‘The Cleaner’ takes a unique approach to addiction
by Dean Robbins
Back for a second season, “The Cleaner” (Tuesday, 9 p.m., A&E) follows William Banks (Benjamin Bratt) as he helps people overcome addictions. William takes a kind of Zen approach to his business, letting troubled clients find him and pay what they can. Why would he do such a thing?
During this week’s episode, that obvious question never crosses your mind. Bratt is so compelling that you buy into the melodramatic scenario: William helping a crazed TV news anchor get back on the wagon after his wife is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Bratt creates a portrait of a soulful do-gooder — a former addict himself — who is tough or tender as the situation requires. William is somehow both laidback and intense, and his charming smile alone would make me forswear drink and drugs forever.
