Episode 2: " The Family Lawyer"
The newscasts report and speculate on the fiery demise of the Darlings' Valhalla estate, as well as a Darling's death in the fire. At the same time, the family must also deal with funeral arrangements and the aftermath of the arrest of an unforeseen suspect in the murder of Dutch George. Brian recommends to Tripp that, in order to restore confidence in Darling Enterprises, a successor be named a role Simon feels that Karen deserves. Meanwhile, a smitten Jeremy learns Nola Lyons true profession, Nick and Lisa discuss having another child, and recording artist Kenny G performs.
Hallelujah! With this episode, Dirty Sexy Money hit their mark--and then some! Dirty Sexy Money finally put together a superb show which was fun to watch from start to finish.
As promised in the hype preceding this season, Nick George is turning more towards the dirty side or at least is not countering others moves to do so Lucy Liu, just cast in the episode as lawyer Nola Lyons, is fitting seamlessly into the Darling landscape. Bastard son Brian Darling, out of the collar and into the thick of things is holding his own just fine, even plotting with half-brother Nick about what to do next in defense of Letitia. It's a given that Donald Sutherland is going to do the thing he does and he did it. Fabulously. The audience still cannot figure just how "dirty" he is.
Natalie Zea as Karen and her lover, enemy of Darling Enterprises, Simon Elder (Blair Underwood) seem to be clicking very nicely. She has spilled the beans about her initial interest in him (which was ordered by her father) but finds herself, true to character, involved yet again with the wrong man. Underwood for his part seems to be giving some more weight to his character because let's face it, even though DSM is a nighttime soap, it needs enough heft to keep the story ever-so-slightly grounded. Alas, Jill Clayburgh (Leticia) seems to be permanently stuck as a delicate thing needing protection and caring lest she fall apart in a thousand pieces. I would love to be surprised to find a steely core within this character--but with so much going on in the storyline at this point, it's fine with me to leave her as she is right now. The only cast member--and this is and amazing change from last season--the only one that doesn't resonate at all with me is Nick George's wife, Lisa (Zoe McLellen). Because Nick has such a galaxy of Darlings revolving around him he doesn't need a wife to pop in every now and again to remind him that he's at their beck and call too often. He's exasperated enough, though given that he's assumed Leticia's place in the company as well as defending her for his father Dutch's murder I don't think he's all that bothered. I still think we can dispense entirely with Nick having a wife, leaving the storyline open for him to get entangled with a character that perhaps we have yet to meet.
The next episode of DSM doesn't air until Wednesday, Oct 22 at 10C/11E on ABC so mark your calendars.
Official Dirty Sexy Money website
In TWO weeks: “The Star Witness” – Now that Nick has agreed to defend Letitia in the murder case of Dutch George – Nick’s father and Letitia’s secret lover – he is disturbed to learn that his estranged mother is on prosecutor Nola Lyons’ witness list. Meanwhile, because they have to keep their affair a secret, Jeremy surprises Nola with a private concert by the Weepies; Patrick plans to clear his conscience about his wife’s death, but Tripp dissuades him in a shocking way during a senatorial debate moderated by Dan Rather; Brian goes to Brazil to kidnap Brian Jr.; and Simon and Karen continue their loving ways, still unclear if one is plotting against the other.
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“Dirty Sexy Money” stars Peter Krause as Nick George, Donald Sutherland as Tripp Darling, William Baldwin as Patrick Darling, Natalie Zea as Karen Darling, Glenn Fitzgerald as Brian Darling, Seth Gabel as Jeremy Darling, Zoe McLellan as Lisa George, with Blair Underwood as Simon Elder, Jill Clayburgh as Letitia Darling and Lucy Liu as Nola Lyons.
Guest starring are Dan Rather as himself, Candis Cayne as Carmelita, Will Shadley as Brian Darling, Jr., Sheryl Lee as Andrea Smithson, Laura Margolis as Kaisy, Chloe Grace Moretz as Kiki, Caroline Lagerfelt as Clare George, Cari Champion as TV reporter, Mary Linda Phillips as Hillary type, Michael Lerner as Martin and Ron Glass as Dennis Ford.
@TVFanNYC
It's great that you found the show!
I'm glad I hung in there as it had a rather rough start. Then there was the writer's strike, of course. DSM has really improved and I too am excited aobut this week's show. Carmelita should be on!
Posted by: Cyn | October 13, 2008 at 12:44 PM
'Discovered' this show this season. One of the best casts on TV. Can't wait for the Wedneday the 22nd episode.
Posted by: TVFanNYC | October 13, 2008 at 11:08 AM