Masters of Sex (season 3)

The third season of the American television drama series Masters of Sex premiered on July 12, 2015, and concluded on September 27, 2015, consisting of 12 episodes. Showtime broadcast the third season on Sundays at 10:00 pm (ET) in the United States.[1]

Masters of Sex
Season 3
Season 3 promotional poster
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes12
Release
Original networkShowtime
Original releaseJuly 12 (2015-07-12) –
September 27, 2015 (2015-09-27)
Season chronology

The series was developed for television by Michelle Ashford and is based on the biography Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, the Couple Who Taught America How to Love by Thomas Maier. Masters of Sex tells the story of Dr. William Masters (Michael Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan), two pioneering researchers of human sexuality at Washington University in St. Louis. The third season takes place between 1965 and 1968.[1][2]

Cast

Main

Recurring

Guests

Production

The series was renewed for a 12-episode third season on August 20, 2014, by Showtime.[3] In March 2015, Allison Janney confirmed she would return for the third season in a multi-episode arc,[4] and Beau Bridges was also confirmed to be returning by series developer Michelle Ashford.[5] Series regular Teddy Sears, who portrays Austin Langham, returned in a recurring role for the third season.[6] In April 2015, it was reported that Maggie Grace would guest star in an episode, playing a gynecologist.[7] Isabelle Fuhrman was cast in a recurring role, playing Virginia's daughter, Tessa; Fuhrman took over the role from Kayla Madison, who played the character for the first two seasons.[8] In May 2015, several recurring roles were announced, including Josh Charles, Tate Donovan, Julie Ann Emery,[9][10] and that Heléne Yorke would return as Jane Martin in a recurring role after only appearing once in season 2 due to Yorke's unavailability.[11] In June 2015, it was announced that Sarah Silverman would reprise her role as Helen for a multi-episode arc in season 3.[12] In July 2015, it was announced that Emily Kinney was cast in a recurring role as Nora.[13]

The season premiere was released online on YouTube and Showtime's official website on July 2, 2015. The episode, however, is censored for content, including strong language and nudity.[14]

Episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateUS viewers
(millions)
251"Parliament of Owls"Jeremy WebbMichelle AshfordJuly 12, 2015 (2015-07-12)0.583[15]
In 1965, Bill and Virginia prepare to finally publish their work as they hold a press conference for academics and journalists. In flashbacks to the previous summer, the Masters and Johnson families vacation together at a lake house. Virginia struggles with her two oldest children; Henry wants to enlist in the military, and Virginia wants Bill to talk to Tessa about sex. Meanwhile, Libby is dealing with depression. After the press conference, Bill discovers Virginia is pregnant.
262"Three's a Crowd"Dean ParisotAmy LippmanJuly 19, 2015 (2015-07-19)0.535[16]
Virginia confirms to Bill that the father of her child is her ex-husband, George. Bill wants Virginia to take a leave of absence as her pregnancy is becoming noticeable, and doesn't want to attract attention as she's unmarried. Meanwhile, Libby worries that if people discover Virginia is pregnant, they'll think it's Bill's, and she questions Bill about it. Bill suggests that Virginia marry George for show, to legitimatize her child and to avoid drawing attention. Virginia marries George and later gives birth to their daughter, Lisa. Bill and Virginia's book, Human Sexual Response, is released.
273"The Excitement of Release"Miguel SapochnikSteven LevensonJuly 26, 2015 (2015-07-26)0.509[17]
The book receives good reviews, however it also causes some controversy among the public, and the office receives several negative letters. Tessa tells her mother that since the book was released, she feels embarrassed at school since everyone knows who her mother is. Later Tessa is orally raped by a boy in a car at a school dance after she said she did not want to fellate him. Libby socializes with a neighbor who is planning on leaving her husband, which leads Libby to question her marriage to Bill. Bill wants to sell the book as a medical textbook, but needs investors. He desperately wants Washington University to buy it, but they reject it as the subject is still too controversial. Jane, now married to Lester, is hired to sort through the letters the office received regarding the release of the book. Bill visits Barton and, after Barton is insulted by Chancellor Fitzhugh, offers the former a job. Fitzhugh declines using the book as a textbook. Virginia and Betty meet with potential investors, including Hugh Hefner of Playboy. Bill rejects the idea of being associated with Playboy, as that's not the image they want. They end up choosing Dan Logan, a businessman who works in the fragrance industry, who wants to capture the smell of sex in a bottle.
284"Undue Influence"Christopher ManleyGina FattoreAugust 2, 2015 (2015-08-02)0.585[18]
Virginia is caught off guard when she gets letters from her son serving in the war, and thinks he might be sick, which may keep her home as Bill and Virginia are urged to tour the country in order to increase book sales. Bill tries to become more social as he and Virginia take on an investor in the perfume industry. Libby tries to help care for her neighbors after a tragic event.
295"Matters of Gravity"Adam ArkinEsta SpaldingAugust 9, 2015 (2015-08-09)0.552[19]
Bill is invited back to Washington University to deliver a speech after the success of the book. Virginia is surprised by the arrival of her parents. Margaret tries to adapt to a three-person relationship.
306"Two Scents"Michael WeaverDavid FlebotteAugust 16, 2015 (2015-08-16)0.734[20]
Bill and Virginia struggle to continue their relationship as Logan continues to pursue her. Bill's problems with his son escalate when Bill makes Johnny sign up for football. Libby discovers Joy's secret apartment. Virginia's mother continues to stir up trouble. Bill and Virginia take on an actress and a football player who are having problems with their sex life.
317"Monkey Business"Adam ArkinMichelle Ashford & David FlebotteAugust 23, 2015 (2015-08-23)0.643[21]
Bill reluctantly agrees to help resolve the sexual dysfunction of a gorilla just as he and Virginia are being interviewed by Newsweek. Virginia and Dan Logan continue being intimate together. Libby apologizes to Paul for revealing Joy's true feelings. Betty and Helen, after deciding they want a child, begin looking for sperm donors.
328"Surrogates"Matt Earl BeesleySteven LevensonAugust 30, 2015 (2015-08-30)0.688[22]
Virginia and Logan drop everything to relax in Las Vegas, but Virginia can't seem to put her work behind her. Bill starts his surrogacy program despite Virginia's prior skepticism, and quickly finds a promising student, Nora Everett, a former neighbour of his. Libby is forced to confront memories of Robert, who was killed after being run over by a sleeping driver in 1964. Betty and Helen enlist Austin to help them have a baby.
339"High Anxiety"Dan AttiasJonathan IglaSeptember 6, 2015 (2015-09-06)0.562[23]
Bill becomes desperate to reconnect with Virginia as she raises concerns about Bill's new surrogacy program. The program suffers several early hiccups when Lester accidentally talks about a sensitive subject during training, and then when Nora slips up on her first subject. Dan plans on leaving Missouri. Libby tries to set Paul up with one of her friends. Austin loses custody of his kids and ends up staying with Betty and Helen.
3410"Through a Glass, Darkly"Jeremy WebbSteven Levenson & Esta SpaldingSeptember 13, 2015 (2015-09-13)0.601[24]
Virginia's absence in Bill's love life continues to have an upsetting effect on him, and he ends up having to sacrifice his surrogacy program. Later, in an uncharacteristic act of desperation, he makes a sexual pass on Nora, but then changes his mind. Later, Nora is seen meeting Ronald Sturgis, the religious zealot who has been camped out in the clinic's lobby. Libby and Paul take their relationship to the next level. Tessa is caught in the act with her boyfriend.
3511"Party of Four"Susanna WhiteAmy LippmanSeptember 20, 2015 (2015-09-20)0.548[25]
While in New York, Bill orchestrates a dinner with Virginia, Dan, and Dan's wife, in hopes he will finally be reunited with Virginia. Libby and Paul's night together is interrupted when a detective shows up to investigate an accusation about Bill.
3612"Full Ten Count"Michael AptedMichelle AshfordSeptember 27, 2015 (2015-09-27)0.605[26]
With their publisher eager to move forward with their new book and the police investigating Bill's recent indiscretions, all of Bill and Virginia's work is compromised when Nora betrays them by participating in a police sting operation that makes it look like they are paying her for her surrogate work, tantamount to prostitution. Virginia finally chooses between Dan and Bill.

Reception

Critical response

The third season has received generally positive reviews from critics. It has a Metacritic score of 72 out of 100 based on 14 reviews.[27] On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 77% approval rating among critics based on 26 reviews, with a rating average of 7.9 out of 10.[28] Verne Gay of Newsday wrote that the series "just gets better and better" and that it has "layered, intricate stories".[2] Robert Rorke of the New York Post praised the performances of Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan.[29]

Accolades

For the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards, Allison Janney was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.[30]

References
  1. Mitovich, Matt Webb (March 25, 2015). "Masters of Sex, Ray Donovan Get Season 3 Premiere Dates". TVLine. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  2. Gay, Verne (July 10, 2015). "'Masters of Sex' season 3 review: It just keeps getting better". Newsday. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  3. Swift, Andy (August 20, 2014). "Showtime Renews Ray Donovan, Masters of Sex for Third Seasons". TVLine. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
  4. Slezak, Michael (March 2, 2015). "Allison Janney Confirms Masters of Sex Season 3 Return". TVLine. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  5. Dos Santos, Kristin (March 3, 2015). "Spoiler Chat: Scoop on Empire, The Good Wife, The Affair and More!". E! Online. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  6. Ausiello, Michael (April 1, 2015). "Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on Leftovers, Masters of Sex, Flash, Bones, Castle, Grimm, Empire and More". TVLine. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  7. Stanhope, Kate (April 22, 2015). "'Lost' Alum Maggie Grace Checks Into 'Masters of Sex' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  8. Andreeva, Nellie (April 17, 2015). "Isabelle Fuhrman Joins 'Masters Of Sex'". Deadline.com. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  9. Hibberd, James (May 5, 2015). "Josh Charles joins Masters of Sex in major role". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  10. Sandberg, Bryn Elise (May 20, 2015). "'Masters of Sex' Adds Tate Donovan and Julie Ann Emery". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  11. Andreeva, Nellie (May 1, 2015). "Heléne Yorke Returns To 'Masters Of Sex'". Deadline.com. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
  12. Friedlander, Whitney (June 24, 2015). "Sarah Silverman Returning to 'Masters of Sex'". Variety. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
  13. Abrams, Natalie (July 6, 2015). "Walking Dead star Emily Kinney heads to Masters of Sex". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  14. Keene, Allison (July 2, 2015). "Watch the Season 3 Premieres of RAY DONOVAN, MASTERS OF SEX Early". Collider. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  15. Metcalf, Mitch (July 14, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 7.12.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on July 14, 2015. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  16. Metcalf, Mitch (July 21, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 7.19.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on July 23, 2015. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
  17. Metcalf, Mitch (July 28, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 7.26.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on July 30, 2015. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
  18. Metcalf, Mitch (August 4, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 8.2.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on August 6, 2015. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  19. Metcalf, Mitch (August 11, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 8.9.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on August 12, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  20. Metcalf, Mitch (August 18, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 8.16.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on August 20, 2015. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
  21. Metcalf, Mitch (August 25, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 8.23.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on August 26, 2015. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  22. Metcalf, Mitch (September 1, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 8.30.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on September 1, 2015. Retrieved September 1, 2015.
  23. Metcalf, Mitch (September 9, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 9.6.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on September 11, 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  24. Metcalf, Mitch (September 15, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 9.13.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on September 17, 2015. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  25. Metcalf, Mitch (September 22, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 9.20.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on September 22, 2015. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
  26. Metcalf, Mitch (September 29, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 9.27.2015". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on September 29, 2015. Retrieved September 29, 2015.
  27. "Masters of Sex - Season 3 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  28. "Masters of Sex: Season 3". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  29. Rorke, Robert (July 7, 2015). "Best 'Sex' ever: Caplan & Sheen are 'Masters' of their domain". New York Post. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  30. Prudom, Laura (July 14, 2016). "Emmy Nominations 2016: Full List of Nominees". Variety. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
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