More than money

What’s it about? Nick George is a simple and idealistic lawyer who grew up under the shadow of the Darlings,an influential and wealthy New York family,since his father was their family attorney. Following his father’s mysterious death in a private plane crash,the Darling patriarch Tripp asks him to fill his father’s shoes and take care of their often dubious affairs,ranging from sex scandals to the Darling scion Patrick’s political aspirations. George leaves behind his altruistic fundamentals for the huge sum offered and also in order to investigate the truth behind the unexplained demise. George finds himself walking the thin line between his ideals and participating in their meddlesome matters. This also causes a rift between George and his wife Lisa.

Who’s in it? The casting is one of strengths of Dirt,Sexy Money as popular American television actor Peter Krause fits the bill of the level-headed yet confused Nick George. William Baldwin and Donald Sutherland,with their impressive filmography,form the other two important coordinates in the storyline. The ensemble cast of Glenn Fitzgerald,Seth Gabel,Zoe McLellan and Lucy Liu of Charlie’s Angels fame makes for rather eccentric characters and insecurity lingers around them.

What’s hot? The apt title of the show alone is intriguing enough to win itself a first watch. The soap opera doesn’t let you down either. The story unfolds rather quickly without delving into unnecessary emotions. No encounter between the various characters lasts more than a minute. The exchanges are brief and dialogues are crisp and snazzy,with a hint of dark humour.

One also cannot help but applaud the excellent editing of the show as the script moves from one scene to another like a breeze without any jumps in the storyline—as in a movie. The excellent soundtrack only adds to the pace. For example,when George confronts Tripp Darling about his involvement in his father’s death,Tripp does not dive into a monologue to prove his innocence. Instead,he ends it with a simple “You have to begin trusting someone at some point; you might as well start now”.

Internationally,the show has had no more than two seasons. While this may be a boon—the soap won’t go on forever and ever—one wonders if this is the result of a weakening storyline after a strong beginning.

What’s not? Dirty Sexy Money adheres to stereotypes and clichés. New York,money and presence in high society equates with dirty scandals and a dozen or two skeletons. That they should need George to take care of all problems—ranging from a nervous breakdown to financially dubious dealings—is also unbelievable.

Should you be watching it? The show does manage to engage one’s attention for the 45 minutes it lasts. The dialogues and the storyline keep you on the edge and ensure you don’t switch the channel except during commercial breaks. Given that it airs only once a week,it might make for a good watch.