Author Topic: Rake: A TV series review (Read 5739 times)

danny_galaga · « **on:** April 01, 2011, 07:47:24 am »

I don't suppose many TV series from Australia get shipped around the world. There's Neighbours, and Kath and Kim and The Wiggles. There are in fact a number of shows that are top notch, but probably too topical for export. I've been watching a series called Rake which I think would be well received in other countries so here's a quick review just in case it makes it to cable. If you happen to notice the name in the TV guide or something, check it out!

Rake is a series about a barrister, Cleaver Greene. The story was written by a barrister, so no doubt draws on his experiences. Cleaver is skilled in law, but pretty much sucks at everything else. Self centred and selfish, he is divorced, and lives in a room above a cafe. Luckily he still gets along well with his ex wife, because she helps him a lot. He has a huge gambling and drinking problem. The tax office is after him. His favourite hooker has left for greener pastures, and his clients present ridiculous challenges. Cleaver is played by a great actor named Richard Roxburgh. He has flirted with Hollywood a few times (Van Helsing, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Moulin Rouge) but I suspect it's not entirely his thing. He co produces this show.

The series features guest stars like Sam Neil (Jurassic Park, The Piano, Event Horizon) and Hugo Weaving (Mr Smith in The Matrix, Lord of the Rings, Priscilla Queen of the Desert). Hugo plays a cannibal

The rest of the cast is great too. Most are hardly known here, let alone overseas so no point mentioning any names. This is a top quality production, with an excellent script and a great story (so far) if you get a chance check it out! I've seen maybe 4 episodes out of the 8 so far. Here's hoping the end isn't lame. I'll update when I see it

But at this stage I'd say 4.5/5

danny_galaga · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2012, 07:55:21 am »

A serious bump. The first series finished beautifully, and I couldn't see how they could ever do a second. But they have. I just watched the first episode, and it's off to a good start (",) Toni Collette (United States of Tara) guest stars in the first episode.

Again, if you happen to see the name on a cable network programme or something, this is well worth checking out...

Zero_Hour · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2012, 06:03:09 pm »

Season 2 is about to start on the Audience Network (DirecTV subscribers) here in the US. I've seen a few episodes from season 1, and Roxburgh is funny as hell. They've picked up a few Canadian and British shows as well. Call Me Fitz, starring Jason Priestly, is especially subversive and funny.

danny_galaga · « **Reply #3 on:** September 07, 2012, 01:25:45 am »

Quote from: Zero_Hour on September 06, 2012, 06:03:09 pm

Season 2 is about to start on the Audience Network (DirecTV subscribers) here in the US. I've seen a few episodes from season 1, and Roxburgh is funny as hell. They've picked up a few Canadian and British shows as well. Call Me Fitz, starring Jason Priestly, is especially subversive and funny.

This is seriously good news! Glad you enjoyed it (",)

wp34 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 07, 2012, 02:28:32 pm »

I watched an episode of Fitz and FM last night on Audience. Fitz was surprisingly good. There were several commercials for Rake. It looks hilarious and I've like Roxburgh in most everything I've seen him in. Can I get the gist of things starting with Season 2?

danny_galaga · « **Reply #5 on:** September 08, 2012, 03:06:07 am »

Quote from: wp34 on September 07, 2012, 02:28:32 pm

I watched an episode of Fitz and FM last night on Audience. Fitz was surprisingly good. There were several commercials for Rake. It looks hilarious and I've like Roxburgh in most everything I've seen him in. Can I get the gist of things starting with Season 2?

Yes. All you need to know is he is still friends with his ex, and he shagged his best mates wife in series 1.

Oh, and a Premier in Australia is akin to a Governor in the USA.

wp34 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 14, 2012, 06:11:30 pm »

Looks like DirectTV Audience is showing a mini marathon of Rake on Sunday.

wp34 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 23, 2012, 12:22:47 pm »

I'm 4 episodes in and am hooked. This show is fantastic. The Sam Neil episode in-particular was uncomfortably funny.

Danny - does this show appear on "regular" TV in Australia?

danny_galaga · « **Reply #8 on:** September 28, 2012, 02:21:50 am »

Quote from: wp34 on September 23, 2012, 12:22:47 pm

I'm 4 episodes in and am hooked. This show is fantastic. The Sam Neil episode in-particular was uncomfortably funny.

Danny - does this show appear on "regular" TV in Australia?

Yeah, a free to air station called ABC. No relation to American ABC. I'm glad you're enjoying it (",)

danny_galaga · « **Reply #9 on:** October 30, 2012, 07:46:02 am »

Well, just finished the second series. Good stuff, very funny ending (",)

Could possibly be room for a third series, but I'm not sure what direction it would take...

wp34 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 30, 2012, 02:08:35 pm »

I'm two behind you. The last one with the "IT Lecturer" was a riot. Glad to hear it ends well.

danny_galaga · « **Reply #11 on:** November 01, 2012, 06:05:50 am »

Quote from: wp34 on October 30, 2012, 02:08:35 pm

I'm two behind you. The last one with the "IT Lecturer" was a riot. Glad to hear it ends well.

Didn't end too well for the IT lecturer

wp34 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 01, 2012, 03:46:11 pm »

Quote from: danny_galaga on November 01, 2012, 06:05:50 am

Didn't end too well for the IT lecturer

Yeah I can't think of too many worse scenarios.

I think my favorite part of the show is how Cleaver calls David Potter "Harry-Sorry-David-Potter."

It looks like they are going to make an American version starring Greg Kinnear. I like Greg but I highly doubt it will be as good as the original.

danny_galaga · « **Reply #13 on:** November 03, 2012, 02:52:28 am »

Quote from: wp34 on November 01, 2012, 03:46:11 pm

Quote from: danny_galaga on November 01, 2012, 06:05:50 am
Didn't end too well for the IT lecturer

Yeah I can't think of too many worse scenarios.

I think my favorite part of the show is how Cleaver calls David Potter "Harry-Sorry-David-Potter."

It looks like they are going to make an American version starring Greg Kinnear. I like Greg but I highly doubt it will be as good as the original.

Yeah, doing remakes like that is very hit and miss. But it does mean extra money for the original producers, which means they are more likely to put out more quality shows. I hope...

crashwg · « **Reply #14 on:** November 11, 2012, 07:39:17 pm »

Thanks for letting us know about this show. Loving it so far. Best part is the full bed in ep 5!

Question though. Rake? Am I missing something or do you have to be from upside-down land to understand the title?

wp34 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 11, 2012, 07:50:57 pm »

Quote from: danny_galaga on October 30, 2012, 07:46:02 am

Well, just finished the second series. Good stuff, very funny ending (",)

Could possibly be room for a third series, but I'm not sure what direction it would take...

I wasn't expecting that ending. Could be my American upbringing conditioned me to expect a different result. Very funny and appropriate though. I agree with you about the possibilities for a third season. It could be done but I'm not sure what direction it would take.

danny_galaga · « **Reply #16 on:** November 12, 2012, 03:01:47 am »

Quote from: crashwg on November 11, 2012, 07:39:17 pm

Thanks for letting us know about this show. Loving it so far. Best part is the full bed in ep 5!

Question though. Rake? Am I missing something or do you have to be from upside-down land to understand the title?

I'm actually not 100 % sure myself. I think it was the title of the book originally, and might have something to do with 'muck raking' or summink...

crashwg · « **Reply #17 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:29:55 am »

I think I found the intended meaning: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rake_%28character%29

wp34 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 12, 2012, 11:00:37 am »

Quote from: crashwg on November 12, 2012, 10:29:55 am

I think I found the intended meaning: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rake_%28character%29

Yep that certainly fits.

danny_galaga · « **Reply #19 on:** November 13, 2012, 03:24:18 am »

Quote from: crashwg on November 12, 2012, 10:29:55 am

I think I found the intended meaning: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rake_%28character%29

I think you've nailed it! Well found (",)

wp34 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 29, 2013, 11:22:27 pm »

IMDb shows that Rake is getting another season. Any confirmation from down under?

danny_galaga · « **Reply #21 on:** January 10, 2014, 04:05:58 am »

Third season is indeed starting soon! Not sure how good it will be, but the second season was surprising good, so let's hope for the best (",)

wp34 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 10, 2014, 09:43:52 am »

The American remake starts January 19th. No possible way it will be as good but I'll watch it just the same.

danny_galaga · « **Reply #23 on:** February 16, 2014, 06:34:24 am »

Well, third season has started. Not a strong start, but not bad. I am struggling to remember the intricacies of the last season to relate to this season. Maybe I'll have to revisit the second. First episode featured Bruce Spence. You may not know the name, but he was that gyro pilot in the Mad Max films. He is also Australias tallest actor. Incidentally, I used to work with Australias tallest stuntman, and you guessed it he used to double for Bruce Spence

wp34 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 16, 2014, 12:05:10 pm »

I haven't been able to find the third season over here yet. On a side note we have watched the first couple of episodes of the American version. If you don't compare it too much to the original it is very good. There are several laugh out loud moments in each episode.

danny_galaga · « **Reply #25 on:** April 30, 2014, 06:11:45 am »

I forgot to report back. 3rd season is finished. Had some highs and lows. I enjoyed Cate Blanchetts cameo. The way it finished up possibly doesn't leave room for another series. Not impossible but I think they will run out of steam. 3 is a respectable number...

ark_ader · « **Reply #26 on:** April 30, 2014, 06:26:20 pm »

Its on Netflix and I find the series a little boring, but it is overall something to watch when there is nothing on the goggle box.

wp34 · « **Reply #27 on:** April 30, 2014, 07:00:49 pm »

I've only seen the first episode of season three so far and was not impressed. I'll keep with it though because I really liked the first two seasons.

The American version has been surprisingly good. It is toned down quite a bit from the original but that is okay. Greg Kinear does a great job in the role.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 24, 2014, 06:42:49 pm »

I like the new Rake. Kinear plays the role well. The cast is pretty good too. :-)

D


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