But in the wonderfully realistic world of HBO original series, “In Treatment” follows the practice of psychotherapist Paul Weston, who’s just about as screwed up as the people he treats. With a fascination in their issues that goes beyond concerned counselor or analyst, it soon becomes evident that Paul is focusing so much on their shortcomings because his own personal life is falling apart. Over the course of nine weeks, we’ll get more than a peek into the lives of Paul, his patients and his own therapist, with a new 30-minute episode airing every weeknight. Each patient’s session will air the same night each week—talk about appointment television!
Who’s that?: Gabriel Byrne stars as Paul; Melissa George is Monday’s patient Laura; Tuesday is Paul’s time for Alex (Blair Underwood); Mia Wasikowska plays Sophie, Wednesday’s session; and couple Paul and Amy (Josh Charles and Embeth Davidtz) come on Thursdays. But the tables are turned on Fridays, as Paul leaves the questions and probing to his own therapist pal, Dr. Gina Toll (Dianne Wiest).
Buzzed about: With an obviously stellar cast, it’s impossible not to have high expectations, but HBO’s ingenious scheduling only heightens the intrigue. With 45 riveting episodes, we’re relieved we won’t have to worry about refilling this prescription anytime soon.
The “ooh” factor: No matter how many shows he’s on (“Dirty Sexy Money” and “The New Adventures of Old Christine” to name two others), we can’t get enough of Blair Underwood. And he’s in great company here: With major movie names like Davidtz and Wiest and our old TV favorite Charles, we’re having a hard time deciding whose sessions we’ll look forward to most.
The “eh” factor: Nine weeks might not be enough “Treatment” to fix the damage reality TV has done to American TV watchers.
The verdict: Who doesn’t need a few weeks of free therapy? Even if you don’t share these patients’ problems—one’s in love with Paul, one’s in love with her much-older coach, one can’t decide who he’s in love with and the two that should be in love with each other, aren’t—you’ve gotta admit, they’re intriguing.
”In Treatment” premieres Monday, Jan. 28 at 9:30 p.m./8:30c on HBO, with a new half-hour episode each night of the week, Monday through Friday.
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