Television: In Treatment

Like an oasis in the desert, it came. The WGA writers' strike, a strike that I support wholeheartedly, threw a monkey wrench into plans for quite a few great programs. Heroes wrapped up a particularly weak storyline in only eleven episodes. The Office was entering into the original's untrodden territory and 30 Rock was certainly hitting its comedic stride before the interruption. Lost, with its new 'seasonette' strategy had to scramble to readjust. Most of my favorite shows have had either too short lifespans (Firefly, Arrested Development, Deadwood, Carnivale) or went on a bit too long, unfortunately outliving its own power (X-Files, West Wing). I don't mention Buffy, Angel or Veronica Mars because they are aberrations. They didn't quite fit the mold of normal TV and stories about these characters could have gone on forever (and in comic books, the first two are!) Only one show that I can think of off the top of my head went out on top, that being Six Feet Under, brought to you by the great HBO.

And in the vast wasteland created by the writers' strike, like an oasis in the desert, it appeared. In Treatment is the latest genius product from HBO, and another reason to feel great about television. If you're not familiar, it's a daily show. That's right, a daily scripted show, though more polished, professional and intelligent than a soap opera. Paul Weston is a psychotherapist played by the brilliant Gabriel Byrne. Every weekday, we get a glimpse into the lives of Paul's patients, and his own troubled personal life.

On Mondays he sees Laura, an anesthesiologist who is infatuated with Paul. She's stunningly gorgeous, incredibly intelligent, but slightly off kilter. On Tuesdays he sees Alex, a Navy pilot, conditioned to be mechanistic and unfeeling by the military, struggling to deal with the bombing of a school in the Middle East. On Wednesdays he sees Sophie, a teen gymnast who may or may not have attempted suicide, with a lot more going on under the surface. On Thursdays he sees a couple, Jake and Amy, whose marriage is fraught with paranoia and resentment. Then, on Fridays, Paul sees his own therapist, his old mentor, Gina, played by the wonderful Dianne Wiest. Michelle Forbes, who most people might know as Admiral Cain from the new Battlestar Galactica, masterfully plays Paul's wife.

Each episode, taking place solely within the confines of Paul's home office (or just outside), is a miniature play. In fact, you could easily see a few of the episodes dealing with one particular patient strung together and put on a stage. The dialogue, and even the silences, are well constructed. Every actor involved is a pro, from Byrne to Wiest and the patients in between, including Melissa George, Blair Underwood, Josh Charles, Embeth Davidtz and the amazing relative newcomer, Mia Wasikowska. Their magic resides in how they create elaborate lives outside of the room using only thirty minutes time and confined to the office. This is the hallmark of great acting. We absolutely believe that these people are real and the actors are who they portray. (As opposed to, say, Tom Hanks who, every time I see one of his movies, I simply see Tom Hanks playing someone, not a character).

As is with most HBO series, this show is highly addictive. Even with shows every weekday, you can't wait for the next installment. The show can be seen in two different ways. For one, it's about Paul, his life and career, and how he balances the two. In another way, each of the patients can be seen as part of their own weekly series. If you're just way too antsy to see what happens to Alex next, you can treat it as a weekly show after episodes have built up, and they build up fast. As of this evening, there have been 20 episodes. In normal TV land, this is almost an entire season. In Treatment is planned to consist of 45 episodes, or nine weeks of continuous daily programs. That's almost unheard of in today's entertainment climate, and a bold move by HBO. Of course, HBO didn't come up with this on its own. In Treatment is based on Beitpul, an Israeli drama that's been called the best in their own television history. So far, Beitpul has had two seasons and 80 episodes. Hopefully, HBO, Mark Wahlberg and Steve Levinson will be able to follow the Israeli show in its success for as long as it lasts. It's more than just a great show, it's a masterclass in writing, acting and human behavior. It was also there for me at the right time and right place, like an oasis in the desert. And thank goodness, it's a good long drink.