The naughty new ABC drama Dirty Sexy Money is packed with high wattage star power, which in itself is enough reason to give it a go. Peter Krause (of Sports Night and Six Feet Under fame), Donald Sutherland, Billy Baldwin, Samaire Armstrong (of The OC and Entourage) and Jill Clayburgh (known for roles on The Practice, Ally McBeal and Nip/Tuck) are all cast members. And rumor has it the oh-so-hot Blair Underwood will join the cast. But it’s the outrageous Darling family, a satirical take on the real-life super spoiled, rich families we all know and love to hate (think the Hiltons), that makes this worth watching.
The show airs on Wednesday nights at 10 (9 Central) following the Grey’s Anatomy spin-off, Private Practice.
The Darlings are nothing more than children in adult-sized bodies. They are used to getting what they want because of their money and influence. Between tantrums, sexual escapades and all manner of manipulation, they’ve all managed to make huge messes out of their lives in their own special ways. Their new family lawyer Nick’s cute little daughter Kiki has more maturity in her pinky than this clan. Incidentally, if you thought she looked eerily similar to Dakota Fanning, it’s because the actress is her little sister Elle.
The truly interesting plot twist is the way Nick’s life and family history are completely wrapped up with the Darling family’s. Though he swore he’d never follow in his father’s footsteps and work for the Darlings, life clearly isn’t that simple. Maybe Nick never really had a choice in the matter. As hard as he tried to fight it, it almost seems like his destiny.
One of my favorite touches in this episode is Nick’s special ring tones for each Darling member - Hall & Oates’ “Rich Girl” for the overly dramatic, wannabe actress Juliet (Armstrong), for example.
I do wonder if the creative minds behind the show didn’t bite off a little bit too much by throwing all the various and sundry problems of the Darling family right out there in the first episode. It felt a bit overwhelming. But I definitely liked it well enough to give time to find its feet.
If you missed the premiere and want to catch up before next week, head over to ABC.com to watch the full episode online for free.
-Lawyerlee
I have it on my Tivo but haven’t had a chance to watch. The idea reminds of Arrested Development without being as funny so I’m interested in watching.