Cane - TV-14

Sultry, mature nighttime soap has a Latin flair.

(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

About Our Ratings
Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the show?
7351_orig.jpg
details
  • TV Rating: TV-14
  • Network: CBS
  • Cast: Jimmy Smits, Polly Walker, Nestor Carbonell
  • Genre: Drama

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this soapy drama has mature themes (adult sibling rivalry, corporate power struggles, underhanded/illegal tactics, etc.), strong sexual innuendo, steamy bedroom scenes (though no real nudity), and violent confrontations. The central characters -- powerful, wealthy Cuban-Americans with traditional values -- run a rum business and will do anything to protect it, as well as the "family honor."

Families can talk about what makes a TV show a "soap opera." Do you consider this series a soap? Why or why not? What do most shows that fall into the soap category have in common? How is this one similar or different? Families can also talk about the characters' culture and values. Do they provide positive Latino role models?

Message

Social Behavior:

The Duques (and the Vegas) are a strong extended Cuban-American family with traditional Latino family values (the show's other central family, the Samuels, is Caucasian). The strife between the two leads to illicit and sometimes illegal behavior. Features traditional Cuban food, music, and discussions about Cuban history and culture. There are frequent conflicts between the older, more traditional generation and the younger, more Americanized generation.

Consumerism:

The series centers on a fictitious brand of rum (Duque); other rum companies, including Bacardi, are mentioned by name, but no labels are shown. Lots of visible material wealth.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Frequent consumption of beer, wine, bourbon, and mixed drinks. Some cigar smoking.

Violence

Occasional fistfights. Guns are visible, and there's some shooting visible. References to Cuban gangs. Storylines include the kidnapping of a child and ordering "hits" on people. Alex is haunted by some violent moments in his past.

Sex

Strong sexual innuendo, plus simulated sex acts that include suggestions of nudity (though no sensitive body parts are shown). Some sensual dancing featured during nightclub scenes.

Language

Occasional use of words like "damn" and "hell," as well as frequent use of Spanish and traditional Cuban vernacular.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

CANE is a dramatic primetime soap opera that tells the story of feuding families, internal power struggles, and steamy romance with a traditional Latin flair. Jimmy Smits stars as Alex Vega, the foster son of the Duques, a large, close-knit Cuban-American family in the rum and sugar business. Alex helps his foster father, Pancho (Hector Elizondo), run the company along with brothers Francisco (Nestor Carbonell) and Enrique (Eddie Matos). Alex's wife, Isabel (Paola Turbay), is Pancho's daughter. Holding the family together is the Duque matriarch Amalia (Rita Moreno). The series presents the ongoing strife between the Vega-Duques and the Samuels clan, who run a Florida sugar cane company. Patriarch Joe Samuels (Ken Howard) heads the business with his son, Lamont (Lee Tergesen), and his seductive daughter, Ellis (Polly Walker).

Is it any good?

3

Cane is full of mystery and passion and provides all of the other guilty pleasures you'd expect from an adult soap opera. But what separates it from other dramas of its kind is its celebration of America's Cuban heritage. Some of the show's storylines are connected to major historic events that define Cuban-Americans today, including little-known facts about the early years of the first post-revolution refugees. The series also serves as a vehicle for several generations of talented Latino actors (though not all Cuban), who add to the show's authenticity.

Other choices

Support Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is a non-profit and will receive a portion of your purchase from Pricegrabber. Learn more.

Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 5 reviews.

Age 17+
5

Posted on 06/04/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

This is the best show ever

I love this show. I hope they keep it around for more seasons. I didn't think I was going to watch it, so I tivo'ed it. OMG it was so hot..
Age 17+
3

Posted on 01/20/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Missing it

Any more CANE? I looked forwarded coming home and watching Jimmy Smit and the cast. Especially Rita! CBS lets go and air some more espisodes! Thanks!
Age 13+
5


Posted on 09/29/07 by wii54 Adult contributor

Age 13+
0

Posted on 09/26/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor

CANE SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN EXCITING SERIES. But instead it is pondering, dull, unimaginative show. The writing is slow and pondrerous and in an episode in the future, even steals from THE GODFATHER: "...in my house where my family lives!" (OK they switched a few words, but still...) The actors are all quite capable and talented (see their credits), but they are not given the chance to show their talents under the unispired direction and writing. Set in sunny South Florida, it looks like it was filmed in a warehouse. The sets seem under dressed and lack the character and history of the family. CANE has the look and feel of a daytime soap. The father's house is dark and dreary with sheers over the windows making it even darker. The camerawork is equally dull and the quality of the light in Southern Florida is missing. Of course this had to be shot mostly in Los Angeles, since there are no mountains in Florida (such as those shown behind the sugar cane warehouse/distillery.) Shot and editied for the "small"screen, it is a throw back to when 32" TVs were considered big. Close tight shots are the norm, as if the producers are worried the audience will forget who ithe character is. It's to bad. This is a show, that on paper, seemed full of promise. Unfortunatly it doesn't deliver.
Age 17+
0


Posted on 09/25/07 by tvnews5 Adult contributor

More Crap

Doesn't matter who's acting in this garbage...I'm convinced: there's not an original thought left in anyone's head in Hollywood. More mindless crap - and again - not to disrespect the actors, there's not a lot there to work with. Given the production pricetag...you're losing already. So cancel this crap...go back to the drawing board...and put something on the air that people wanna watch!! I'll stop berating you now, (as I'm sure you really tried hard!!) and let you be on your way to your next experiment.

Adult Reviews

There are 5 reviews.

Age 17+
5

Posted on 06/04/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

This is the best show ever

I love this show. I hope they keep it around for more seasons. I didn't think I was going to watch it, so I tivo'ed it. OMG it was so hot..
Age 17+
3

Posted on 01/20/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Missing it

Any more CANE? I looked forwarded coming home and watching Jimmy Smit and the cast. Especially Rita! CBS lets go and air some more espisodes! Thanks!
Age 13+
5


Posted on 09/29/07 by wii54 Adult contributor

Age 13+
0

Posted on 09/26/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor

CANE SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN EXCITING SERIES. But instead it is pondering, dull, unimaginative show. The writing is slow and pondrerous and in an episode in the future, even steals from THE GODFATHER: "...in my house where my family lives!" (OK they switched a few words, but still...) The actors are all quite capable and talented (see their credits), but they are not given the chance to show their talents under the unispired direction and writing. Set in sunny South Florida, it looks like it was filmed in a warehouse. The sets seem under dressed and lack the character and history of the family. CANE has the look and feel of a daytime soap. The father's house is dark and dreary with sheers over the windows making it even darker. The camerawork is equally dull and the quality of the light in Southern Florida is missing. Of course this had to be shot mostly in Los Angeles, since there are no mountains in Florida (such as those shown behind the sugar cane warehouse/distillery.) Shot and editied for the "small"screen, it is a throw back to when 32" TVs were considered big. Close tight shots are the norm, as if the producers are worried the audience will forget who ithe character is. It's to bad. This is a show, that on paper, seemed full of promise. Unfortunatly it doesn't deliver.
Age 17+
0


Posted on 09/25/07 by tvnews5 Adult contributor

More Crap

Doesn't matter who's acting in this garbage...I'm convinced: there's not an original thought left in anyone's head in Hollywood. More mindless crap - and again - not to disrespect the actors, there's not a lot there to work with. Given the production pricetag...you're losing already. So cancel this crap...go back to the drawing board...and put something on the air that people wanna watch!! I'll stop berating you now, (as I'm sure you really tried hard!!) and let you be on your way to your next experiment.

Kids Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no kids reviews.

Review It

Beyond Harry Potter: Fantasy Books About Kids Learning Magic

Beyond Harry Potter: Fantasy Books About Kids Learning Magic
more
What do your kids do online?
Surf
34%
Homework and research
19%
Download music
10%
Chat with friends
37%
132 votes