TNT gets its ‘Claws’ into Dixie Mafia drama
There’s a lot to like about TNT’s dark comedy/crime drama “Claws” (9 p.m. Sunday), including a terrific cast of women playing some unusual-for-TV characters. But the show would be stronger if it had a more unique story engine to drive its plots. The Florida criminal underground feels familiar, leading to the type of story twists and turns viewers have seen many, many times before.
Niecy Nash, in top form yet again, plays a more nuanced role than viewers saw her in on “Reno 911” or “Scream Queens.” Her work as nail salon boss Desna in “Claws” is more on a level with her part in HBO’s “Getting On.”
Desna does more than nails. She’s also having sex with Roller (Jack Kesy), a gangster redneck who runs a pain clinic that uses Desna’s salon tolaunder the clinic’s obscene profits fromoxy sales to junkies.
Roller reports to bisexual crime boss Uncle Daddy (a hootin’, hollarin’ Dean Norris, “Breaking Bad”), who stiffs Desna out of promised profits in Sunday’s series premiere that then takes an even darker turn.
“Claws” is more fun and unique when the focus is on the nail salon and the women who work there, including ex-party girl Jennifer (Jenn Lyon), butch security operative Quiet Ann (Judy Reyes, giving a transformative performance), mild-mannered ex-con (for identity theft) Polly (the always-delightful Carrie Preston, “The Good Wife”) and bored millennial newbie Virginia (Karrueche Tran).
When “Claws” pauses to explore these characters, it rises to greatness.
Desna cares for her mentally ill twin brother (Harold Perrineau, “Lost”) when she’s not at the nail shop or getting mixed up with criminals.
Polly thrills in playing a character unlike herself while doing community service work.
But series creator Eliot Laurence and showrunner Janine Sherman Barrois (“Criminal Minds”) allow “Claws” to drift back into Dixie Mafia drama that becomes only slightly more appealing and tinged with humor in the show’s second episode. Even then there’s still a lot of turmoil around cover-ups and efforts to evade truth and consequences that feels rote.
“Claws’ ” criminality may draw in viewers, but the colorful characters and the talented women who play them will be what keeps viewers coming back.
Lubinsky’s latest
Pine-based public television pledge producer T.J. Lubinsky debuts his latest effort, “Wonderful, Wonderful!” (8 p.m. Saturday, WQED-TV), a new concert film starring Johnny Mathis. The singer performs his greatest hits while reflecting on his 60-year career in the industry.
A new four-CD box set of Mr. Mathis’ biggest singles will be among the pledge gifts offered for contributors to this public television pledge drive.
Channel surfing
Fox canceled “24: Legacy” after one season but still intends to push forward with a new iteration of the “24” franchise.
Tuned In online
Today’s TV Q&A column responds to questions about “The Amazing Race,” “Major Crimes,” “The Blacklist” and “NCIS.” This week’s Tuned In Journal includes posts on “Daytime Divas” and “I’m Dying Up Here.” Read onlineonly TV content at http:// communityvoices.post-gazette.
This week’s podcast includes conversation about “Scandal,” “The Leftovers” and “I’m Dying Up Here.” Subscribe or listen to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette podcasts at iTunes or at https:// soundcloud.com/pittsburghpg.