Rake

Due to the usual remake that adds copious amounts of substituted water and sawdust.

Don't blame the recipe, blame the wannabe cooks.

Greg Kinnear is just too bland and nice to fill the lead role. The original Rake* is so much the author of his own self destruction, but still retains sufficient redeeming qualities to tip us over to forgiving the flaws, just as his many loves do.

The US version doesn't fill the rakish side sufficiently for us to care whether we forgive him or not. It all reminds me of those unfortunate wannabe clowns who think a cheap frizzy colored wigs, red nose and big shoes are all it takes. The timing, wit and novelty, having all whizzed right over their heads.

This pale version has not just whizzed over my (indifferent) head, but the heads of the puzzled US audience for whom it is all too strange and unpredictable, despite the attempted remake to do just that. Not frighten the trite sensibilities of middle America, thus rendering the whole exercise pointless.

*It occurs to me having read some of the other reviews that most Americans do not even understand the real meaning of "rake" as it is used here. Therein lies the problem.

I really like Greg Kinnear, and perhaps I'm doing this show a disservice by comparing it to the brilliant original Australian production, but I can't help myself. I wanted to like this one, especially when Peter Duncan (did I screw up his name? So bad with names...) is involved with this one, too. Unfortunately, from what I saw in the premier, the characters have none of the nuance and substance of the Richard Roxburgh version. The quirkiness, the warmth and the humor are missing entirely! From the get-go Keegan is just a jerk who gets away with sh*t, and no one shows any of the genuine affection for him shown in the original - an integral part of what made the show work. AND of course, it's been completely dumbed down for a US audience.

I don't understand why we can't televise a show made in another country. We must instead recreate it, change it, alter it, RUIN it, to make it "palatable" for American viewers. The intelligence, wit, humor and warmth of the original has been replaced by typical irascible American anti-hero tropes. What was a unique legal and human comedy/drama has been recreated in the same old same old image of a dozen others. If you can get your hands on the original, please run, don't walk, and view a truly brilliant piece of television.

First off let me clarify, the original Aussie Rake is one of my top 10 shows of all time. I haven't yet seen the U. S version as can't seem to get hold of it here in the UK, but will judge it on its own merit and not compare it to the original when I do find it. So, even though I'm yet to see it I feel compelled to make a comment purely based on some of the frustrating comments on here about the original and in particular the main characters behaviour and questions about why call it Rake? First off, you need to understand the meaning of the word Rake. In a historical context, a rake (short for rakehell, analogous to "hellraiser") was a man who was habituated to immoral conduct, particularly womanizing. A rake wastes his money on gambling, wine, women, and song, incurring huge debts in the process. Now, anyone who's seen the original please tell me that Richard Roxburgh captures this perfectly. I like Greg Kinnear a lot and look forward to seeing what he brings to the character, but for me there will only ever be one Clever Greene, and he has an Aussie accent.

Rake reminds me of Franklin & Bash but instead of being charming the lead character is just an ass. He belongs behind an ambulance and not in a courtroom. He is completely inconsiderate and unrealistically seems to pull a lot of women. Super fake and totally vapid show.

This is not the worst show ever but there is nothing likable about any of the characters. They have no dimension and end up getting themselves into weird situations. The cases are equally unconvincing. Also for a comedy, it was not funny. A little bit sad maybe.

There is a reason why this show only lasted one season. There are many shows that have come before it and tackled the subject matter much more successfully. Fail.

Right now, I give it a seven. But it may be better in the future.

I was told that the original is an Australia TV show. And many fans come here to say many things bad about this new re-make... (That's why there should be only "crazy-fan," but no "fan.")

How bad this re-make to be doesn't interest me at all. All I can see is that finally there is a TV show about to challenge the mainstream lifestyle in a civilize way.

There is no mentally unmature teenager who become hero for no reason. Deane is not a nerd, behavior not like Dr.House, career being kind successful, good looking, good talking skill, and a friendly attitude. But everything else in your life are DOA.

That kind of honest is great!! "Hey, you mess up everything and every chance in your life, not because you have to save the world or because you are so lonely and special. You just mess up. Live with that."

Seven, and can be better.