"Rake," the new com-dram airing Thursday nights at 9 p.m. on Fox, is to law-based shows what "House" is to medical-based shows.
The premise shows some promise; however, the pilot was less than thrilling. Keegan (Greg Kinnear) lives a pitiful life. He owes tens of thousands of dollars to his bookie and at least $1,000 to his personal assistant. He is addicted to gambling and relies on his knack for it to finance his debts.
On top of his overall lack of responsibility, he has the absolute worst luck. His irresponsible personality, in addition to his extreme bad luck, distracts from the shows intended humor. There is too much seriousness, too much drama (and not the good kind) and not enough wit or humor.
It is funny when at one point in the show he's bartering with a man who is constantly spouting Japanese and referencing the humongous fish in a large cooler at their feet, but it is downright uncomfortable when the kids are crying in the back seat after he has his license suspended.
The focus is also too much on the main character, with most of the humor stemming from his deadbeat lifestyle, and could definitely use more episodes to develop the supporting characters. He also has a British superwoman assistant who comes to his rescue more than once. Her single life and the suburban marriage could rake in some laughs if they were given adequate time in the show to develop. However, I'm not sure whether this show should be afforded that chance.
Judging from the pilot, it is best to let this show run out its current season so that Greg Kinnear may bless us with his talents where they are better suited.
Emily Balan can be reached at emily.balan@student.shu.edu.
