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Head Case

(Rated TV-MA, Comedy, Starring Alexandra Wentworth, Steve Landesberg, Michelle Arthur, Where to watch: Starz, DVD, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Stars air dirty laundry for unorthodox therapist.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Dr. Goode attempts to create problems in the lives of many of her patients -- and for the ones who have real problems, her unorthodox methods offer little guidance. Out of patients' earshot, she often discusses their cases with others and refers to them as "nuts." Characters occasionally use obscene gestures.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Lots of talk about sexuality (and homosexuality) and the desire for sex. In one scene, a woman uses two male dolls to simulate sexual activity. In another, one woman accuses another of giving her boyfriend a blow job.

  • Language:

    Frequent, unedited use of "ass," "s--t," and various versions of "f--k."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some patients drink alcohol during their sessions, and prescription drugs sometimes change hands.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Head Case

Parents need to know that this mature comedy series casts a cynical light on mental health professionals. The central character is a therapist who often tries to create turmoil in her patients' lives (insisting to one that he has unresolved homosexual tendencies, for example) and is harshly judgmental of them behind their backs (describing them to others as "f--ked up," etc.). References to sexuality are common -- in one scene, for example, the therapist uses two male dolls to simulate various sexual positions (the goal being to gauge a patient's emotional response to homosexuality). There's also plenty of cursing and some drinking.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the media portrays mental health problems. Do you think issues like depression and anxiety are treated sympathetically or judgmentally? Are they viewed as weaknesses? How does their treatment compare to society and the media's reaction to physical ailments? Families can also discuss how to deal with mental health issues. Teens: Who do you turn to when you need to talk about your problems? How does opening up to someone help you work things out?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    sixfive81
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 8
    bubby00000
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 5.0

    not bad

    kids 5 bad kids 9 or 10 yes

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Adult Reviewer
    eagle_wings2000
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 0.0

    Get real!

    Any thing rated tv-ma should not be on the air.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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