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Jul 19, 2010 Web Exclusive By Jim Scott

One can’t get three words into the pitch for Hung before realizing that it’s tailor-made for cable: A male prostitute… Stop. Hung, the story of Ray, a man with the titular endowment, couldn’t work on network television. Its closest cousin seems to be Weeds, a similar story of someone whose financial desperation leads them into some dark territory. Whereas Weeds is often played for laughs, and struggles at times with understanding exactly what kind of show it is, Hung is often very funny, but creators Colette Burson and Dmitry Lipkin keep the show within the limits of reality

Realities press upon Ray—who is played by Thomas Jane with a mumbling, tight-lipped frustration that’s made even more pronounced by his pride—in the form of his city (Detroit), his failing school, his failed marriage (to Anne Heche), and his kids.

Ray’s relationship with his kids is one of the strongest facets of the show. His maybe-gay son and goth daughter aren’t played as messed up simply because of the way they look. They’re as wounded as Ray, but the love and understanding between the three of them is palpable.

Like many first seasons, Hung is uneven, not simply from episode to episode, but from scene to scene. As the show develops its voice over the course of this season, it brings a depth to Ray and his pimp, Tanya Skagle, that makes season 2 one to watch. (www.hbo.com/hung)

Author rating: 6/10