Masters of Sex

In 1956, Dr. William Masters (Michael Sheen) meets Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan). He's a fertility specialist at Washington University in St. Louis. Barton Scully (Beau Bridges) is his mentor and Libby (Caitlin FitzGerald) is his wife. He's doing late-night sex research with the help of prostitute Betty DiMello (Annaleigh Ashford). Virginia is an ambitious twice-divorced mom former nightclub singer trying to get ahead. At first, she joins Masters as his secretary. Eventually, she joins him as his partner in groundbreaking sex research.

The subject matter is titillating and intriguing. It's also a history that many think they know but few know every detail. It's perfect for a little bit of fictionalization. Sheen and Caplan are magnificent. The supporting cast is terrific. There is compelling drama for a couple of seasons. I do like the kids in the third season although the new doctors in the fourth are troublesome. It would have been interesting to see how the show switches with conversion therapy. The characters got darker and darker with each season. It's a show with a ticking time clock built into it.

Masters of Sex is unique in the way it begins to grow on you even though you never thought it would. And, it is typified by none other than the lead character, Masters.

Michael Sheen plays the doctor obsessed with physiological interpretations of sex, who would go to almost any length to pursue his longtime dream. He is complemented by the beautiful Lizzy Caplan in the role of Virginia, Masters' street-smart secretary, who is not afraid to stand up to him, or to take matters in her own hand. The two are joined by the rest of the cast, which does an alright job, though it is hard to look past the performances of these two.

Back to Masters, Sheen shows his versatility as an actor again here. William Masters is condescending, arrogant and a cold character. Yet, Sheen plays him with such finesse, with so many layers, that you cannot help but get intrigued by Masters' haughty mannerisms. Sheen is brilliant here, and plays a diametrically opposite character to his Brian Clough from the Damned United, proving his incredible range as an actor. Take a bow, Mr. Sheen.

So, while you are caught up in the conflict whether to like William Masters or to hate him, Lizzy Caplan as Virginia is a welcome distraction. And, she too plays her character with great finesse. I haven't seen Caplan's past performances, but here, she is doing a terrific job.

The story is not too intriguing to begin with, but I believe the premise will grow on the public, especially because of the purely intellectual way Masters treats it. Not too sure how long they can rivet a story around the concept, but for the moment, the actors, well Sheen essentially, is what the show is worth watching for.

The title "Masters of Sex" works on many levels and the creators of the show are well aware of the attention that this title will draw. This show is about the first scientific research in the area of sex based on the Masters and Johnson studies, who are the protagonists of the story set to the backdrop of the late 1950's at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. The set design is just about right and it very accurately represents the theme and ideology of the time. The characters are sketched out perfectly and there is no dearth of good acting performances with Michael Sheen stealing the show for his portrayal of the incredibly complex William Masters. The main part of the show is of course the study of human sexual response which implies a lot of mature content. These scenes, however tastefully done, may be a little too strong for the average viewer but if one can get over the explicit content, one can see their relevance to the plot. The story still seems a little empty at certain times but can be expected to fill up as it progresses with the introduction of new characters. All in all, a very well presented and unique show.

I enjoyed the first season and Lizzy Caplan still remains captive while I find myself fast forwarding through much of the second season. On par with the first season in many ways, I now find the characters so deeply preformatted that only when there is an unsuspecting turn do I take the time to really indulge my focus.

Most of my dismay with the second season revolves around the now almost unwatchable Michael Sheen's character and how selfish, self-serving and downright creepy he has become. The fact that Lizzy Caplan's character is still capable of letting him to now increasing levels makes me want to barf.

I don't see how I can continue to consider this entertainment. Best to pass this one by for all the other great drama available.

There's not much to review to this series, the background story its not new but very interesting, kind of unknown and accurate about the research of sexology by the gynecologist William Howell Masters, i have the chance to read 1 of his books long time ago in the school "Human Sexual Response" its good to learn about his work in this very different and entertaining way.

It is not a series for everyone as you already know the whole plot is about sex, and there's is a good quantity of nudity on the show.

In the start you can see that is really well made in all the technical and artistic aspect, and performed in the best way by all the actors, starting with the 2 best: Michael Sheen & Lizzy Caplan.

And thats it, is just the beginning of this promising series, as usual (here on IMDb) its not easy for me just put a number at the quality and effort of the peoples work specially with this one, cause perhaps it is too early to make a review, but i will rate it with 8 over 10.

If you have the time and age, you definitely should watch it.