They may be Masters of Sex, but when it comes to parenthood, Bill and Virginia find themselves out of their comfort zone this season, writes Debashine Thangevelo
WHILE some television shows that pique viewers interest, manage to sustain it, others just lose impetus as the seasons wear on.
Like Empire, which is now in its second season, but failing to impress in a major way, Masters of Sex, while superbly cast, is slowly ebbing its way into anti-climactic territory.
Based on Thomas Maier’s biography Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, the Couple Who Taught America How to Love, the series certainly titillated viewers into watching.
While season one was set in the late ’50s, the third instalment covers 1965 to 1966. Obviously, the narrative is influenced by the decorum of the era as well as the mindset. And sex, of course, wasn’t a subject that could be easily broached back then – let alone observed in the name of science.
What further bolstered the appeal of the series was the delving into the professional lives of the two leads and how it intermingled with their personal woes. This gave birth to palpable tension and dissatisfaction, which ultimately added levity to the storytelling.
Now that we are three seasons in, though, the storyline is becoming as customary as the shenanigans of the Kardashians and their never-ending troubles. Viewers who have become invested in the characters are au fait with their mannerisms, way of thinking and how they react to situations. And their scientific ambitions continue to remain a bone of contention for most.
The one distinction, however, is that Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan) and William “Bill” Masters (Michael Sheen) have now become famous for their work. And that sets the foundation for this season.
In an interview, Caplan noted: “There’s a never-ending power struggle between Bill and Virginia. When we first met them, Bill was clearly in the power position. By the time we open on season three, they would have known each other for 10 years and it definitely feels more like equals versus Virginia being Bill’s subordinate. Of course, that won’t go smoothly, but that’s what I love about TV. Circumstances change and evolve so dramatically.”
This time, they are also dealing with the Vietnam war alongside the sexual revolution. And Virginia is dealing with a rebellious teenager and the domino effect of work on her family life.
Sheen acknowledges that parenting is an underlying theme.
He commented: “Bill has to deal with his own son, who’s older. He’s around the same age that Bill was when his father was abusing him. That presses a lot of buttons. I also have to deal with Virginia’s daughter, who is old enough to be interested in boys and sex. And I find myself forced into giving advice against my will.”
But there is also a bright side. He shared: “The biggest aspect of this new season is that their book is in the public realm and they are now public figures. Nothing proceeds in a simple, straightforward manner from thereon.”
Now for the twist: Virginia is pregnant this season. And this throws Bill into a tailspin – but not for the reasons many think it does.
Yes, sex is the cornerstone of this story. But it is explored from a more insightful rather than titillating slant. At the same time, the fractured familial relationships are exposed for dramatic effect.
And our two leads get to wear their producer hats too. Hopefully, this also means that the third chapter will seduce the imagination to a fitting climax.
Masters of Sex, tonight on M-Net Edge (DStv channel 102) at 9pm.