Take a first look at THE CLEANER "The Things We Didn't Plan" Season 2 Episode 5 airing this Tuesday July 21 2009 at 10/9C on A&E.

Episode Synopsis: THE CLEANER "Does Everybody Have a Drink?" Season 2 Episode 5 - A cop (Tom Bower) hires William (Benjamin Bratt) to clean up his estranged son (Jamie McShane) who is also on the police force so that he can pass his drug test. William must find the best way to grab an addict who is armed and might take issue with his unconventional methods. Meanwhile, Akani (Grace Park) brings in a homeless woman named Sunshine (Lori Petty) and searches for a recovery home that can offer shelter to Sunshine and her dog. Swenton (Esteban Powell) meets an alcoholic father (Paul Schulze) and his 10-year-old daughter (Madeline Carroll) on the bus and decides he needs to help get the father into treatment. Also stars Ingrid Rogers.

Read all our The Cleaner coverage here.

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THE CLEANER "The Things We Didn't Plan" Season 2 Episode 5

Take a first look at THE CLEANER "Does Everybody Have a Drink?" Season 2 Episode 4 airing this Tuesday June 30 2009 at 10/9C on A&E.

Episode Synopsis: THE CLEANER "Does Everybody Have a Drink?" Season 2 Episode 4 - Jonathan (Noah Bean), a talent manager, hires William (Benjamin Bratt) and his team (Grace Park and Esteban Powell) to help his star client, April May (Mia Kirshner) kick her drug habit. Jonathan is about to be married to his fiancé Josefina (Kate del Castillo) and their patience is waning for his out-of-control alcoholic parents (Shirley Jones and Steven Landesberg), who happen to be Los Angeles’ longest running nightclub act. Jonathan seeks William's help again in cleaning up his parents, who are the epitome of a codependent alcoholic couple. As Jonathan’s wedding approaches, William helps him realize he in fact is an enabler and that unless he changes his ways, there is little help for those around him getting clean. Melissa (Amy Price-Francis) serves William with divorce papers.

Read all our The Cleaner coverage here.

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THE CLEANER "Does Everybody Have a Drink?" Season 2 Episode 4

Watch a sneak peek of THE CLEANER "Last American Casualty" Season 2 Episode 2 airing this Tuesday June 30 2009 at 10/9C on A&E.

Episode Synopsis: THE CLEANER "Last American Casualty" Season 2 Episode 2 - William sets out to have a relaxing father-son weekend with Ben, but instead ends up having to take on two cases of alcoholism, with Ben in-toe. William's dad enlists him to help get his best friend Duren clean. Duren is a raging alcoholic and William worries he is too far over the edge and that there is no hope for him. Duren introduces William to a father named Lonnie who is also a raging alcoholic and an abusive father to his teenage son, Kenji. Benjamin Bratt stars with guest star Joe Don Baker

Read all our The Cleaner coverage here.

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THE CLEANER "Last American Casualty" Season 2 Episode 2

Watch a sneak peek of THE CLEANER "Hello America" Season 2 Episode 1 airing this Tuesday June 23, 2009 at 10/9C on A&E.

Episode Synopsis: THE CLEANER "Hello America" Season 2 Episode 1 - William’s (Benjamin Bratt) former sponsor Pauline Kmec (Whoopi Goldberg) resurfaces when he is called to help an addict she currently sponsors. Davis (Gary Cole), a former friend and fellow program member, is a high-profile national news anchor and a spokesperson for recovery, but is struggling with his sobriety in the face of his wife’s (Jayne Brook) battle with cancer. William juggles the case while moving back in with his wife Melissa (Amy Price-Francis) to create a facade of happiness while her parents (Mariette Hartley and Barry Newman) are in town.

Read all our The Cleaner coverage here.

(Photos: Courtesy of A&E)

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THE CLEANER "Hello America" Season 2 Episode 1

Season 2 of A&E's THE CLEANER premiers this Tuesday, June 23rd and I had the chance to check out the first couple episodes today. If you're not familiar with the show, it's about this guy William Banks (Benjamin Bratt) who struck up a deal with God where if he got off drugs he'd help others to do the same. It's a true story actually (I know that sounds hard to believe). He's got this little crew that he works with and they go on these missions to get people clean. Basically they are like cops, but instead of chasing down bad guys, they hunt down druggies. William also has plenty of personal drama, mostly involving his wife Melissa and his two kids. At the end of season 1 Melissa is looking for some space and decides to try a separation from William.

Season 2 picks up where Season 1 left off. In episode 1, William moves back in with Melissa for the week while her parents are in town (since they aren't aware of the separation). Her parents don't seem to understand the line of work that William has chosen for himself. A famous news anchor and old friend of William's gets back into drugs and alcohol when his wife begins losing her battle with ovarian cancer. In episode 2, William and son Ben plan on having some father and son time when 2 unexpected cases come up. With no choice but to bring his son along, William tries to help a friend of his dad's, Duren (Joe Don Baker). Through Duren, William learns of another addict that needs his help. Ben proves to be helpful in the case when he's able to relate to the son of one of the addicts.

One thing you will love about Season 2 is that it's packed with guest stars. Episode 1 features Whoopi Goldberg and Gary Cole, just to name a few. On a personal note, this show is a little too dark for my taste. I don't think we see William smile more than a few times in each episode. This is probably fine for some, but I don't like drama's that don't provide a little comic relief here and there. Also, William's, rag-tag pose of helpers seems a little clichéd. First you have Akani, the hot chick, who wears skin tight clothing and a hard street wise attitude. Then there is the flawed, "Arnie" who always seems to be messing up. It may be a true story, but it's not a unique one. I give it an 'A' for Bratt's performance, and 'A' for guest star power, but a 'C' on originality.

This is a post from Daemon's TV.

THE CLEANER Season 2 Premiere Review

Check out a preview for season 2 of THE CLEANER on A&E, which premieres on June 23, at 10pm.

I really enjoyed the first season and am looking forward to finding out what's in store for William Banks this season. Plus Whoopi Goldberg guest stars in the first episode of the season, "Hello America," so that's another reason to tune in.

Watch the preview for season 2 of The Cleaner below.

This is a post from Daemon's TV.

THE CLEANER Season 2 Preview Video

Season two of the hit A&E original scripted drama series THE CLEANER, starring Benjamin Bratt, Grace Park, Amy Price-Francis and Esteban Powell premieres Tuesday, June 23 at 10PM ET/PT.

Inspired by the true story of real life "extreme interventionist" Warren Boyd, "The Cleaner" stars Bratt as William Banks, a recovering addict who must balance his unwavering dedication to helping others get clean with an increasingly rocky personal life and the ghosts of his addictions. Banks and his teammates Akani Cuesta (Park) and Arnie Swenton (Powell) employ an unconventional – and often by any means necessary – approach to getting addicts and those who surround them to realize they've reached rock-bottom and help them begin the process of recovery. With every success and failure, William wrestles with his commitment to his work and his love for his wife Melissa (Price-Francis) and their children through an unusual relationship with God.

Whoopi Goldberg guest stars in the series premiere, "Hello America," as William's (Bratt) former sponsor who resurfaces when an addict he is called to help is one she currently sponsors.

To celebrate the premiere of season 2 of The Cleaner, we have two great prize packs to give away.

Each prize pack includes:

- (1) The Cleaner season 1 DVD courtesy of CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment
- (1) A&E T-shirt, hat and pen
- (1) The Cleaner candle set, moleskin journal and set of eco-friendly shopping bags

Visit the official site for more information and to view exclusive content. Become a fan of The Cleaner on Facebook!

If you would like a chance to win, it's an easy 2 step process:

• First, email us at contest@daemonstv.com and tell us you are entering the "The Cleaner giveaway."
• Second, subscribe to our daily email newsletter. (Click here to subscribe)

Note: You will need to activate your email subscription (check your spam folder for the activation email) and make sure you use the same email for both steps. You do not have to remain a subscriber and may unsubscribe at anytime after the giveaway is over (in this case anytime after June 28th).

The winners will be picked randomly and we will check the winners' email against our newsletter subscription. Those without a subscription will be disqualified.

The giveaway is open until June 28th 2009. Good Luck!

More Rules:

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Giveaway: THE CLEANER Prize Pack

Mistresses (Volume 1)

Synopsis: Set in a world where friends have become the new family, Mistresses follows the lives and loves of a group of girlfriends whose lives have taken very different turns. Successful lawyer, Siobhan, seems to be living in wedded bliss with husband, Hari, but her eyes begin to wander when her sex life becomes less about 'making love' and more about 'making babies.' Trudi, a 9/11 widow, finds comfort in the arms of a man, Richard, after spending six years grieving her husband's death. Meanwhile, Jessica seduces her boss and pursues Alex, one half of a lesbian couple, while Katie, a well respected doctor and the rock of the group, begins an affair with a married patient. Their tangled web of love and deceit envelops all four friends with life-changing results.

Cast: Sarah Parish, Sharon Small, Shelley Conn, Orla Brady, Raza Jaffrey, Adam Rayner, Patrick Baladi, Adam Astill, Anna Torv, Max Brown

Recommendations: I just wrote a review for the DVD and I think it's pretty clear that I am a huge fan of the show.

Buy it: MISTRESSES (Volume 1) on Amazon

The Shield (The Complete Seventh Season)

Synopsis: The Road to Justice will blow you away! Detective Vic Mackey is the leader of an elite Strike Team unit, a group of cops effective at eliminating crime but also operating under Vic's own set of rules. But his rules sometimes cross the fine line between legal and illegal. Now the precinct has a new captain who doesn't like Vic's tactics and wants to bust him off the force-even as he finds himself going to Vic for help whenever the going gets rough.

Cast: Michael Chiklis, Catherine Dent, Walt Goggins, Michael Jace, Kenny Johnson, Jay Karnes, Benito Martinez

Recommendations: I have never been a fan of The Shield, or I guess I should say that I didn't start watching it the first season, and then never caught up. But I have watched a few episodes here and there and understand why so many people love it. A lot of my friends love it too, and I have to admit the acting is pretty powerful. But since this is the final season, I don't really think I have to convince you guys to watch it, since most of you are probably already fans.

Buy it: THE SHIELD (The Complete Seventh Season) on Amazon

The Cleaner (The First Season)

Synopsis: "The Cleaner," inspired by the true story of a real-life "extreme interventionist," follows William "The Cleaner" Banks, who, after hitting rock-bottom from his own addictions after the birth of his daughter, strikes a tentative deal with God. Now along with his unconventional team, he helps people get away from their addictions by any means necessary.

Cast: Benjamin Bratt, Grace Park, Esteban Powell, Amy Price-Francis, Kevin Michael Richardson, Liliana Mumy, Brett DelBuono

Recommendations: I really enjoyed season 1 of The Cleaner. I wasn't sure about the first couple of episodes, but then really got into it. It's not my favorite show, but I think it's definitely worth a look. Plus now is the perfect time to catch up since Season 2 will premiere on June 23.

Buy it: THE CLEANER (The First Season) on Amazon

This is a post from Daemon's TV.

New TV on DVD Releases for the Week of June 9 2009

A&E's new original series, THE CLEANER, premieres tomorrow, July 15, at 10pm.

The story follows, William “The Cleaner” Banks (Benjmain Bratt) and his team, as they try to get people clean by any means necessary (really, any means).

When I first heard about The Cleaner I was intrigued. Then I saw a promo and I was really excited to check out the first episode. I finally sat down to watch the first episode, and although it didn't live up to all my expectations, I think it is worth checking out.

To me the story could have spent a little more time making us care about the team. Unfortunately, I think
they tried to focus on too many different characters from the team, instead of focusing on more William and less on the people from his crew, at least for the first episode.

However, even though the episode wasn't all that I wanted it to be, I totally got hooked because of what happens at the end of the episode. I just wasn't expecting it at all and it just changed the tone of the show at least for the next few episodes and I am really looking forward to more.

Now on to the actors. I totally believe that Benjamin Bratt is William. He has the look and attitude that makes this guy believable. And I think that's the most important thing, especially if we're going to believe that the team respects and trusts him.

William's crew includes:

Akani Cuesta, played by Grace Park, who plays a really different part than in Battlestar Galactica. Kind of fun to see her doing something different. We don't see her that much in the pilot, so I'm waiting for future episodes to find out more about her character.

Arnie Swenton, played by Esteban Powell. I am really curious to see this character gets developed because I just loved his storyline in the premiere. And of course Esteban Powell is really, really good.

Darnell McDowell, played by Kevin Michael Richardson. I don't want to say too much about this character because his storyline is sort of intertwined with things that happen towards the end of the episode.

Mickey Efros, played by Gil Bellows. I loved this character and he is probably my favorite from the crew. I don't want to say to much about his storyline either, because I want you to discover it as you watch the episode. So I'll leave it t that.

Then there's William's family, but to be honest, I didn't really care that much for this part of the show. If I tune into The Cleaner it's to see people get cleaned, not to see William's home life, so if they keep it to a minimum, then I'm fine with that.

Overall, the pilot of The Cleaner will definitely leave you wanting for more. I was actually really shocked, in a good way and I just cannot wait to see more episodes.

Don't forget to watch the premiere of The Cleaner on Tuesday, July 15, at 10pm on A&E.

Read all our coverage from The Cleaner here.

(Photos: Danny Feld/A&E)

This is a post from Daemon's TV.

Early Review: THE CLEANER "Pilot" Episode (S01E01)

THE CLEANER is A&E's new original series starring Benjamin Bratt (“Law and Order,” Miss Congeniality), Amy Price-Francis (“Californication”), Grace Park (“Battlestar Galactica”), Kevin Michael Richardson (“Knights of Prosperity,” “Like Family”), Esteban Powell (Dazed and Confused, Powder), Brett DelBuono (Balls of Fury, “Kidnapped”) and Liliana Mumy (Cheaper by the Dozen, The Santa Clause 2: The Mrs. Clause).

The Cleaner is about an unconventional team who helps people get clean from their addictions by any means necessary. Benjamin Bratt stars as as William “The Cleaner” Banks, the leader of the team. The Cleaner is actually inspired by the true story of a real life “extreme interventionist.”

The Cleaner premiere on Tuesday, July 15, at 10pm on A&E.

I have already seen the first episode (my review is coming up, so keep an eye out) and I think the show has great potential to become a success. Plus the concept is really interesting. I'm really looking forward to seeing more.

Check out a promo below.

This is a post from Daemon's TV.

A&E's THE CLEANER - Promo Video

A&E's new original series, THE CLEANER, starring Benjamin Bratt premieres on Tuesday, July 15 at 10pm on A&E Network.

On July 15, at 10pm ET/PT, A&E Network will launch its first original scripted drama series in more than six years. THE CLEANER stars Benjamin Bratt (“Law and Order,” Miss Congeniality), Amy Price-Francis (“Californication”), Grace Park (“Battlestar Galactica”), Kevin Michael Richardson (“Knights of Prosperity,” “Like Family”), Esteban Powell (Dazed and Confused, Powder), Brett DelBuono (Balls of Fury, “Kidnapped”) and Liliana Mumy (Cheaper by the Dozen, The Santa Clause 2: The Mrs. Clause).

Inspired by the true story of a real life “extreme interventionist,” Bratt stars as William “The Cleaner” Banks who, after hitting rock-bottom from his own addictions after the birth of his daughter, strikes a tentative deal with God. In exchange for a second chance, he vows to kick his addictions and dedicate his life to helping others. Now, along with his unconventional team, he helps people get clean from their own addictions by any means necessary.

In celebration of this new show, we have two "Bratt Packs" to giveaway.

Each “Bratt Pack” Prize Package Includes:
-A&E T-shirt
-$10 A&E Store Gift Certificate
-Benjamin Bratt DVD package featuring: "The Andromeda Strain," "Miss Congeniality," "Pinero" and "Love in the Time of Cholera."

Want to win one? It's an easy 2 step process:

• First, email us at contest@daemonstv.com and tell us you are entering the "The Cleaner giveaway."
• Second, subscribe to our daily email newsletter. (Click here to subscribe).

Note: You will need to activate your email subscription and make sure you use the same email for both steps. You do not have to remain a subscriber and may unsubscribe at anytime after the giveaway is over (in this case anytime after July 20th).

The winners will be picked randomly and we will check the winners' email against our newsletter subscription. Those without a subscription will be disqualified.

The giveaway is open until July 20th 2008. Good Luck!

More Rules:

This is a post from Daemon's TV.

Giveaway: A&E's THE CLEANER - Bratt Pack