Reviews

From Michael Caruso, writer/producer of Emmy nominated web-series DeVanity and Witherthorne, comes another decadent and sumptuous mini-series to thrill fans of the prime-time soap genre.

Based on the hit book of the same name by daytime soap producer Ken Corday (Days of Our Lives) Ladies of the Lake Michael Caruso has created another hit for the decades.

Ladies of the Lake tells the story of the rich and powerful women of Avalon, a gated community on the West Coast, as they show their strength of will over the men in their life. Over four episodes we get to know the 'Ladies' as their stories intertwine and secrets are revealed.

Once again Caruso brings together a plethora of daytime soap stars from everyone's favourite sudsy serials (including Martha Madison, Lily Melgar, Marie Wilson, Arianne Zucker, Patrika Darbo, Kyle Lowder, Gordon Thomson, Wally Kurth and Ian Buchanan) and utilises them to their potential that writers of daytime often fail to do.

As with all of Michael's work the cinematography and direction (Rodolphe Portier and Sonia Blandigaro) is up there with the most lavish prime-time series (for a fraction of the budget).

A big shout out must also go out for Jillian Clare who is truly captivating as Cassidy Montgomery.

Here's looking forward to seeing more of the Ladies in the future.

Among the many web-series out there one true gem is DeVanity. The brainchild of Michael Caruso, DeVanity brings all the drama of prime- time hits such as Dallas and Dynasty smack, bang into the new millennium.

DeVanity follows the lives of Jason DeVanity and his family as they struggle to run the famous DeVanity jewellery empire following the bloody murder of their father Richard. Over four seasons and twenty-eight episodes Michael Caruso showcases his talents as writer, actor and producer to craft what is one of the best web-series around. Aided by an ensemble cast including Alex Zibolis, Katie Caprio, Mike Dierksen, Katie Apicella we are drawn into the diabolical schemes of a family that make the Ewings look like the Waltons.

Over the four seasons you can see how the cast and crew have honed and improved their skills in a way that is rarely seen on prime-time television. As well as being full of twist, turns and double-dealings Michael Caruso is also able to inject warmth and emotion into the DeVanities, forcing you to love them despite their misdeeds.

In addition to the main cast as the series has progressed there is also an amazing roster of guest stars from both prime-time and day-time drama including Robin Riker, Maxwell Caulfield, Charlene Tilton, Arianne Zucker, Steve Kanalay Sheree J. Wilson and Andrea Evans as well as series regulars Kyle Lowder (season 3) and Gordon Thomson (season 4). However these roles should not be considered as stunt casting as Michael's writing is able to bring life to these characters and allow the guests to show what they are truly capable of especially Gordon Thomson who steals every scene he is in as Preston Regis, a remarkable villain who would be more than a match for Thomson's Adam Carrington.

As well as the fantastic acting credit must also be given to Kelley and Rodolphe Portier, who as director and cinematographer, bring a real touch of elegance and class to the series which along with truly remarkable production values makes you believe that the DeVanities are the bitchiest family on the West Coast.