Scrubsstar Zach Braff and Esther McGregor will feature in the upcoming TV seriesClean Hands, focusing onAmerica’s drug war from law enforcement and addiction perspectives. Braff has enjoyed recent success helming an Emmy-nominatedepisode ofTed Lasso, as well as directing three episodes ofShrinking. McGregor has notably appeared in the Disney+ miniseriesObi-Wan Kenobi, and the drama film,Bleeding Love, both of which starred her father Ewan. Braff and McGregor are set to work together for the first time on the upcoming production.
PerDeadline,Braff and McGregor will star inClean Hands,based on the life of cop turned recovery advocate Kevin Simmers, and his daughter Brooke. The project is headed by writer-director Jake Allyn, with filming set to begin in April/May. Braff will also executive produce, alongside Jim Gladden, Tony Herber, Scott and Linda Davis, Jonathan Beaulieu, Daniel Weaver, and Kevin and Dana Simmer.Clean Handswill also be produced by Conor Allyn of Margate House Films, Brian Loschiavo of Riverside Entertainment, and James Suttles and Jason Winn from WW/SF Entertainment.
What This Means For Clean Hands
The Show Could Be A Dark, Gritty Drama That Has Something Important to Say
No other casting choices are known at this stage, but the involvement of Braff and McGregor could be a shrewd move on the show’s part. The heart and talent of the two performers indicate why they were brought on board.While Braff’s background is predominantly in comedy, he does have experience with more dramatic projects, notably writing and directing thepoignant Florence Pugh dramaA Good Person. On the other hand, this could be a breakout role for McGregor, who has mostly portrayed supporting roles or featured in small-budgeted projects.
Allyn commented that he hopes to “authentically portray both the law enforcement and addiction sides of this war.“Kevin was a narcotics officer who arrested many drug users, particularly in the Baltimore suburb of Hagerstown, Maryland. One of the drug users includes his own 19-year-old daughter, Brooke, who became an informant for her father. Following this two-year battle, which also included betrayal, Kevin would eventually launch Brooke’s House, an all-female recovery home that would help young women facing addiction.
It’s unknown if Simmers will be involved in the production, but it would seem like a good idea for the show to bring him on board, even if it’s just in a consultant capacity.
Clean Handsis set to offer a glimpse into the dark world of America’s drug epidemic, and exploring this issue from the side of both the police and the addicts could make for compelling viewing. This will not be the first time such a weighty issue has been targeted, withHBO’s Baltimore drug war masterpieceThe Wire, and Steve Soderbergh’s Oscar-winning movieTrafficboth exploring the US war on drugs and looking at the players on both sides. However,Clean Hands' true story roots ground it in reality, and this could make for a very emotionally draining and gripping watch.
Our Verdict On Clean Hands' Long-Term Prospects
The Potential Is High, Particularly If Simmers Joins The Project
It’s unclear at this stage whether the show will be a limited series, or if there are plans to expand to multiple seasons. Due to the fact the series will be based on a real-life true story, there will be plenty of stories to choose from, but artistic license will invariably be taken as well. It’s unknown if Simmers will be involved in the production, but it would seem like a good idea for the show to bring him on board, even if it’s just in a consultant capacity.Clean Handshas a lot going for it, and if the stars align, it could wind up being a strong and important commentary on America’s drug problem.
