Claws Season 1 Unboxing, and Review
ClawsClaws is a midnight-dark, wickedly funny meditation on female badness set in a South Florida nail salon. It follows the rise of five diverse and treacherous manicurists working at the Nail Artisan of Manatee County salon, where there is a lot more going on than silk wraps and pedicures. Claws is about good women caught in bad places with worse men. It's the story of hardworking women trying to get by in this economy, set against the surreal, bright, gritty landscape of Florida and the luscious, absurd, extreme excesses of the crime world.
Release Date April 17, 2018 On DVD
Stars Jimmy Jean-Louis , Evan Daigle , Niecy Nash , Carrie Preston , Judy Reyes , Karrueche Tran , Jenn Lyon , Jack Kesy , Kevin Rankin , Jason Antoon , Harold Perrineau , Dean Norris , Aadyn Encalarde , Paul Mann , Andrea Sooch , Dale Dickey , Xena Zeit-Geist
Episode #1 Tirana
In this episode we are introduced to the Crew Quiet Ann , Jennifer, Polly, Desna, and the new girl in the salon Virgina. All of these character are pretty interesting so far. First off you have Quiet Ann the body guard for the group. Then Jennifer her character hasn't developed much yet, but she seems down for anything. Polly who seems out of place with her more sensible personality, and clothing. Virginia is working in the salon, but not a member of the crew, will she become a member? Then you have the boss Desna. I am unclear so far if Desna, the Dixie Mofia, or someone else owns the Salon. It is clear though that Desna wants to move up into a higher class salon, and has the ambition to buy one herself.
We are also introduced to a few of the Dixie Mafia members including Roller, and their leader Uncle Daddy. It seems as though they are making a lot of money running fake clinics to sell prescription drugs.
Where does Desna's crew fit into this? Well first off Desna, and Roller are dating. Secondly Desna's crew handles money laundering for the Dixie Mafia. Desna is working for Roller for a big payoff to buy her own salon.
This first episode was very interesting. I really like the characters they all seem really unique, and well thought out. It is great to see Niecy Nash playing such a great character. She has taken on so much and is doing the best she can to take care of her crew, her brother, and achieve her dreams. Also as a standout is Carrie Preston who is such a contrast from everyone else. She has her "preppy" style and mouse like attitude. This episode does have it's comedy moments, but I really thought it would be a bit funnier. I would say the tone is much more dramatic, then comedic. I really love how the first episode ends. It ends on a cliffhanger that makes you want to come back for more, and really anticipate the next episode. I think Claws shows some promise, and I hope the coming episodes do not disappoint.
7.5/10
Episode #2 Funerary
Episode 2 really starts off with a bang. The crew is covering up the murder of one of the main characters. That is right a murder at the end of the first episode! Who is dead, and who is responsible? We see Desna suddenly having enough cash to buy the salon of dreams. Virgina also disappears without a trace. We also get to learn a little more about Jennifer who is married to Roller's brother, or cousin Bryce, and is Uncle Daddy's son, or nephew. Bryce however is not in the Dixie Mafia, and has nothing to do with the drug dealing. Can Uncle Daddy get him to join, or will Jennifer keep her husband straight? Desna is trying to get the salon of her dreams, but will a secret shopper ruin her plans?
This episode had a very different feel with the murder, and cover up, and investigation. It was lighter on the comedy as it probably should be. I also feel for Desna who is working so hard, but things just never seem to go right for her. This episode also ends on a cliffhanger although I don't feel as good of a cliffhanger as episode 1 it still brings you back wanting more.
7.0/10
Episode #3 Quicksand
In this episode Desna still has hopes to find her dream Salon. She has to get her realtor back on her side. Bryce joins the family business, but can the business survive Bryce? A mistake sets everyone back, and angers Uncle Daddy. Virginia comes back with a wild story about her captors. We also get to know Desna's brother dean a little bit more.
This episodes seems like one of the weaker episodes with only a few moment I really enjoyed. comedy seems to have really taken a back seat in this episode with very little humor. The biggest saving grace of this episode is the ending leaving you with multiple WTF moments, and doing a good job at leaving you wanting more.
6.5/10
Episode #4 Fallout
Dean has a breakdown and Desna must find a way to increase customers at the Clinic. This episode has more of a horror feel to it with more murders, and feeding the gators. Polly also pretends to be someone named Heather for her old friend Sally. Bryce may really be starting to enjoy working for the Dixie Mafia, and everyone struggles to pay off their debts.
As I said we get more of a horror theme with this episode, as well as increasing the drama, and thriller aspects of the show. We also see a strange synchronized swimming routine. Carrie Preston puts in a great performance as all her lies blow up in her face making this one of the best episodes so far.
As I said we get more of a horror theme with this episode, as well as increasing the drama, and thriller aspects of the show. We also see a strange synchronized swimming routine. Carrie Preston puts in a great performance as all her lies blow up in her face making this one of the best episodes so far.
8/10
Episode #5 Bats**t
Bryce breaks down and takes matters into his own hands, but can Dr. Ken survive Bryce's breakdown? Desna finally gets back to looking for a salon, but Dean's issues have gotten worse. Uncle Daddy turns to Desna, and Virgina as suspects. We also get a glimpse into Desna, and Dean's past. Desna also looks for revenge against her foster parents.
Claws with back to back great episodes. Carrie Preston has another great performance, but is upstaged by Niecy Nash with her best performance so far. This one seems to be a roller coaster ride of emotions. It does almost feel like a season finally though, so I wonder what is in store for the rest of the season. I also am feeling hooked on this show. This one also has probably the most shocking ending to an episode that of course leaves you wanting more.
8.5/10
Episode #6 Self Portrait
The crew finally gets their dream salon, Dean has settled down, and Bryce is quitting the Dixie Mafia everything is turning around. Vandalism sets back the crew, and a new house entices Bryce. Now the crew has to come up with a way to raise money again. A new man could mean a new romance for Desna.
This is probably my least favorite episode so far. Desna's romance story, and the crew joining a nail competition to make the money to fix their salon is disappointing. Virgina getting into trouble, and finding out what Roller has been up to for sure are the highlights on this one.
The crew finally gets their dream salon, Dean has settled down, and Bryce is quitting the Dixie Mafia everything is turning around. Vandalism sets back the crew, and a new house entices Bryce. Now the crew has to come up with a way to raise money again. A new man could mean a new romance for Desna.
This is probably my least favorite episode so far. Desna's romance story, and the crew joining a nail competition to make the money to fix their salon is disappointing. Virgina getting into trouble, and finding out what Roller has been up to for sure are the highlights on this one.
6/10
Episode #7 Escape
Desna is preparing for the opening of Glint, but Jennifer quitting gives her a major setback. Dean sets out on an adventure without Desna. Will Virginia keep him safe, or will he have a meltdown? Roller convinces his captor to go to an art show so he can try to escape. Uncle Daddy is renewing his wedding vows, so the crew has to throw him an extravagant party. Uncle Daddy allows the crew to leave the Dixie Mafia.
There are some great moments with Desna, and Jennifer. Dean going to the art show with Virginia is pretty interesting. The best parts however involve Roller. His crazy captor, the art show, his escape, and being abducted again.
Desna is preparing for the opening of Glint, but Jennifer quitting gives her a major setback. Dean sets out on an adventure without Desna. Will Virginia keep him safe, or will he have a meltdown? Roller convinces his captor to go to an art show so he can try to escape. Uncle Daddy is renewing his wedding vows, so the crew has to throw him an extravagant party. Uncle Daddy allows the crew to leave the Dixie Mafia.
There are some great moments with Desna, and Jennifer. Dean going to the art show with Virginia is pretty interesting. The best parts however involve Roller. His crazy captor, the art show, his escape, and being abducted again.
7/10
Episode #8 Teatro
Roller returns, and conveniently has amnesia. It seems Desna, and Virgina are safe for now. Roller is unhappy with all the changes that have taken place since his "death". He wants the clinic, and Desna back. Bryce isn't about to just hand it back though. Could this be trouble for the Dixie Mafia? Roller tries to start a war with the Russians.
This episodes obviously offers some great tension. Wondering if Roller will get his memory back or not. There is a lot of tension between Jennifer, and Bryce she wants him to quit the clinic, but he is enjoying himself to much.
6.5/10
Episode #9 Ambrosia
Roller abducts Desna, and intends to set her up. Bryce decides they should start a war with the Russians. We are also treated to flashbacks of Desna, and Rollers courtship. Uncle Daddys calls a meeting with Ted to ask permission to kill the Russians, but he does not want to start a war.
Niecy Nash shines again in this episode. She puts in a great performance dealing with her abduction from Roller. I do like that they are developing Dean's character more. We also get to know Quiet Ann more as she has begun sleeping with the enemy.
6.5/10
Episode #10 Avalanche
Avalanche is the final episode of season 1 and everything is amplified 100%. Roller manages to finally start a war with the Russians. The Dixie Mafia loses another member.
This is the best episode of the season. There are so many twists and turn it's hard to figure out who is crossing who. The stand off near the end is pure gold. We get to see the opening of Glint. The crew was able to reach their goal. Sadly everthing doesn't work out for Desna.
9/10
Claws Season 1 DVD Unboxing and Review by Bobs Movie Review
