'United States of Tara' Review
I'm of two minds when it comes to Showtime's latest original drama, The United States of Tara. And no, that's not a wink at the protagonist's multiple personality disorder, more accurately termed dissociative identity disorder (DID).
On one hand, it's a relief to see that the disorder isn't cavalierly exploited just to get laughs or allow star Toni Collette to ham it up in outrageous costumes. On the other hand, it's surprising just how matter-of-factly other characters accept her disorder, almost as if they're enabling her. This may not be the case, but there's a certain adjustment period required since most viewers will come in with limited knowledge about the subject.
Tara Gregson (Collette) is a loving suburban housewife who has taken herself off medication so she can deal with her DID head-on. This means that every now and then her consciousness gets bypassed when one of her other identities emerges. These alter egos, or "alters," include the thong-wearing teenager T, trucker hat-wearing Vietnam vet Buck and 50s-era perfect housewife Alice.
Tara's family -- husband Max (Corbett), daughter Kate (Brie Larson) and son Marshall (Keir Gilchrist) -- are so supportive, it's kind of a shock. They approach this unusual situation with everyday nonchalance: going shopping with T, bowling with Buck or expecting an elaborate breakfast from Alice.
There's a sweetness to the whole family dynamic. Oh sure, Kate still gets embarrassed by her mom, and Max gets turned on by the female alters and can't do anything about it, but then again there are times when certain alters bring out the best in her family.
This is where things get pretty complicated. Is the Gregson family's acceptance of the alters helping Tara discover the root of her disorder or are they strengthening Tara's dependence on the alters? This disorder usually stems from some childhood mistreatment and uses the various identities to cope with life's stresses, which is why Tara can be triggered at any time.
There's a lot going on in the show. Tara can't hold down a job as an interior designer because the alters get in the way. Tara's sister Charmaine (Rosemarie Dewitt) is super-competitive and often refuses to even acknowledge the disorder. Kate takes refuge from her family with a dead-end job at a local restaurant. Marshall is dealing with an inconvenient crush at school.
And to top it off, Alice seems the most insidious of the alters. She schemes to get pregnant (even though Tara doesn't want to have more kids) by seducing Max, harbors a not-so-secret drinking problem and claims that she plans on being there permanently in the future -- which would mean doing away with Tara's consciousness. Could there be an alter ego mutiny in the works?
Collette's acting chops have already been proven, and she tackles the multiple roles admirably. There are no uncanny physical transformations: Collette is easily identifiable in every guise. What she does bring, however, is a subtlety of expression that rarely crosses from one alter to the next. It's difficult to say if her take on T is uncomfortable to watch because she falls short in her performance though or just because any 30-something woman acting like a teenager isn't going to be convincing.
Despite the serious and respectful approach, however, the show has its sparks of humor. "Juno" Oscar winner Diablo Cody is the creative force behind the project after all, thanks to fellow executive producer Steven Spielberg who brought her on for her unique take on serious subjects.
Naturally, the laughs are of the subversive sort, but it's always in the background, never showy. So if you're caught up in the action, you may not notice Kate's boyfriend is unduly obsessed with Japan, a girl trying out for the musical by singing "I'm Telling You" badly or that Buck offers to show Max some porn that features amputees.
Overall, because of the psychiatric focus of the show, that's where the action is. The drama and the triumphs aren't big or spectacular, but have to do with the everyday interactions for Tara. Maybe that's why, despite the show's unusual premise, it feels the most normal and relatable of Showtime's original offerings.
Check out Zap2it's United States of Tara photos.
What did you think of the show?
I completely agree with your review (though apparently you've seen the second episode as well...or I missed a lot when I was watching, because I don't remember meeting Alice...)
Based on the descriptions and press on the show, I was under the impression that Tara had recently gone off her medicine in order to find the root of her problem, but that's really not the way it came across in the show. The family was way to comfortable with everything. It seems like there should have been more of a feeling of "we are willing to deal with all of this because we love you and want you to get better" and less "we like all the alter egos and want you this way forever".
I also agree with you on the teenager. Honestly, she acts more like an adult's idea of a teenage characature than like a real teenager.
Horrible, Horrible, Horrible. I can't believe Steven Spielberg executive produces this crap. I have loved Toni Collette Since first seeing her and Rachel Griffiths in Muriel's Wedding; so nothing against her just the premise for this show. Horrible, Horrible...
I didnt watch, & wont. after seeing the promos it seemed to me that Id have to spend way too much time suspending my disbelief. I like Toni Collette, but the premise sorta creeps me out. & I bet the experts will tear this apart. Im just not that interested in somebody else's psychological problems.I dont think anybody that watches tv will be either..we like tv for an escape, right? to be entertained? multiple personalities doesnt seem at all entertaining to me. Bet it fails after one season.
Liz, I'm betting you're wrong. I did watch the first episode, and I find it hard to believe that it will last *one* season. It's seriously bad. I'd guess that the reviewer was paid to write a good review, because the show is just awful.
The first episode seemed interesting and I definitely want to know where they are going with this. It didn't seem to me as if the family was totally OK with her alters, maybe only used to it by now. You could see that the alters affect the family and that they are going along with it now but barely keeping it together.
Unlike most everyone here, this show fascinates me. The premise is intriquing - and I'm curious to see how the family will cope with all the adversities of the alter egos. I've heard, seen, read several stories on this [DID] and each time I can't help but wonder how exactly the original personality is victimized by the alters - since the alters are there to defend and shelter the original from harm or hurt. It's fascinating to me as to HOW the alters are "created" or how they came about. Call me weird, but am gonna read up some more on this phenomenon. See if I can get some answers. Will definitely watch this show - I was never impressed by Toni Collette, but her performance here might just chance my opinion of her.
Absolutely appalling. So abysmal it could inspire a cult following. Did Diablo Cody write this misbegotten monstrosity (if so, hope she learns a valuable lesson) or did she just produce it?
Doesn't anybody out there have a sense of humour?
I giggled throughout the whole show - I never watch sitcoms, TC was hard to resist.
At least this isn't a cheap reality show.
Wow! Most of the previous comments amaze me. Everyone always complains that there's nothing original on anymore, it's all procedurals, reality or juvenile comedies. Then something comes along to actually make you think for more than a second and no one wants to. You know, this is what happens with shows like Arrested Dev. and even 30 Rock to a certain extent. I wonder if you guys even watched the same show that I watched. These actors played their roles so well. Everyone was extremely uncomfortable when the "alters" came out, but it was more subtle than overt. Kate was happy to see "T", but that was a teenager knowing another "teen" with access to credit cards would take her shopping. On the flip side of that, did you see the disappointment on her face when Buck showed up to the play.
This family didn't play to what the audience's idea of what their comfort level should be. To me it seemed that we were unknown voyeurs watching the struggles of a real family. The fact that it played out as a comedy was just a plus. I think you should re-watch this show and watch a few more episodes before making a decision. They may shoot themselves in the foot or they may find a bit of that magic that makes a good or even a great show.
I actually really liked the first episode. I cringe a little when John Corbett is in a scene because I can't separate him from Aidan on SATC but I loved Toni Collette! This show is now running on Fancast for anybody who may not have Showtime- check it out http://www.fancast.com/tv/The-United-States-of-Tara/100919/988469562/United-States-of-Tara:-Pilot/videos