Erica Noughton

This was a great season premiere that only touched on some of the darker aspects to come. Vanessa Redgrave is simply perfect as Erica, and the episode as a whole was excellent. The plot line with Sean and his problems with operations was very good indeed, and the musical montages continue to be nothing short of brilliant. The subplot between the woman and her gay best friend was also very interesting, and it had a depressing payoff. Overall, this was a great episode with plenty of foreshadowing and perfect performances (as always). However, for some reason this show often brings in subplots and just never touches them again. This episode isn't one of the worst culprits, but I didn't like how there was absolutely no mention of Escobar whatsoever.

Erica Noughton is played by the fabulously talented Vanessa Redgrave who believe it or not turned down Damehood in 1999. She should have been made a Dame years ago but that's another story. Here she is sexy, sensual, and believe it or not is extremely beautiful at her age far more than women half her age. Anyway, she plays child psychologist and is Julia's mother (what a coup in casting?) because she is Joely's real life mother. The scene in the gym between mother and daughter is quite interesting. I love Vanessa Redgrave and I think she is one of the most talented and gifted actresses of our generation. She makes it look so easy. Of course, this episode was the first for me watching Nip/Tuck and I left the show with mixed feelings. Then I returned and realized it's brilliance and have never left it. The scene between her and Christian is unforgettable. You forget that she's old enough to be his mother too.