Overview of Rake, a legal drama series starring Richard Roxburgh as Cleaver Greene

Rake is an Australian legal drama series starring Richard Roxburgh as Cleaver Greene, a brilliant but self-destructive criminal defense barrister. The show follows Cleaver’s professional and personal life as he takes on a variety of cases, from the most serious to the most absurd. He also struggles with his own demons, including drug addiction and gambling debts.

The series was created by Peter Duncan and first aired in 2010. It has since become a cult classic and has been praised for its witty dialogue, compelling storylines, and strong performances from its cast.

Rake is an entertaining look at the world of law and justice, as well as a fascinating exploration of human nature. It’s sure to keep you hooked until the very end!

An Examination of the Emotional and Political Themes in Rake

The show’s main character, Cleaver Greene, is an unconventional lawyer who often takes on cases that other lawyers would not touch. He is a flawed individual who has made many mistakes in his life, yet he still manages to fight for the underdog. His moral compass is constantly tested as he navigates the murky waters of the legal system and its politics.

At its core, Rake is about how people make decisions based on their emotions rather than logic or reason. This theme is explored through Cleaver’s relationships with his clients and colleagues. He often finds himself in difficult situations where he must choose between doing what is right and what will benefit him personally or professionally.

The show also touches upon the power dynamics between those in positions of authority and those without it. This theme is seen in the way Cleaver interacts with judges, prosecutors, police officers, and even his own clients. He often uses his wit and charm to manipulate those around him into doing what he wants them to do.

Rake provides an interesting look at morality and justice in modern society by examining these themes through its characters’ actions and decisions. It shows us how our emotions can lead us astray when making important choices and how power can be used for both good and bad ends.

Analyzing Cleaver Greene’s Character and Development Over the Course of the Series

Cleaver Greene, the lead character in the Australian television series Rake, is a brilliant but self-destructive criminal defense barrister. Played by Richard Roxburgh, Cleaver is loosely based on real-life barristers Mervyn Ward and Charles Waterstreet and was named after Cleaver Bunton. Throughout the series, we see Cleaver struggle with his addictions to drugs, gambling and women while trying to maintain his career as a barrister.

In the first season of Rake, we are introduced to Cleaver’s chaotic life as he juggles defending clients in court with his personal issues. Despite being an excellent lawyer, he often finds himself in trouble due to his reckless behavior and lack of self-control. As the series progresses, we see Cleaver grow and develop as a character. He learns to take responsibility for his actions and begins to make better decisions both professionally and personally.

By the end of the fourth season, Cleaver has made significant progress in overcoming his addictions and has been elected to a seat as an independent senator. This shows that despite all of his flaws, he is still capable of achieving great things when he puts his mind to it.

In the fifth season Cleaver takes on some of his most challenging cases yet, including defending a man accused of killing his wife and representing a young girl charged with murder. Along the way, he also had to deal with his own personal issues, such as his growing debt and strained relationships with family and friends. Despite all this, Cleaver managed to come out on top in the end.

Overall, Cleaver Greene’s character arc throughout Rake is an inspiring one that demonstrates how even those who have made mistakes can still turn their lives around if they put in the effort. It also serves as a reminder that everyone deserves second chances no matter what their past may be like.

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Discussion of the Show’s Humor, Satire, and Subversive Elements

The show is known for its clever writing and witty dialogue that often pokes fun at societal norms. It also features characters who are not afraid to challenge authority and push boundaries in order to get what they want. This makes Rake stand out from other shows on television as it offers viewers something unique and thought-provoking.

Rake also has a strong satirical element that allows it to comment on current events in a humorous way. For example, one episode featured a character who was trying to find ways to make money by exploiting loopholes in the law. This was used to comment on the state of the economy at the time and how people were taking advantage of legal loopholes to make money.

The show also features moments of physical comedy, such as when Cleaver gets caught up in a rake take or when he trips over his own feet while running away from someone chasing him. These moments add an extra layer of humor that helps keep viewers engaged and entertained throughout each episode.

Overall, Rake is an entertaining show with plenty of humor, satire, and subversive elements that make it stand out from other shows on television today. It offers viewers something unique and thought-provoking while still being funny enough to keep them coming back for more each week.

Highlight some of the show’s most memorable moments and share quotes from the series

One of the most iconic scenes in Rake is when Cleaver Greene defends himself in court after being charged with murder. In this scene, he delivers an impassioned speech about justice and morality that resonates with viewers to this day: “I’m not here to defend my actions, I’m here to defend my character.”

Another memorable moment comes at the end of season 4 when Cleaver Greene’s long-time rival David Potter finally gets his comeuppance. After years of antagonizing Cleaver, Potter is arrested for fraud and sent to prison. As he’s being taken away, Cleaver utters the famous line: “You can’t keep a good man down.”

The show also features some hilarious one-liners from the characters. One of the most popular quotes comes from Cal McGregor (played by Damon Herriman): “If you want something done right, do it yourself… or hire someone smarter than you.”

Rake is full of memorable moments and quotable lines that have made it a cult classic among fans. Whether you’re watching for laughs or looking for inspiration, there’s something for everyone in this unique series.

How Rake Changed the Landscape of Australian Television

Rake’s success lies in its dark humor, memorable characters, and relatable storylines. It stands out from other shows on Australian television for its portrayal of a flawed yet sympathetic hero navigating his chaotic personal and professional life. Cleaver Greene is often seen as an antihero with whom many viewers can identify. Moreover, the show helped to break some of the stigmas around mental health issues like addiction and depression that aren’t always addressed in other TV series.

Rake also challenged what can be done on Australian television by tackling controversial topics such as religion and politics head-on – something which had rarely been done before. Such bold moves were met with both praise and criticism, demonstrating that Rake was unafraid to take risks in order to bring more attention (and debate) to important issues.

Rake was a critical success during its five-season run, winning numerous awards including two Logie Awards for Most Outstanding Drama Series and Most Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series (Richard Roxburgh). It remains one of Australia’s most beloved television shows and continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.

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