Through some online glitch (ok, it was on Facebook, I confess) I was able to watch the first two episodes of Showtime's new series "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" which premieres next Monday, June 16. It is good! Set in London, it is based on the life of Hannah, aka Belle de Jour, who is a high-priced call girl who really loves her job. What makes it interesting is her dual life: the racy adventures as Belle, and the normal girl life as Hannah (her job is a secret from her friends and family). The show is based on the blog of a supposed real life call girl, and aired on UK tv before being shown in America.
Billie Piper as Hannah/Belle is wonderful to watch, and she draws us into her world by talking to us through the camera, which reminds me of the early episodes of "Sex & the City". Even her large closet reminds me of Carrie's, and from the previews, the wardrobe in this show will not disappoint.
Showtime seems to do well with stories centered around on somewhat tortured, modern-day heroes who have unconventional, edgy lives: Nancy in "Weeds", Hank in "Californication", Dexter, and even Henry XIII in "the Tudors". In fact, they have paired "Diary" with "Weeds" in a pin-up girl style poster, with the tag line "It's a business doing pleaure with you" - clever. Belle is a fine addition to this crew, and I look forward to seeing her character unfold.
Love that the opening theme music is Mark Ronson. This is one to watch!
