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.
Review of Graves
