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What’s the Story?

Reviewed byKari Croop
In THE CLEANER, Benjamin Bratt stars as "extreme interventionist" William Banks, a former drug addict who reformed after a heart-to-heart with God and now spends his time helping other users turn their lives around. His team of so-called "cleaners" includes Akani Cuesta (Grace Park), a curvy beauty he once slept with; Arnie Swenton (Esteban Powell), a Mohawk-sporting hipster with a penchant for complaining; and Darnell McDowell (Kevin Michael Richardson), a good-natured car salesman who owes William a debt of gratitude. Waiting at home are William's wife (Amy Price-Francis), who's seen her husband at his best -- and worst -- and two kids (Brett Delbuono and Liliana Mumy), who wish they saw their dad more.

Is It Any Good?

2
Inspired by the work of a real-life interventionist, The Cleaner has a unique concept. And Bratt has a respectable track record when it comes to attracting fans. But the series is hindered by a sluggish script, confusing dialogue, and characters who aren't fully formed. Plus, some of the situations the cleaning crew sets up to bail out the addicts are over-the-top at best and ridiculous at worst. Bottom line? Chances are that, like the 70-odd percent of addicts Banks says will return to their old habits after an intervention, The Cleaner will relapse into obscurity.
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