A natural observation is that just about everybody wants to be rich. People without sufficient money may feel that a large quantity of it would resolve all their problems. Validation of this superstition is how popular the lottery has become. It is also a major contributing factor to the premise that drives many of the most successful prime time soap operas that flourish on television. Series that revolve around people of incredible wealth and power have drive such major hits as ‘Dallas’ and ‘Dynasty’ all were built around this premise with a major addition: the rich get into a whole lot of trouble. People lacking money seem to enjoy watch those with an excess of it constantly with more problem that imaginable. Not only does this drive TV shows like this but also the public’s fascination with the tabloid that typically seek to embarrass the rich and famous. Usually the narrative of these television shows are from the vantage point of the rich which serves to distance the audience from the story lines. One series chose a different path to follow; ‘Dirty Sexy Money’. Here the active voice is that of the family’s lawyer not someone who is born to the money and privilege. Although this was a novel approach to a well established genre the series didn’t get too much of a chance to establish itself and find its audience. While not quite among the ranks of the growing list of brilliant but cancelled but it was denied the opportunity to strive to achieve its full potential. That is the so many so called reality shows are renewed season after season but a scripted series with a degree of promise gets the act after just two seasons. Now there is at least one consolation for the fans; both seasons on now on DVD released through ABC and Buena Vista.

The series was created by Craig Wright whose notable track record encompasses such hits as ‘Lost’, ‘Brothers and Sisters’, and ‘Six Feet Under’. The series is primarily concerned with the ultra rich and influential Darling Family. They are what is generally regarded as old money; a fortune made through the business acumen of the family over a couple of generations. The patriarchy of the clan is Patrick "Tripp" Darling III (Donald Sutherland). His power reaches around the globe; he is a man who can afford to indulge in any whim. His devoted wife, Letitia (Jill Clayburgh) is also from money. She has had her affairs but generally sticks by her husband as long as it is consistent with her own plots and plans. Together they are the parents to five children; at least until the DNA tests come in. the first born is Patrick Darling IV (William Baldwin). He was recently elected as senator but his personal life is extremely complicated. He was involved in the untimely death of his wife and his preferences for companionship were geared towards pre operative transsexuals. Without family money to cover this up his political career would have been over before it begun.

Karen (Natalie Zea) is the serial bride of the family. She collects husbands with the same casual attitude that others would have selecting a pair of shoes. She has always been in love with Nick George (Peter Krause) the current family lawyer and son of the man who held that position until his mysterious death. Brian (Glenn Fitzgerald an ordained Episcopalian priest who briefly leaves the church after his illegitimate child is revealed. He has always hated Nick but through rather s complicated set of circumstances winds up living with Nick. Finally there are the fraternal twins Jeremy (Seth Gabel) and Juliet (Samaire Armstrong). Being the youngest they grew up pampered beyond belief with the dangerous combination of no responsibilities, an abundance of free time and nearly unlimited financial resources. Keeping them out of trouble and off the front cover of the tabloids has become nearly a full time job for Nick. Nick’s wife Zoe (Zoe McLellan) is an art dealer and despises the negative influence of the Darlings especially on Nick. Even though she hates the Darlings she wound up opening her own gallery with Jeremy.

Every soap opera like this needs a well defined nemesis. Here it is billionaire Simon Elder (Blair Underwood who has a personal vendetta against the Darlings and possibly exceeds their money and power. When Trish is charged with the murder of Nick’s father, Dutch it comes out that Dutch was Brian’s father and the secret was motive for murder. Prosecuting her is Assistant District Attorney Nola Lyons (Lucy Liu) who is not only sleeping with Jeremy she is secretly worked on behalf of Simon. The family needs to get close to Elders so Karen takes one for the team and has an affair with Simon ultimately having feelings for him. Zoe and Nick’s marriage begins to dissolve as loyalties to the Darling infuse every aspect of their loves. The grand motif of absolute power corrupting is well played out as Nick is pulled deeper and deeper into the quagmire of the Darlings. The show was fresh enough to deserve a chance at least with this DVD release.

- Directing The Darlings -- Take A Seat In The Director's Chair Of Dirty Sexy Money With Accomplished Director Jamie Babbit
- A Total Knockout -- Spend A Day In The Life With Natalie Zea On The Set
- Dirty Sexy Crafty -- Meet Josh Kuhn, the Mobile Craft Service Specialist, Who Serves Up His Own Blend Of Hot Food And Hilarity To The Cast
- Faux Pas -- Bloopers From Season 2
- Deleted Scenes