Compared to the first two episodes, this one was a bit lacklustre.
So far everything involving the Martinos has been the weaker element of "The Deuce", and that doesn't change here. Seeing them discuss business just isn't very interesting, and while seeing different characters interact at the bar's grand opening is nice and hints at the Martinos and the sex industry crossing paths soon, that hasn't happened yet and until it does it won't be much fun to watch. I also found it hard to care about Bobby's heart attack, since he's a minor character and it has nothing to do with the theme of "The Deuce". I wonder why they put that in at all.
Another problem with the Martinos is that Vincent and his bro are played by the same actor. It was hard to tell the difference initially, but after a while I got used to it. Now in the third episode, when both brothers spend a lot more time together, the acting isn't strong enough to show key differences between them, and it's becoming increasingly hard to tell the difference.
Meanwhile, Candy continues learning about the porn industry. She sees the potential in bringing hardcore porn to America, hoping laws will soon be relaxed. She wants to be behind the camera, but of course people like Harvey only see her in one way: on all fours and getting f***ed. It's sad to see her well up as the sad reality of the industry hits her hard.
Otherwise, the prostitution and porn story lines don't show much more. Prostitutes get paid to please clients, get treated badly, we've seen it all already. Abby's storyline is too methodically heading towards the porn industry. It's kind of obvious that it's intended for her to reach it only after all other options are exhausted so that it doesn't feel contrived.
This episode as a whole can be seen as clumsily putting the pieces in place for more fascinating story lines later in the season.
So far everything involving the Martinos has been the weaker element of "The Deuce", and that doesn't change here. Seeing them discuss business just isn't very interesting, and while seeing different characters interact at the bar's grand opening is nice and hints at the Martinos and the sex industry crossing paths soon, that hasn't happened yet and until it does it won't be much fun to watch. I also found it hard to care about Bobby's heart attack, since he's a minor character and it has nothing to do with the theme of "The Deuce". I wonder why they put that in at all.
Another problem with the Martinos is that Vincent and his bro are played by the same actor. It was hard to tell the difference initially, but after a while I got used to it. Now in the third episode, when both brothers spend a lot more time together, the acting isn't strong enough to show key differences between them, and it's becoming increasingly hard to tell the difference.
Meanwhile, Candy continues learning about the porn industry. She sees the potential in bringing hardcore porn to America, hoping laws will soon be relaxed. She wants to be behind the camera, but of course people like Harvey only see her in one way: on all fours and getting f***ed. It's sad to see her well up as the sad reality of the industry hits her hard.
Otherwise, the prostitution and porn story lines don't show much more. Prostitutes get paid to please clients, get treated badly, we've seen it all already. Abby's storyline is too methodically heading towards the porn industry. It's kind of obvious that it's intended for her to reach it only after all other options are exhausted so that it doesn't feel contrived.
This episode as a whole can be seen as clumsily putting the pieces in place for more fascinating story lines later in the season.
