You can easily spot the similarities the show has with The Wire (2002) for including many scenes in the streets and using sound to give an authentic experience of the streets life, even actor's Chris Bauer character is almost the same as his on The Wire (2002), you also have Maggie Gyllenhaal (Candy) & Maestro Harrell (Randy Wagstaff) both trying to make a change for the better, Margarita Levieva (Abby) & Jermaine Crawford (Dukie) getting a glimpse on the other side, the media Natalie Paul (Sandra Washington) & Tom McCarthy (Scott Templeton),its also about getting to know the other aspects of some people's lifes and the struggle they go through, that other movies/TV shows aren't focusing on, as we're used to by HBO you can't really pick a side to sympathise and find a connection with because simply everyone just wants to survive in their environment.you can also relate the show to Mad Men (2007) for not including lots of acton & thriller scenes, and focusing more on each of the characters personal life experiences and daily encounters, what is referred to as "Drama".

You can make colourful scenes, use sexy wardrobe and solid actors but without a story there is no product. Also I agree with some other reviewers that depiction of NYC in 70's is somewhat (to put it mildly) whitewashed. After four episodes watched I can only conclude that story goes nowhere and it even slows. A lot of scenes are overlong without a reason. If you want to remind yourself of the NYC 70's oyu better check out some of the online documentaries.

Her performances are GREAT in this show, as hauntingly beautiful as SHE is. She really illustrates the degradation of a street prostitute (and, to an extant-a high-end call girl as well.) SPOILERS followWhen she is in the Hotel room with the rich john, we see how sad she is. She can't afford to cry, but looks to be trapped behind her large expressive eyes. Great acting with gestures. Episode 5 was difficult to watch, not because it was BAD, but because she was so Good-and went through so much. She can't climax with her boyfriend, and then Evil John robs her and you hear the punches coming down. A bit later, she has a scene where Pimp Rodney (Method Man) tries again to take her under his wing, and she demurs once again, leading to an emotional street scene between the two. (that scene, will be the "Money Shot" at the Golden Globes and Emmys next year. She will at least be nominated. I'm a physician, and if I were caring for her in that ER, I'd try to get her off the streets forever. She also, of course, has nude scenes when in the realm of porno films. Even pseudo-ejaculation! I really admire Maggie for giving so much of herself for this show, but wish she didn't have to. And, I'm sorry, but it IS titillating-I think she's incredibly Beautiful. As for the other characters and plot lines, well...I was studying for a Big Test, so I fast-forwarded through all the scenes that didn't have Ms. Gyllenhaal in them. I'll go back to them later.

Halfway through the fifth episode, and I don't think I'm going to finish it.The series hasn't gone anywhere since the pilot. There's no real story arc or interesting conflicts, so it's not like you're left wanting to know what's going to happen next. There are plenty of likable characters (Gyllenhaal not being one of them) and some slick dialogue, but without any real plot it's not enough to sustain interest. Unless you want to turn every penis sighting into a drinking game.