or else risk hating Christian. The writers understand this urge all too well, as he is redeemed in some way almost every episode. Constantly we are manipulated by Christian as we watch him manipulate nearly every person (and every female) he meets. One of the best characters in TV history - I'll stand by that argument.

Unfortunately, the writers fail to produce anything close to as riveting in the following fourth, fifth, and sixth seasons. How could they? I get the feeling that creator Ryan Murphy had a vision, and that vision carried him to the greatness that was season three. Then, he had to change focus. Thus, the show lost its surreal nature - its identity - reverting to more standard plot lines. I understand the move, I think. The producers must have felt like they'd already shocked us enough. Season four was the time for quality and a more nuanced, literary show. But it didn't work. Even Christian goes a little AC Slater (during his college days) and loses some mojo. Great final moment of the series finale, however.

Which is why this DVD package of seasons 1-3 is the one to own. Nip Tuck at its best, on its ascent to its best.

As much as I've harped on the importance of the twisted plot turns to the greatness of this show, the best aspect of Nip Tuck is probably the weekly cases. Unlike many TV shows, one can watch an episode of NT without knowing anything about it. Maybe you'll struggle with a few plot points, but within each episode, there is a always a case unrelated (mostly) to the overarching story of that season. Patients with all sorts of interesting, disgusting, disturbing, sad, and funny ailments come to the offices of Sean and Christian looking for the quick, expensive fix. Watching them work (though nudity is not permitted on FX, the surgery scenes are fully loaded) is fascinating, and with a final product that, for all those home improvements buffs out there, is extremely satisfying.

Final note (via wikipedia): Ryan Murphy claims all the cases are based on 100% fact.

On the price: $63.95 is actually not too heavy a price for three seasons of a show, especially because Nip Tuck episodes are an hour long, with around 18-19 episodes per season (more than most shows, especially hour-long ones). A great gift and great to watch late into the night with a friend, loved one, or a girlfriend (in which case, things may get wild).

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good Date Movie
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age