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Damages: The Complete Fifth Season DVD review

  • Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
  • Language: English
  • Subtitles: Chinese, English, Portuguese, Spanish
  • Dubbed: French
  • Subtitles for the Hearing Impaired: English
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
  • Number of discs: 3
  • Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment
  • DVD Release Date: July 16, 2013
  • Run Time: 529 minutes



  •         The last couple seasons of “Damages” fell slightly in quality. They kept the same format as the first season, showing flash-forwards to clue us in on the impending damage caused by the case currently being worked on. The first season made it clear that one of the characters would be dead by the end of the season, and nearly every season since has also resulted in a death which is ominously hinted at. The final season repeats this technique, once again hinting that a significant character will be dead. It works better this time around, perhaps because something is at stake and because the mystery behind the situation is a little cleverer than before, but this show was right to end on this note. There wasn’t anywhere left for it to go.

     

            The ripped-from-the headlines cases take a backseat to the show’s rivalry melodrama in this final season. Ethically questionable practicing of law at the firm owned and run by Patty Hewes (Glenn Close) continues. This Emmy-award-winning role showcases both the cold and wicked side of Close, as well as more engaging and sentimental moments where we are meant to feel for her. Or at least understand her better. Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne) now works for herself, running a small firm in need a chance to make a name. This chance along with the opportunity for revenge comes in the form of a case against Patty Hewes in court.

     

            The case involves an international cyber-hacker (Ryan Phillippe) who has made a name for himself with a website that allows sanctuary for whistleblowers trying to get information to the public with anonymity. This all changes when the website leaks the personal information of its latest whistleblower (Jenna Elfman), resulting in a death and an impending lawsuit. Patty also engages in a custody battle with her son over her granddaughter, and Ellen helps her boyfriend expose the ill treatment of soldier with post traumatic stress symptoms. The series closes out admirably enough, though with less spectacle than you might anticipate.

     

            All ten episodes are includes on three discs, along with special features. There are deleted scenes and outtakes.

           

    Entertainment Value: 7.5/10

    Quality of Filmmaking: 7/10

    Historical Significance: 6/10

    Disc Features: 5/10

     

     

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