Nip/Tuck: Mandi/Randi (1.2)

A great second episode which maintains the humor and visual style of the pilot, but with all the minor improvements which make the show even stronger. From the debut of the series' trademark opening credits (reflecting the coldness and clinical feel of the world of plastic) to the already familiar whip-smart dialogue, Mandi/Randi further pushes the envelope for basic cable.

Sean and Julia's relationship continues to be pulled through the wringer. Ironically, it was only after their break-up that they could have great sex again for the first time in two years. Which is probably something psychiatrists could have a lot of fun with. I really loved their whole storyline in this episode, especially when Julia and Christian talked on the beach. Julia has this saintly view of Christian and what a perfect man he is, when it's clear that isn't the case. I really liked how Christian told her that if she wants somebody to be a father for her children and love her, she should stick with Sean. While it wasn't said in the kindest way, it was still kinda sweet of him.

The surgery of the week was fun, and you just knew as soon as the Dante's appeared on screen that they'd soon end up in the sack with Christian. The look on his face when Julia found them was awesome. He'd clearly had a great time!

Grace Santiago (briefly) joins the cast, and I liked her sparring with both Sean and Christian here. Her character, however, never really forms an identity this year, or at least one that we'd enjoy seeing every week, so it's unsurprising to learn she quietly disappears from the series.

Matt is just insanely stupid. He's been given all the right answers from both Sean and Christian, yet still decides to get all knife happy with his circumcision. Plus, if he just waited out a couple of years he could get the operation without parental consent. The closing moments are pretty ick-worthy though. The loud "snip!" noise was bad enough, but his slow realization that he's pretty much bleeding to death was hilariously gross. A

Credits
Guest stars Nancy Cassaro (Suzanne Epstein); Kevin Chamberlain (Dr. Pendleton); Kate Mara (Vanessa Bartholomew); Kelsey Lynn Batelaan (Annie McNamara); Caitlin Dahl (Mandi Dante); Melinda Dahl (Randi Dante); Sal Landi (Stan); Noa Tishby (Janelle); Roma Maffia (Dr. Liz Cruz)
Writer Ryan Murphy Director Ryan Murphy