Rake

Rake is a compelling and daring Australian television drama produced by Essential Media and Entertainment, first aired on ABC1 from 2010 to 2018 in fifth seasons with a total of 40 episodes. The series presents a potent cocktail of wit, drama, and dark comedy that revolves around the life of a self-destructive criminal defense barrister, Cleaver Greene, who is notorious for defending the indefensible.

The show's title, "Rake," encapsulates the character of Cleaver Greene impeccably. In the traditional sense, a rake is a character who lives on the fringes of society, indulges in hedonism, and constantly finds himself in all sorts of trouble. Cleaver is such a character - a brilliant but self-destructive lawyer with a knack for landing himself in the most complicated and humorous of situations. His passionate, chaotic personal life often crosses paths with his professional one, adding layers of complexity to his character and the overall plot.

Throughout the series, Cleaver Greene is portrayed by Richard Roxburgh, who masterfully presents the charismatic, yet flawed character with a touch of irreverent humor. Roxburgh's portrayal of the protagonist is arguably his most memorable work in his career. His performance of Cleaver's self-destructive nature, his vulnerabilities, and his charismatic wit is nothing short of captivating.

The exceptional ensemble cast complements Roxburgh, and each character is distinct and meticulously crafted, making the series even more colorful. Characters including the calm and composed Barney (Russell Dykstra), the troubled Scarlet (Danielle Cormack), the manipulative Wendy (Caroline Brazier), and the mercurial Fuzz (Keegan Joyce) offer multiple layers of intrigue to the plot.

Rake truly pushes the boundaries of traditional television courtroom dramas. While it maintains the gripping tension of high-stakes court cases, it dares to dive deep into the troubled life of its protagonist. Much of the humor in the series arises from the absurdities and misfortunes that Cleaver's vices and mess-ups bring him. Balanced with serious undertones about family, relationships, and self-sabotage, the overall tone of the show is intricate, unique, and enthralling.

The show is known for its deft storytelling, which brings to life both smaller stories connected to individual court cases and overarching narrative arcs concerning Cleaver's stormy personal life. Rake doesn't shy away from controversial themes and unpalatable characters, presenting them with refreshing cooperation of humor and sobriety.

The fascinating aspect of Rake is its stark realism. The characters and situations they encounter, though sometimes absurd, are grounded in a raw reality that is universally relatable. Cleaver Greene is not an ideal protagonist, which makes him all the more appealing. His flaws and propensity to sabotage his own success paints a picture of a complex man standing on the precipice of morality and self-ruin.

Moreover, the series thrives on its wit and irreverence. It employs humour as a tool to explore dark themes and bring forth underlying issues with the justice system, politics, and human relationships. The snappy dialogue and clever writing are supplemented with creative cinematography and production design to create a unique viewing experience.

Rake's success stands as a testimony to the ingenuity and daring of the Australian television industry, providing viewers worldwide with a delightful, thought-provoking dark comedy-drama experience in the courtroom arena.

In conclusion, Rake is more than just a courtroom drama. It presented viewers with a unique mash-up of comedy, legal drama, and character study over its five-season run. It's a brilliantly written, wonderfully acted series with a protagonist who is every bit as flawed as he is charismatic. Even amidst its comedic relief, the show maintains a careful exploration of sensitive themes. The series successfully tackles the dichotomy of morality and personal downfall, providing a complex but highly watchable viewing experience. Whether you are a fan of the courtroom drama genre or love character-driven narratives, Rake makes for a must-watch television experience.