The Deuce, Season 1

HBO          Creators: George Pelecanos, David Simon

Mr. Pelecanos and Mr. Simon, who gave us The Wire and Tremé return to HBO to explore the sex trade in NY City in the ‘70s. Great cast, featuring James Franco in dual twin brother roles, and Maggie Gyllenhaal as an independent hooker with “good reasons”, and a fabulous group of other key actors creating believable characters. I love the tone of this series and the way Pelecanos and Simon create a sense of authenticity about the gritty pre-Disney Times Square environs. The characters are well written, well realized by cast, and the story lines very engaging. This isn’t the next Wire, or Game of Thrones, but it’s a far better realization than HOB’s recent attempt at NY City grit Vinyl. I’m hooked on this Must See.