Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark, criminally good legal thriller. Adults only.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Damages
What's the Story?
This cinematic legal thriller captures the dark, fascinating world of big-time litigation. Glenn Close stars as Patty Hewes, a cutthroat attorney at the top of her game who faces off against allegedly corrupt billionaire businessman Arthur Frobisher (Ted Danson). In the middle is beautiful, brilliant young lawyer Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne), whom Patty chooses to mentor.
Is It Any Good?
From the start, viewers know something terrible happens in the end. But the primary narrative occurs in the past and unravels a mystery that is as twisted as it is compelling. The first few scenes show Ellen running out of a fancy New York City apartment building streaked with blood, wearing underwear and a trench coat. The shell-shocked look on her face suggests she's seen or done something horrifying. Only later do viewers see the gruesome scene she's fled.
With high production values, top-notch actors, and a juicy mystery, DAMAGES watches like an hour-long film that keeps viewers itching for a sequel. Luckily for fans, the tense and sometimes frightening episodes keep coming. With several bloody scenes, including a lingering close-up on a brutally murdered victim, as well as some highly intimate moments, Damages is best saved for after the kids are in bed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about winning at all costs. Is winning a goal in itself? Can you think of an example of something that's worth winning no matter what the cost? What drives people to compete? Is it ever OK to use people to accomplish a goal without their knowledge?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 24, 2007
- Cast : Glenn Close , Rose Byrne , Ted Danson
- Network : FX
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : January 20, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate