HOLLYWOOD—Well, TNT sure knows how to deliver some drama when it comes to riveting television. The new series “Claws,” delivers unique personalities, loads of drama, great acting and surprises galore. For starters, in what seems like a movement to present stronger female characters on the small screen, look no further than Desna Simms (Niecy Nash), who plays the fiery owner of a nail salon in the town of Manatee County.
The role is a departure for Nash, who has rarely been seen in such a light as an actress, and I must admit it was a ton of fun to watch. She is sassy, blunt, brutally honest and not afraid to throw a few punches here and there to get what she aims for. At the forefront of Desna’s dreams is saving the revenue to purchase her own salon, but it is no easy task.
As a result, Desna starts to launder money for her boyfriend Roller (Jack Kesy) and his Uncle Daddy (Dean Norris) via a neighboring pain clinic located just a few feet from her salon. Desna is all about her money, so if anyone, and I mean anyone interferes with that, they should expect a stern warning. Along for the ride are Desna’s co-workers, Polly (Carrie Preston), Ann (Judy Reyes), Jennifer (Jenn Lyon) and newbie manicurist Virginia (Karrueche Tran).
This is a series that has some serious talent behind it; we’re looking at actors and actresses who have made a name for themselves on the small screen. Even actor Harold Perrineau joins the mix as Desna’s special needs brother who she cares for. That is an element that is quite important as it provides another layer to this woman who some might equate to the Godfather, I prefer the term the ‘Godmother’ because the level of respect she gets from people and she demands from them is epic.
I will admit for the first episode, there was plenty of chaos going on. This is not a show that is tame when it comes to sex, violence or language. Be warned this is not a series for kids, so it’s a good thing it hits the airwaves late at night people. I mean within the first 10 minutes we see Desna and Roller getting busy in the back of her shop, while workers and customers sit only a few feet away. It later leads to a confrontation with Uncle Daddy (a hilariously dark role for “Breaking Bad” alum Norris), who cheats the lady on her money.
That further leads to strife for Desna and Roller, as well as Virginia who just so happens to be sleeping with Roller. That is where “Claws” has a bit of an edge. It’s not a dragged out tale; the audience just like the characters immediately discover the charade, which explodes in epic, hilarious fashion people. We have slight pokes at the backgrounds of these characters, but as a viewer you absolutely want to know more.
I’m intrigued to learn more about Polly, why she has that ankle bracelet and why she is living in a hotel. Jennifer we know very little about beyond being Desna’s ride or die chick. As for Quiet Ann, we know she doesn’t speak, but I’m certain it’s a backstory worth exploring. I will admit I was surprised with the acting chops delivered by Karrueche Tran who has been expanding her credentials more and more people.
“Claws” is not only a show about strong, driven women, but the exploration of the world of organized crime that hasn’t always been explored in the TV world, beyond “The Sopranos” if you ask me. Drugs is a common theme, organized crime not as much so that is an interesting facet to the show worth digging into.
There is plenty that happens in just one episode that absolutely alerts the viewer, there is plenty to this story that will unfold in coming weeks. Friends become enemies; enemies become allies, betrayal and backstabbing looks like a common theme. I mean what else can you ask for in a series? “Claws” might become my first guilty pleasure of the summer, it airs Sundays at p.m. on TNT.
