HUNG: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray)

When it comes to the programming produced by HBO, I know I am a little biased as I consider everything the network puts out to be of the top quality. Sure the network has had hits misses with the occasional series including “Life with Louie,” “The Comeback” to name a few. Even though these series might not have resonated with audiences they did connect with critics. Perhaps a principal reason for these shows not working was because they were of the comedy variety which HBO has had reasonable success with over the years with those beloved comedy series including “Sex and the City” and “Entourage.” These series have found an audience because of their unique comedic impracticality which unquestionably connects with its viewers but, for the most isn’t by any means levelheaded.

I’m a great admirer of both “Sex and the City” and “Entourage” but I will say that when it comes to comedies the best comedies are those that have a great deal of realism to them. Realism makes for great entertainment in that the content being explored can be easily connected with audiences. One such example of a series, and one that I might add could be one of HBO’s best, is the appropriately titled “HUNG.” Set in contemporary Detroit, MI the series follows high school history Ray Drecker (Thomas Jane), a man whose life is completely on the edge of a breaking point. His divorced wife has doesn’t understand him, his kids have no relationship with him and his riverside home is falling apart because of an electrical fire. In an effort to save face and make some extra money Ray takes to the oldest profession in the world, male prostitution to make some extra money and put his well endowed-ness to good use.

Making use of a great plot, enriched with great characters “Hung” is a prized piece of cable television programming that is equally funny as it is real. Seeing today’s fiscal state of the economy and the great extent that people will go to make or earn extra money “Hung” showcases a series enriched with characters that will go the extra length to make ends meet. Fully supported by an likeable performance by Thomas Jane as Ray Drecker, “Hung” becomes one series whose characters look like everyday people and not flashy movie stars. [Thomas] Jane who up until “Hung” was best recognized for his performances in genre projects like “The Punisher” and “The Mist” showcases the actor at his very best but, also further presents him as one of the few actors in the industry who could best be described as an “everyday” mans-man.

In addition to [Thomas] Jane, “Hung” also features incredibly acted supporting performances from series regulars Anne Heche, Eddie Jemison, and Jane Adams. The acting alone is top notch which goes without question but, for me it’s the series tremendous sense of matter-of-fact that makes it so great. With its great acting and performances this series alone further positions HBO as one of a few networks that truly understands its products and those visions of series creators.