Fox announced today that they've given a pilot order to a comedic drama based on a successful Australian series. Rake will star Greg Kinnear as a "brilliant, but self-destructive" criminal defense attorney. Peter Duncan, Peter Tolan and Michael Wimer are set to executive produce.
While Greg Kinnear may be known for his feature roles in recent years, with credits including Little Miss Sunshine and the upcoming Movie 43 among his big screen projects, the actor really started to make a name for himself on the small screen as host of Talk Soup back in the 90s. And he's had some recent success in television with an Emmy nomination for his role as Jack Kennedy in The Kennedys miniseries. We may be seeing him back on TV soon enough, should things go well for Rake. Fox announced the pilot order today, pointing out that the project is based on the Australian AACTA nominee for Best Television series. Here's how Kinnear's character Keegan Joy is described.
Brilliant, frustratingly charming, and with zero filter, Keegan is one of life's great addicts. His staggering lack of discretion and inability to self-censor land him the cases that nobody else wants, but behind that lies a resolute optimism and belief in justice that fuel his dogged determination to defend those who seem beyond redemption. In addition to Keegan’s cases within the justice system, the show follows his personal trials and tribulations, including his ongoing battle against the IRS, his mounting debt to his bookie, overlapping affairs and liaisons with women, a hormonal son, an exhausted ex-wife and the evolving relationship between his two married best friends, Ben and Scarlett.
There's some interesting talent behind the project, in addition to Kinnear, who will co-executive produce. Among the EPs is Peter Duncan, who created the original series. Meanwhile, Michael Wimer's producing credits include 2012 and the TV movie Brave New World, and Peter Tolan co-created Rescue Me alongside Denis Leary. Tolan's involvement might give us some indication of the intended tone, as Rescue Me could be described as a "comedic drama."
Rake sounds like it could be interesting, and what's more, it could be a really great role for Kinnear. It sounds like his character's a bit outspoken and - depending on how destructive the "self-destructive" side is - might have a bit of an edge to him, which might give the actor some flexibility to have a little fun with the role. It'll be interesting to see who's cast in the other roles.
