However, after that party reminds him that possibly his fame-seeking ways and rock star lifestyle are only leading to false friendships and loneliness, Jeremy takes a bold turn mid-season to strike out on his own independently, taking a blue collar job and surprisingly forming an alliance with Nick’s wife Lisa to help him win over a beauty with charm instead of gold.
Perhaps the most scandalous plotline of the show surrounds an excellent William Baldwin as the attorney general and aspiring senator Patrick Darling, who on the surface has a picture perfect life and marriage, but hides a rather shocking secret in his ongoing relationship with the transgendered cosmetology student named Carmelita (a gorgeous Candis Cayne). While Carmelita is not only arguably the love of his life and indeed one of the show’s most morally sound characters, her very existence on the show is “socially groundbreaking” as Wright notes in a DVD featurette on the actress called The Other Woman: Candis Cayne. Instead of providing a role that could’ve easily been treated either for laughter’s sake or as a platform for an overbearing “message,” Wright chose to use the show “to remind” people that “there are all kinds of ways to be human,” but of course, Patrick’s traditional and extremely ambitious father Tripp Darling (Hollywood veteran Donald Sutherland) is determined to persuade his son to kick her to the curb.
Providing the greatest and most reliable comic relief is Zea’s Karen, who harbors a flagrant crush on Nick with an undying passion to get back together with the married lawyer no matter what the cost. Whether it’s hitch-hiking a ride on the private family jet to crash an Italian trip with Nick and his wife or considering canceling her latest wedding, the discord between Karen and his wife Lisa strengthens throughout the season until at last Lisa must confront Karen. The only thing is, Darlings don’t play by the rules and they don’t take threats kindly.
An Awkward Double Date in Italy:
“Stay Away From My Husband:”
Article comments
1 - JimmyJames
I actually just started getting into Dirty Sexy Money and i thought it was good silly fun. I checked out this and got myself all caught up for the new season. I wonder if my parents felt the same way about Dynasty or Dallas.
2 - Jen
Hey There,
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.
First off-- great handle (News Radio fan?). Secondly, excellent call and I think you're right. I'm too young to recall Dallas but I do vaguely remember some of the "catfights" between Crystal and Alexis on Dynasty and it definitely had the same vibe but this seems much funnier. I know, I love those ABC episode players-- thanks for adding in the link there so others can get caught up too.
- Jen
3 - LucyLu
OMG... was walking to work today and passed this construction site for Darling Tower! Can they really be building this in NYC???
4 - Jen
Too funny-- ABC's pulling out all the stops! :)
5 - JimmyJames
Love my News Radio. During my recent unemployment stint, I caught some old Dallas reruns, and they seemed a little more serious than things like DSM. I am not sure if DSM is purposely winking its eye at us, saying "hey we remember the old shows and this is done with tongue firmly planted in cheek" or ... do are they oblivious and really putting out a serious show. I think the former, but you never know.
6 - Jen
I agree-- think the former as well but a good friend told me to add Dallas to my Netflix queue a.s.a.p. so if I get a chance to start watching, I'll be sure to review here.
P.S. I STILL miss Phil Hartman. News Radio ruled and I own every season he was on! Great taste again there, Jimmy James. :)
7 - Greg-eddie
For my Dirty Sexy Money the main difference between this show and the old school shows--Dallas, Dynasty--might be the attitude of the viewers towards the show. We live in a more ironic time, perhaps, than when Dallas was on TV. I can remember people seriously needing to know who shot JR. The wealth in that show was entirely something to aspire to. DSM seems to acknowledge the deprivation of the wealthy, maybe? It's a fun ride however you slice it. Love these inside with the stars interviews. A great cast, with some exciting additions for season two.
8 - Jen
Very well put, Greg-eddie, and I think you're so right! Thanks for the great comment and I loved that clip you provided. I'm going to be adding that one actually to my review of DSM on my own site Film Intuition. For more great "inside" views, the DVD set was packed with cool extras that I'm sure you'd enjoy if you haven't checked it out already.