The Starter Wife, the critically acclaimed USA Network miniseries starring Debra Messing, is now out on DVD... and while it has its flaws, it's worth a rental. The show tells a Hollywood story of trophy wives and eye candy, political ass-kissing and keeping up with the Joneses. In particular, it's a Cinderella story about Molly Kagan: a Hollywood executive's wife who does everything for her husband aside from wiping his ass (although, maybe she does that, too); as Molly herself says in the show: "You gotta smile, you gotta mingle, and you gotta remember names... all in 4 inch heels." But 10 years into her marriage, she is cut loose for a newer, younger model (a singer by the name of Shoshanna).

In standard "chick lit" style, Molly is completely ostracized by her peers, but she learns to pick herself up by the bootstraps and, eventually, she (kind of) learns to take care of herself. She discovers that, hey, maybe she does have a bit of self-worth, a smidge of talent, and can march on with her head held high... Or not. Either way, she's determined to be known as something more in the elite Hollywood circles than just "the starter wife."

It's no wonder that Debra Messing was nominated for both the Golden Globe and the Emmy for her portrayal of cast-aside Hollywood wife Molly Kagan. (The miniseries also received 9 Emmy nominations and 1 win: Judy Davis, Supporting Actress.) She was luminous in her role - and when paired with actors that can match her caliber, such as Miranda Otto as her best friend Cricket and Joe Mantegna as her husband's boss Lou, she is simply magical: witty, convincing, and endearing.

In fact, the cast of characters are sparkling in this TV miniseries... even if a few of the actors (such as Stephen Moyer as the homeless man Sam and Judy Davis as Molly's alcoholic friend Joan; I don't know why she won the Emmy) come off as little more than after school special-styled performances. But I suppose if I'm being forgiving, I'd consider the fact that this is a miniseries after all - and over-acting is what is to be expected in specials such as these.

All in all, this one is worth catching on DVD, at least for a rental, as the Hollywood intrigue alone is enough to capture the imagination of any soap opera fan. And if they really do expand this into a regular television series (as rumors have suggested), then Messing's role would be more than enough of a reason to tune in.

The Starter Wife starring Debra Messing
Universal Studios, 2007. Not Rated. Available online at Amazon.com.

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