Lifetime's new soap doesn't debut officially until Sunday, June 23rd, but the Devious Maids pilot can be seen right now on Hulu. Additionally, the pilot can be viewed on imdb.com both in English: http://www.imdb.com/video/hulu/vi2773657113/ y en Espanol: http://www.imdb.com/video/hulu/vi1046062617/.
The story is set among the wealthy in the exclusive enclave of Beverly Hills, with a plot that revolves around five ambitious maids and the families they serve. It's yet another class warfare tale. Let's hope this production, which is co-executive produced by Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry and DH co-star Eva Longoria, fares better than Tyler Perry's recent similarly themed but critically drubbed, The Haves and the Have Nots, on OWN.
A review in the current (June 21, 2013, #1264, p.60)) issue of Entertainment Weekly says, "It's all the class warfare you get with Downton Abbey, but with way more cleavage."
http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/04/10/devious-maids-marc-cherry-lifetime/
Reminiscent of Mary Alice's suicide that began the Desperate Housewives saga that continued for eight seasons, Devious Maids opens with a fight, a murder and a mystery.
EW praises the strong cast that includes: Grant Show (Melrose Place), Melinda Page Hamilton (Vegas), Susan Lucci (AMC), Stephen Collins (7th Heaven), Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty) and Judy Reyes (Scrubs), but also criticizes the numerous negative stereotypes, a factor that's generating controversy already, as 'Devious Maids' Star Dania Ramirez Defends The Show.
A dust-up over Latina roles in 'Devious Maids' - latimes.com
Susan Lucci dishes on 'Devious Maids'.
I just watched the pilot and it was hilarious. The production values, including set design and costumes, are lavish, appropriately befitting the Beverly Hills setting. The writing is witty and sharp. The characters, in some cases, are larger than life; some of the acting is OTT, as it's supposed to be. (Not to pile on, but Tyler Perry, take note. This is what Haves...Have Nots could've/should've been). Nothing deep and meaningful here, just an often dark, wickedly twisted and mostly fun summertime series that will probably be the next big hit for Lifetime. If the major broadcast networks passed on Devious Maids , they'll be kicking themselves when the overnights (ratings) are posted. It has all the typical Marc Cherry trademarks and most importantly, it doesn't take itself too seriously. Neither should the critics and the audience. Enjoy!
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