Sex. In its practice, its designed be both pleasurable and essential for human survival. It’s been happening for centuries, and it’s not likely to stop any time soon. How much is actually known about sex though? It may seem surprising, but sex is often still quite the taboo subject depending on where in the world it is being discussed (or not discussed). Progress has been made, but how did that progress start to begin with? Surely at this point in time, there’s likely a number of different documentaries regarding sex, but should the desire for a sprinkle of entertainment need to be added to said curiosity, then the hit TV series Masters of Sex is probably a safe direction to take.
A quick google search will show that multiple platforms are streaming Masters of Sex and though the subject of sex itself is usually interesting enough to peak curiosity (and yes, there is plenty of it on the show) there is much more to this series than one might anticipate. Masters of Sex is heavily based on William H. Masters (Bill) and Virginia Johnson who were the first pioneers of sexual study. The series follows their discoveries and exploits regarding sexual response in both male and female, along with the physiological changes, effects, and anomalies associated with sexual acts. Cleary the show is dramatized for the sake of drawing in audience, but the data and information provided in the show makes for an informative watch as well as an entertaining one.
In Masters of Sex series, Masters is an acclaimed obstetrician who has a purely scientific fascination with sex.
In the series, Masters is an acclaimed obstetrician who has a purely scientific fascination with sex. His aim is to launch the first major scientific study on sex, on his own terms and at any cost. His secretary, who becomes his research assistant is Virginia Johnson. She herself has no degree, but is incredibly bright and just as open to studying the science of sex as Masters is. Together they embark on a mission to achieve their goal, hitting major speed bumps and obstacles along the way, juggling personal issues, and are constantly faced with evaluating their own working relationship together.
The production value is top notch. The shots are incredibly professional and the intimate scenes are choreographed in ways that are erotic and yet also done so with tact. The topic of sex is approached with fun and enjoyment, but not at all overdone. The directors had their work cut out for them but they certainly make the grade for this show. The actors were well cast, and the writing and dialogue gives a plausible speculation for the time period. Michael Sheen plays the chief character ‘Bill’ Masters. His portrayal of Masters is anything short of brilliant. As actors are taught from ground up to have an objective that drives, Sheen takes that notion to an extreme in displaying his characters quest for knowledge. Lizzy Caplan takes on the role of Virginia Johnson, and make no mistake, as she is not Sheens co-star but without question his equal. She constantly steals the scenes she’s in with the other cast members, and more than that she elevates them. Rest assure, if performing scenes together is a knife fight, then Caplan holds her own and then some.
Masters of Sex isn’t a new show, but it’s not technically an old one either. The study was said to have lasted for years and both Masters and Johnson have a long history with one another, covered by this series in four seasons that ran from 2013-2016. The fact that it still runs on numerous platforms is evidence enough of its appeal. Take that as an assurance for some time that can be well spent.
