United States of Tara
United States of Tara

TV Show spotlight

United States of Tara

2011
TV Show
Ended
3 Seasons
English

Tara's multiple personalities include "T" the wild-child teenager, "Buck" the rough and tumble biker dude, and "Alice" the type-A homemaker. But with a family that loves her just the way she is, Tara never gives up hope that someday she can just be herself.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic67/100
Google Users87%
Director: Craig MazinGenres: Comedy-Drama, Family

Plot Summary

The series follows Tara Gregson, a suburban mother and wife who, after years of suppressing her dissociative identity disorder, decides to stop taking her medication. This decision leads to the re-emergence of her various alter egos, complicating her family life and relationships. Her husband, Max, and two children, Kate and Marshall, must navigate the chaotic and often darkly humorous consequences of Tara's shifting personalities. The show explores themes of mental health, family dynamics, and the struggle for identity.

Critical Reception

The 'United States of Tara' was generally well-received by critics, particularly for its unique premise and Toni Collette's powerhouse performance. While some found the storylines occasionally uneven, the show was praised for its blend of dark humor and poignant drama, effectively tackling sensitive subject matter with both sensitivity and wit. Audience reception was also positive, drawn to the compelling character studies and the emotional depth of the series.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Toni Collette's exceptional and versatile performance.

  • Appreciated for its unique exploration of mental health with a blend of humor and drama.

  • Some found the narrative arcs to be inconsistent across seasons.

Google audience: Viewers largely praised the show for its originality and Toni Collette's performance, appreciating its ability to handle complex themes with a mix of humor and genuine emotion. Many found the character dynamics compelling and the storylines engaging, though some noted occasional narrative stretches.

Awards & Accolades

Toni Collette won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy in 2010 and received multiple Emmy nominations for her role. The show itself received nominations for Emmys and Golden Globes.

Fun Fact

The character of 'Buck', one of Tara's alters, was originally conceived as a male Vietnam War veteran, but was later reimagined as a foul-mouthed, biker chick.

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