DeVanity

This is a decadent and sharply written web soap from Michael Caruso. This is fast-paced satire that utilizes the best of the over-the-top story lines that fans of 80s daytime and primetime soap viewers will recognize, with a distinctly modern feel.

This is the story of the four Devanity siblings and the mess of their lives while trying to hold onto a jewelery empire.

The production quality and acting is top notch, certainly on par with, if not exceeding, anything you would see on primetime television. I started watching a bit skeptically, but was quickly sucked into this addictive and hilarious guilty pleasure.

It's similar to Dynasty in more ways than one in that everything improves as it goes along. The first episode establishes the tone immediately. It's silly, but fun. The first season is reasonably good. The second season is even better, and the third can hold its own with network television. The production values keep increasing, and they were pretty impressive to begin with. Every time you see another piece of jewelry you'll keep asking yourself, "Is that real?" The cast is interesting in that some are acting veterans with a long list of credits, while some are newcomers that you swear you've seen before. I'd like to give a shout out to Michael Caruso for his dialog. That is what is getting so many special guest stars on board.

Among the many web-series out there one true gem is DeVanity. The brainchild of Michael Caruso, DeVanity brings all the drama of prime- time hits such as Dallas and Dynasty smack, bang into the new millennium.

DeVanity follows the lives of Jason DeVanity and his family as they struggle to run the famous DeVanity jewellery empire following the bloody murder of their father Richard. Over four seasons and twenty-eight episodes Michael Caruso showcases his talents as writer, actor and producer to craft what is one of the best web-series around. Aided by an ensemble cast including Alex Zibolis, Katie Caprio, Mike Dierksen, Katie Apicella we are drawn into the diabolical schemes of a family that make the Ewings look like the Waltons.

Over the four seasons you can see how the cast and crew have honed and improved their skills in a way that is rarely seen on prime-time television. As well as being full of twist, turns and double-dealings Michael Caruso is also able to inject warmth and emotion into the DeVanities, forcing you to love them despite their misdeeds.

In addition to the main cast as the series has progressed there is also an amazing roster of guest stars from both prime-time and day-time drama including Robin Riker, Maxwell Caulfield, Charlene Tilton, Arianne Zucker, Steve Kanalay Sheree J. Wilson and Andrea Evans as well as series regulars Kyle Lowder (season 3) and Gordon Thomson (season 4). However these roles should not be considered as stunt casting as Michael's writing is able to bring life to these characters and allow the guests to show what they are truly capable of especially Gordon Thomson who steals every scene he is in as Preston Regis, a remarkable villain who would be more than a match for Thomson's Adam Carrington.

As well as the fantastic acting credit must also be given to Kelley and Rodolphe Portier, who as director and cinematographer, bring a real touch of elegance and class to the series which along with truly remarkable production values makes you believe that the DeVanities are the bitchiest family on the West Coast.

I love this show. I used to be wary of webseries in general, but DeVanity has changed that. Initially, I was roped in by the addition of one of my favorite actors, Kyle Lowder. And he is as great as I thought he would be. But everyone on this show is great, too! Jason DeVanity, played by Michael Caruso, is kind of like the Greek Chorus character. He is the perfect protagonist. He and Andrew Regis (Lowder)- a complete nutjob!- are my favs. The pace is great, the acting is fabulous, the lines the actors deliver are superb. Very quotable series. My only complaint is that there just aren't enough episodes per season. But I'm a glutton. Can't wait for Season 3.

-Georgie