Damages begins filming its third season tomorrow, and to celebrate the occasion, FX sent out a very curious press release. Two actors have joined as series regulars for the new season. The first, Campbell Scott, we had heard about a couple weeks ago. I think he’s a perfect fit for the show and will fill the void left by some of last year’s departing cast.
The other actor joining the cast? Martin Short. Yes, that Martin Short.
I’m keeping an open mind, but at first glance this certainly seems like a strange choice. It’s not that I’m questioning Short’s acting chops (although maybe I should be), but he certainly brings a whole lot of preconceived notions with him. Am I going to be able to take his character seriously or am I just going to be waiting for him to break into Ed Grimley or Jiminy Glick?
Last year, Darrell Hammond had a large role in Damages, and I know that it bothered a lot of people. Personally, I thought Hammond did a fine job, but it was slightly distracting for him to be there. In a show that is rife with suspense and intrigue, one look at Hammond completely took me out of the moment and mood of the show whenever he was on screen. It wasn’t any fault of his or his performance, but … he’s Darrell Hammond. I looked at him and expected him to make a joke.
Also joining the cast in guest star roles are Keith Carradine and … Lily Tomlin, another accomplished comedian. I’m a little less worried about the casting of Tomlin, as she has proven her chops in non-comedic roles more so than Short. “Worried” probably isn’t even the right word to describe my feelings about Short’s casting. I think “intrigued” would be more accurate. This is certainly a bold casting choice, and I’m excited to see how it works out. More importantly, I’m just excited for Damages to get back on my TV.
What do you think about the new cast for season three?
Clacked by Bob Degon
on Sep 22, 2009 @ 19:58 EST5EDT
Martin Short was on one of the Law and Orders and I thought he actually did an excellent job. He played a pretty creepy character.
Short was on SVU, where he played a fake psychic who was actually a very controlling, creepy murderer who killed a mother for her baby. I’m thinking he won’t be channeling Jerry Lewis on Damages.