Nip/Tuck: Burt Landau (4.7)

A pretty good episode which utilizes the majority of the cast extremely well. The only downside is that the Landau's are still dragging this season down. Just like last week, I liked that a lot of the subplots folded into one another. Matt's stupid decisions are once again revealed to be a result of his libido, while at the same time Christian accuses Michelle of attempting to kill Burt. As a result, Michelle gets mad, Christian manipulates Kimber into bed before dumping her, and Kimber hooks up with Matt in revenge. It's a big web of craziness, this show.

Sean's lying about the kidney test results was a little unnecessary. He shouldn't feel like he had to have given Liz one of his kidneys, especially when he has three kids. But, likewise, I didn't get why he was so against Matt donating one of his own for Liz. He's crazy dysfunctional this episode.

Kelly Carlson was particularly great in this episode; her breakdown as Christian revealed his true colors was heartbreaking. Kimber should know better, but she's eternally naive, especially when it comes to the man she's infatuated with. Gold acting stars to the returning Rosie O'Donnell, too. Dawn had another hilarious storyline, and I loved the snap-shot direction of her opening ear-tearing attack, while the scene between Dawn, Sean, the ear doctor and "Vincent" was hysterical, especially with that music playing over it. Dawn is a great character, whatever you think of Rosie herself, and she has a crapload of memorable lines here. Also loved her blossoming friendship with Liz.

Universally well-acted and featuring some neat little subplots, this was typical Nip/Tuck greatness. Sure, some of it blew, but in general it was pretty fun. The show's newfound sense of confidence is particularly evident, as if the writers know exactly where they're going right now. B

Credits
Guest stars Rosie O'Donnell (Dawn Budge); Sanaa Lathan (Michelle Landau); Stephen Spinella (Dr. Capler); Meera Simhan (Dr. Meera Muthara); Maria Thayer (Transplant Consultant); Larry Hagman (Burt Landau)
Writer Brad Falchuk Director Charles Haid