Best Performance: Ann Dowd as AUNT LYDIA

I am not so familiar with her work (I keep mixing her up with other performers, like the foster spy mom from ORPHAN BLACK). Wikipedia says she was in LORENZO'S OIL years ago...and I imagine she played the sister-in-law, who I remember had some good, grounded moments (like when she tests the titular oil on a salad.) But in a vivid way, Ms. Dowd has reminded me how some people simply CAN ACT, and others are merely professional.

SHE IS SO GREAT IN THIS PART! She just totally inhabits the character and gives so much weight and distinction to her line readings, effortlessly. And it's not even like the character has all that much to say...though it seems to be elaborated on slightly from the book. This woman is wonderfully inhabiting the character.

It almost makes me wish the series were about her.

It's funny, because Elizabeth McGovern was also the most vivid thing about the tepid 1990 film version in another supporting role; she was very alive, and funny, as Moira. Every move she made seemed RIGHT.

Now I'm wishing there was some time glitch, and the 1990 McGovern could be in a spin-off with the 2017 Dowd in these roles, where the show's all about them. It's very rare to see performers cast so perfectly.
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