Nip/Tuck: Alexis Stone (6.6)

Nip/Tuck unearths its past here, resurrecting Erica to create some sparks. It's a typically soap opera-style storyline, with double-crosses, secret filming, extreme hostility and mother-daughter slaps across the face, and it's a wonder how a respected actor like Vanessa Redgrave can slip so easy into this silliness. Erica's actions may be overt, but she's finally somebody who recognizes Sean and Julia's obnoxious parenting over the last couple of years, so consumed by their own self-involvement that they've ignored the rapidly-increasing insanity of two of their children. Parts of this episode almost feel like fan service, a final acknowledgment of how awful most of Nip/Tuck's characters are. That self-awareness doesn't last for long, but it's welcome here.

It's hard to discern what Christian actually wants. He's obviously jealous of Kimber's blossoming relationship with Mike, but you have to wonder where this feeling comes from. Does he actually miss her? Or does he just hate that she's found happiness with another man? Like always, there's an ugliness underlining their relationship, but I did love their interaction here. Kimber knows him better than any other woman in his life, but she just can't quit him. Similarly, I was relieved to see Christian and Liz confiding in one another again after their huge bust-up in recent weeks. Sure, Liz's defiant pledge that they can't be friends appears to have been casually vetoed, but I guess I like them too much together to have that bother me.

I'm guessing transgender activists won't see this episode as helpful, but I did enjoy the Alexis Stone story, regardless of how politically incorrect it was. I'm still not sure if events like this actually transpire, but there was an interesting dynamic between Christian and Alexis, and I've always liked Candis Cayne's sensuality and strength in the other roles I've seen her in.

Alexis Stone continues this season's surprising level of perspective, being another episode where stories feel actually well-constructed and planned. The show so often felt like the writers were making it all up as they went along, but if there's one thing admirable about season six so far, it's the palpable sense of direction. B+

Credits
Guest stars Vanessa Redgrave (Dr. Erica Noughton); Mario Lopez (Dr. Mike Hamoui); Candis Cayne (Alexis Stone); Gilles Marini (Renaldo Panettiere); Kelsey Lynn Batelaan (Annie McNamara)
Writer Hank Chilton Director Tim Hunter