Rake (Season 2, Episode 4): R v Floyd by Andrew Knight

JUDGES' COMMENTS

Andrew Knight’s episode R v Floyd is another example of the sophisticated scriptwriting of Rake. In this instalment, Cleaver Greene’s career is sinking to new lows, clients ranging from petty criminals to a peeping Tom with a penchant for nipples. As usual, Cleaver’s personal life is a catastrophe — estranged from his best friend and colleague Barney, cut out of his father’s will and in serious debt to the unsavoury Kirsty. Add to that a railing 18-year-old son who has impregnated his 41-year-old neighbour and the nightmare is complete. Meanwhile, the notorious Joshua Floyd, radical campaigner for freedom of information, is accused of treason for leaking sensitive government documents. When Floyd offers Cleaver the job of defending him in what will be the trial of the decade, Cleaver eagerly recognises the opportunity to finally deliver on the hopes of everyone around him.

Andrew Knight’s script is entertaining and engaging, weaving multiple storylines and relationships together with assurance. Evidently inspired by Wikileak’s Julian Assange, this episode’s feature character provides an intriguing foil to Cleaver. Knight’s writing is witty, topical, and deftly handles questions of principle, pragmatism and human politics.