kitellis-98121 This is a show that has a lot to say, and for the most part says it very well.It's a shame that it didn't go down the route of "The West Wing", which though undeniably funny - often even absurdist - nevertheless projected the image of a grown-up, intellectual exploration into the shady world of politics, media, and the legislative process. Perhaps if it had, it may have lasted more than two seasons and been taken as seriously as it deserved. But unfortunately it makes the mistake of appearing to be a half-hour sitcom, rather than a one-hour primetime drama, and despite an impressive cast and good production values, it doesn't on the surface seem as thrilling or, let's face it, brilliant, as The West Wing. But it does have its moments. Plenty of them.Unlike The West Wing, it lacks the ever-present intellectual wit and sophistication of Aaron Sorkin's genius pen, but there are some extremely well-written speeches that are very nearly as cutting and eloquent as Sorkin's work. And the basic premise of an ex-president who after 25 years away from office suddenly decides to rehabilitate his legacy is an excellent launch pad for a thoroughly satisfying political drama, with unlimited scope for political and social commentary. It just needed to be built on a more solid and respectable platform than that of a sitcom, which is inherently attractive mainly to an audience of the lowest common denominator, who won't "get" it. Hence cancellation.The casting is sublime, with Nick Nolte offering up some of the best acting of his career. I don't think I've ever seen him perform so much from the inside, with such truth and subtle sincerity. His work in this show is verisimilitude personified. My only gripe is that his voice is so ravaged by years of drinking and smoking that he can barely utter a coherent line - and the dialogue in this show is so frigging important! However, the issue of his ruined voice is tackled head-on in one scene so unexpected and brilliantly played that it had me in fits of belly-laughter, and I was able to forgive it after that.Nolte's newly hired assistant is played by Skylar Astin (channelling Steve Guttenberg), and though lovable at first, by episode three he was beginning to grate a little. Since Nolte's character was experiencing so many important epiphanies, and saying so many important things about so many important issues, having a hovering neurotic assistant constantly attempting to cover-up his "lapses" was an irritating distraction from things that needed to be said, and were already partially being lost due to Nolte's breathless and raspy delivery.Nolte's young-adult daughter is played by Heléne Yorke, a pretty but troubled character sporting an attractive pair of nipples, which get plenty of exposure - for which I was most grateful - and a pleasant little camel-toe which is occasionally given its own close-up. Aside from her contributions as designated eye-candy, she is also a fine actress whose work becomes progressively less mammary-based as the show proceeds, and her character becomes considerably more three-dimensional (as it were).The ex-First Lady, played by Sella Ward, is everything you would expect, both from the screen character and also the actress playing her. She would not be out of place in any of the various political dramas that have ever been made, including The West Wing, or more recently Madam Secretary. She is perfectly cast, and like Nolte is doing some of the best work of her career.Rounding out the regular cast is Chris Lowell, making a late appearance as Nolte's troubled son, recently returned from war and seeking a new purpose in life, which he quickly finds as an angry, ranting TV pundit - giving the writers a fabulous opportunity to comment loudly and at length about whatever political or social gripe is in that episode's crosshairs. Lowell is an excellent young actor, and also balances his screen-sister's eye-candy quotient.As season one progresses, it becomes increasingly more dramatic and serious, thankfully, and the season finale is a cracker! I haven't yet watched season two, but I'm already wishing it wasn't going to end so soon. This show is a surprise gem!

roadcrankr They basically created an incarnation of Trump on the liberal's side. At least somebody they wish that would pull his same stunts in their favor.Not really sure this contains spoilers. Only got through three episodes to post this review. Slightly amazed about the lack of reviews. The show carries a clear message about what they consider good and evil. If you want to be on the side of good, act cool by smoking pot, hanging with young people, play an impromptu guitar on stage, endorse defense cuts, and invite illegals to live on your property.Slick, nice-looking production. Sela Ward is beautiful and solid, as always, but in a straight role. Nick Nolte is not really funny or very endearing. Reminds me of his turn in 48 Hours as a grumpy, sloppy cop. Getting kneed in the groin made me laugh a little, in particular because it keenly - and not intentionally - captured the intolerant traits of liberals.In my opinion, Portlandia and Veep pull off biting satire far better, without clunking you over the head with their agenda. Four out of ten based on Sela, some cool cameos, top notch production, and some random destructiveness.

Christopher Smith The idea of focusing on a president and his dysfunctional family seems like a tired comedy scenario. One-season series like "That's My Bush" and "1600 Penn" come to mind, but unlike those shows, "Graves" isn't interested in just being funny and/or wacky. The show is very much about regret and not reaching one's potential, and no actor is better suited to bring out those themes than Nick Nolte. With his face full of harsh features, gruff voice, and expressive eyes, Nolte plays title character Richard Graves with intensity and pathos. Nolte has always been an absolutely amazing dramatic actor, but here he gets to put his comedic chops to great use as well. The character could easily come across as just a grumpy old man, though Nolte is able to bring so much more depth and subtlety than possibly any other actor could. The show is really a showcase to remind audiences of Nolte's talent as an actor, and on that level, "Graves" is a real success. The supporting cast is also excellent all around with Sela Ward as his determined and ambitious wife, Christopher Lowell as his cynical son, and Helene Yorke as his daughter. The only aspect of "Graves" that doesn't work is sometimes the pacing seems off, and plot lines don't always seem to move along like the should. But in terms of cable comedies, it's hard to find much better than "Graves." Recommended.

chasdragonfly I was apprehensive about another political series, but politics are not the focus here; life and maturity are. There are moments of pathos and moments of laugh-out-loud comedy. Nick Nolte has always been an underrated actor. He is fantastic!! Sela Ward is perfect as the strong matriarch. The entire cast are great actors and they work so well together. They are so comfortable in their roles. They are like those chance meetings of people in your life that turn into lifelong friendships. You look forward to spending time with the Graves family every week. The 1st episode didn't grab me, but I hung in there and I am so glad I did!