A nail salon in a run-down Florida strip mall is the setting for TNT’s dark, violent dramedy, in which drugs and death are nearly as prevalent as manicures. The proprietor is sassy Desna Simms (Niecy Nash), who launders money for the pill-pushing Dixie Mafia headed by Clay Husser (Dean Norris), also known as Uncle Daddy. Desna needs the cash for a good reason—to take proper care of her autistic brother (Harold Perrineau)—and her staff is composed of other women who have had tough lives (an ex-con, a lesbian, a former prostitute). The plot begins with the apparent murder of Roller Husser (Jack Kesy), Desna’s contact with the Husser family, as well as her occasional lover. His death sets off a series of crises within the Dixie Mafia and among the salon staff that culminate in the intervention of the Russian mob, who Roller owed much money. Desna will become key to trying to arrange a truce between the warring families. Nash is magnetic (and appropriately catty) as Simms, and the supporting cast is strong, but in its bid to emulate hard-hitting premium-cable programming Claws comes on too strong—often feeling forced and frantic in its desire to shock. Still, this can be a very entertaining show. Presenting all 10 episodes from the 2017 debut season, this is a strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)
Claws: The Complete First Season
Warner, 3 discs, 483 min., not rated, DVD: $24.99 Volume 33, Issue 4
Claws: The Complete First Season
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