The Client List

The Client List is an American drama television series that graced the screens of Lifetime from 2012 to 2013. The show, developed by Jordan Budde, starred Jennifer Love Hewitt, who also served as an executive producer, alongside Carl Beverly, Sarah Timberman, Dannielle Thomas, Howard Braunstein, and Michael Reisz. Based on a 2010 television film of the same name, this series comprised of 25 episodes over two seasons that provided an intriguing mix of drama and controversy depicting the trials and tribulations faced by a Texas housewife who sustains her family by running an unconventional business.

Jennifer Love Hewitt portrays the lead character, Riley Parks, a woman navigating through desperate times. When her husband, played by Brian Hallisay, runs away due to financial concerns, leaving her alone with two children, she takes up an unexpected job at a seemingly traditional day spa, hidden in a strip mall. As soon as she steps into her new role, she discovers that the spa offers more than your typical massages, they offer 'happy endings’. She grapples with the reality of providing erotic services to its clientele, and the dilemma of maintaining it a secret from her friends and neighbors is a central plot-point.

The series is not merely about Heidi’s shocking employment; it explores her motivational spirit to keep her family afloat, the extent of sacrifices she's willing to make for her children, the deception she must maintain to protect her loved ones, and her constant uphill battle against the ensuing chaos. Besides, the interactions and friendships among the women who work in the spa, their shared secrets, and their support for each other through difficult times form an important relational element of the storyline.

Riley's mother, portrayed by the iconic Cybill Shepherd, serves as a moral compass, navigating the turbulent waters alongside her daughter, though oblivious to the secrets. Loretta Devine takes on the character of Georgia Cummings, the vivacious and street-smart owner of the spa where Riley works. A deep and complicated friendship develops between them, which forms an integral part of the narrative. Colin Egglesfield as Evan Parks, Riley's brother-in-law, brings a rich layer of emotional context to the story, especially as he provides emotional and practical support in her husband's absence. Other critical characters like Nikki played by Naturi Naughton, Selena by Alicia Lagano, and Jolene by Rebecca Field bring their own complexities and secrets to the plot, enriching the overall narrative.

While the series revolves around rather controversial subjects, it manages to blend these with themes of family values, friendships, motherhood, adversity, and survival. The show portrays the essence and struggles of the women working in the industry, their dilemmas, their desires, making it as much about their day-to-day lives as about the services they offer. The moral, ethical, personal, and societal issues confronted by these women provide the series its unique depth and texture.

The setting of the series is small-town Texas, adding a strong sense of locality and community. The atmosphere created by the salon's suburban location, the slice of life scenes in the Parks’ household, the local police station, school, and other common spaces all contribute to a sense of realism, despite the plot's sometimes over-the-top elements.

The Client List delivers high-quality entertainment due to its ensemble cast delivering spectacular performances, spearheaded by Jennifer Love Hewitt’s compelling and emotionally-resonant performance. Hewitt’s transition, from the girl-next-door roles to a gritty, mature character, imparts a unique charm that glues the viewers to their screens.

In conclusion, The Client List is a series that beckons you to reevaluate preconceived notions and moral judgments. It fleshes out individual characters acutely, painting them as real people with real flaws, but equally real dreams and aspirations. The show masterfully manages to combine elements of drama, suspense, emotions, delivering a deep, thoughtful, and at times, provocative viewing experience with its daring story of survival and the lengths a mother will go to protect her family.