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Rake, created by Peter Duncan, Richard Roxburgh, and Charles Waterstreet, aired on the FOX network from 2010 to 2018. The series revolved around the life of the brilliant and self-destructive Sydney-based barrister, Cleaver Greene. Richard Roxburgh played the lead character, a charismatic lawyer with a personal life almost as chaotic as his legal one. Cleaver struggled with his addiction to sex, drugs, and gambling, while simultaneously representing some of the most controversial and difficult clients.

The show was a legal and political comedy-drama, exploring the professional and personal challenges of the legal profession. Cleaver's clients included politicians, celebrities, and even organized crime figures, such as Mick Gatto. However, the cases were not always clear-cut, and Cleaver frequently found himself representing clients that he knew were guilty, often forced into these situations by his own financial desperation.

Throughout the series, Cleaver's relationships with his ex-wife, former mistress, and his son, were explored. These relationships provided a deeper insight into his character, revealing that despite his many personal flaws, he still had a strong moral compass and a deep sense of loyalty to those he cared about.

In addition to Cleaver's personal life, the show delved into the politics of the legal world, exploring the daily battles and backstabbing of the prosecutor's office, the judiciary, and the political arena. The show tackled themes such as corruption, morality, and social justice, often highlighting the very real issues that plague the legal world.

Rake also featured a strong cast of supporting characters, such as Barney, Cleaver's closest friend and a tax lawyer, Joe Sandilands, Cleaver's prosecutor colleague and occasional lover, and David Potter, Cleaver's loyal clerk. Each character brought their unique personality and humor to the show, providing a balance to Cleaver's often more volatile antics.

The show was praised for its sharp writing, humor, and character development, as well as the performances of the entire cast. Richard Roxburgh received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Cleaver Greene, a complex and often troubled character that he brought to life with depth and humor.

Over the course of its five seasons, Rake tackled a variety of topics, from the treatment of refugees to the ethics of medical marijuana. The show never shied away from controversial issues, and it often explored them with a sardonic wit that captured the absurdity of the legal world.

Overall, Rake was a captivating legal drama that injected a healthy dose of humor and humanity into the genre. The show provided a unique look into the world of the law, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its sharp writing, strong performances, and universal appeal.

Rake is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (45 episodes). The series first aired on January 23, 2014.