Dirt: The Complete First Season

Do people realize how bitingly smart this show is? I don't think they do, judging by the disparaging comments on how gratuitous, lurid, and tasteless the show is. Guess what? It's a show about sensationalist TABLOIDISM. And the show IS funny: all sharp, bleeding wit--and Lucy Spiller's first instinct is to tear into the first hint of blood in the water.

But what's more amazing is to watch Courtney Cox as the Devil working the room, spinning her wheels and making deals, and then seeing her as the minions and pawns fade away and she's left alone, doubting. Human.

I think that's what this show at its core is about--showing what's human behind the celeb, the humanity behind the monstrous tabloid business, all that seems to be only plastic and spit-shined glamor, deceit and manipulation. The heart of the show lies in Lucy and Don's genuine friendship. Don truly is the "heart and voice" of the show, because it's through him that the show (daringly, honestly, unflinchingly) questions its actions: Why the hell is everyone acting so horribly to each other?

The answer: Because you want them to.

Dirt makes a statement and makes it profoundly--and not by beating you in the head with a soapbox. The show opens up into the hyper-real world that crystallizes the concept of What People Want, this current market of consumers' crushing need for entertainment that deals exclusively in sex, shame, blood, violence, and betrayal: "Who's the fugliest?" "Who's the sluttiest"? "When is that good-girl celeb going to give us a REAL show?" The weekly tabloids, but more than that--this obsession that controls every single aspect of media...and what gives Lucy Spiller, editor of one such "rag" such as Dirt so much *power* in the industry.

Do you hate what you see on-screen when you watch Dirt? Look around. If there's a magazine featuring TomKat's tortured wedded life on your desk, in your hands, hell--if you even know what I'm talking about--you're a part of it. Is there anyone who *isn't*?

This show explores all that. Again, daringly, unflinchingly--and beautifully, with heart. At no point does the show fail to realize just how horrible and desipicable and circus-like this preoccupation is, and I loved just how self-*aware* but not self-*conscious* this show was. It was just so elegantly put together and filled with an idealistic spirit--as unlikely as that may sound to some.

You can't watch Dirt thinking it's just "trashy fun." You won't get it. You won't get nearly what it's worth out of it.

But if you THINK while watching the beautiful art direction, acting, music, setting, plot, character development--it's definitely worth it. And above all, Dirt is honestly engaging and FUN to watch. And PRETTY. Don't let my long-winded review stop you from just enjoying it!

I stayed away from this show for far too long because it got slammed by so many critics but when Hulu launched I figured what the heck, it's free so I'll give it a shot and I'm SO GLAD I did.

For all of those who slam it I say: this isn't Masterpiece Theatre kids and it isn't supposed to be.

What it is is a highly enjoyable guilty pleasure and it's fantastic to see Courtney Cox in this as it is clear she is having a blast playing the over the top Lucy Spiller.

i watched the first episode of dirt, and from the beginning i felt it was going to be one of the best shows. great acting, organized and touching storyline, amazing plot and everything that you find interesting in a show you will defiantly find it in 'dirt'. Courtney Cox was a great actor and is one of the best tv series on FX including Nip/Tuck and Damages. it is getting picked up for a second season premiering on the 2nd of march 08. really amazing series recommended to all.

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