Here is a short list of reasons why you should be watching The Cleaner starring Benjamin Bratt. The show runs on the A&E channel on Tuesdays at 10/9C, be sure to check it out.
Reason #1: The star
I’ve been a fan of Benjamin Bratt since his time on Law & Order, if you check his resume on imdb.com then you would know that his acting credits stretch all the way back to the 80’s. He’s won and or been nominated for several awards and has even had the dubious honor of being up for a few Razzies. All kidding aside Bratt really brings a lot to The Cleaner, whether it be his intensity or earnest demeanor William Banks is a complete character and Bratt really brings that out.
Reason #2: The Issues
Substance abuse is a topic that hits close to home for many people, and the show pulls no punches. It shows you every side of addiction and the damage it does to people and families. This makes the show are hard pill to swallow at times, but the results are usually pretty uplifting, just don’t expect anything to be sugar coated. The way the show tackles each issue makes for some surprising moments on the show that shouldn’t be missed.
Reason #3: The Drama
I know this is a guy’s website and I’m supposed to talk about comics, cars and explosions but there is something to be said about the subtle reward that drama provides. I think that drama is the key to compelling storytelling; it’s the action that makes you care about a character. There are very important dramatic moments between the characters that make them matter to you as the viewer, especially when it comes to William and is estranged wife. Watching their marriage fall apart is one of those tough pills to swallow because you find yourself pulling for this guy William Banks. When they struggle to make sense of their relationship you feel it.
Reason #4: The Cast
The rest of the cast hasn’t exactly hit their stride yet, but they are still a reason to watch the show because you get the sense that they will continue to grow as characters. Amy Price-Francis plays Melissa Banks, William’s wife. After William she is the most well rounded supporting cast member and even she doesn’t seem to get enough screen time, hopefully we’ll see more of her as the series progresses, for now she’s a breath of fresh air in every scene she’s in. Grace Park is the only character that is a bit two dimensional so far, I don’t think she’s had enough to do yet on the show but hopefully that will change as well. Finally Esteban Powell plays Arnie Swenton, he’s a bit of a scene stealer and typically lightens up the show. It’s not fair to simply call him comic relief because he’s supposed to be kind of annoying, Powell finds that perfect balance which is admirable.
So there you have it, four good reasons to watch The Cleaner on A&E. Please don’t take my word for it, do yourself a favor and see why Benjamin Bratt has already won a Prism Award for his role on The Cleaner.
