Lucky (2003) User Reviews

what moron canceled this?

[blanche-2 · 8/10 · 26 April 2014]

I loved this show when it was on the air in 2003, and I couldn't believe it was canceled. Clever, funny, outrageous, with great situations, John Corbett stars as a recovering compulsive gambler who lives in, of all places, Las Vegas.

Corbett is handsome, he's cool, and he's charming as Michael Linkletter, who works to get his life back after losing his wife and the million dollars he won in poker.

This is a dark comedy about a man in sad circumstances and some of the crazy things he does. Why a compulsive gambler who is in recovery would live in Las Vegas is beyond me. But it was a clever idea, very well done, with a great cast, and I'll never understand why it was canceled.

We are Lucky to have this show. Rating: 10/10

[kevjohn · 8/10 · 16 April 2003]

In the words of Dan Hedaya's character, "Motion is life. Standing still could be fatal." After watching this series' first two episodes of "Lucky", I realized how much most of television programming was standing still. We allow ourselves to grow accustomed to bland, lifeless shows such as "Will & Grace", "Friends", and "Everybody Loves Raymond". And run-of-the-mill dramas like "The Practice", Law & Order", "CSI: Miami". Then when something new and refreshing comes along we realize what great tv is capable of. What "The Shield" is to cop shows, "Lucky" is to tv comedies. John Corbett plays Lucky Linkletter, a compulsive gambler living in Las Vegas trying to overcome his addiction. That he lives in Vegas is not inconsequential. The show plays up the fact that Lucky and his cohorts reside in the gambling mecca of the Western hemisphere by featuring several scenes inside of casinos. In fact, the premier episode begins and ends with Lucky sitting at a poker table. In between these scenes we meet the great cast of supporting characters, see Lucky attempting to go straight (including having joined Gamblers Anonymous), and we learn that he's feeling guilty over the unexplained death of of his newlywed wife. In short, there's a lot of show packed into this half-hour. The question is which Lucky will prevail, the good or the gambler? Can they coexist? Can Lucky even BE Lucky without the gambling? More importantly, will "Lucky" still be "Lucky" without it?

It'd be too cliché to give this show an 11 out of 10 rating, so I give it 10 out of 10--and will reduce my ratings of all other tv shows by one.

My new favorite show

[Scatchard · 9/10 · 30 April 2003]

I have a tendency to like a show and then miss it all the time. But not this one. I make sure to know to be in front of a TV on Tuesday at 10pm for Lucky.

In case you don't know Lucky is about Michael "Lucky" Linkletter, a gambler who a year ago won the World Series of Poker and a million dollars only to lose it all (and his wife) due to his gambling habit. So pretty much each episode is Lucky trying to get by and put his life back together. He had reformed through Gambler's Anonymous but circumstances has lead to him being back at the poker table. The format is pretty loose which is what makes this show so unique.

John Corbett seems effortlessly cool as Lucky as things go his way and just as quickly turn around. A fun show done with style and originality. Hopefully it stays a while.

FYI: It's also on Sundays at 10pm.

Whoever cancelled this show deserves to go to Hell.

[Ayatollah · 3 January 2004]

A harsh stance to take, perhaps, but it's true. This was a genuinely funny show. You know what I mean; you don't have to force yourself to laugh at this. Unlike most sitcoms, I didn't find myself grasping for reasons to laugh. Maybe my favorite part about this show was the fact that there was no canned laughter. That really means a lot to me as a television watcher...it shows one of two things: first, that the makers of the show have enough faith in the viewing audience to make up their own minds about what is or is not funny without a "live studio audience" or a bunch of laughs edited into the show; second, it might also mean that the makers of the show couldn't afford it. But I digress. This show was great all around. Great characters, great acting, great writing...and then it all goes down the tube. The show also had a lot of heart. There were serious situation that were dealt with in a serious matter. Danny's drug addiction, Lucky's wife's death, his ever-lingering depression...none of these were taken lightly. If the cancellation of this show doesn't show you that there is no justice in this world, I don't know what will.

What, no DVD?

[jode_az · 10/10 · 26 August 2008]

The reliably brilliant John Corbett really shone in this series, accompanied by sharp writing, a terrific ensemble cast, and an underlying humanity that made it easy to sympathize. Lucky was always just one big score from walking away from it all, but he never quite made it. I loved his two chucklehead buddies, who (IIRC) made their entrance in the series arguing over the rules of rock-paper-scissors - "Tell him, wouldja, Lucky, that paper beats rock?" "It's a ROCK, dude! It'll punch right through paper." "Seriously, man, what's wrong with you?" Dreck like "Nip/Tuck" and "Dirt" sticks around on F/X, but not this. No justice in the TV world, I tell ya. Worse yet, with all the forgettable trash TV shows out on DVD these days, it is a CRIME that this one has not been released. This was one of the funniest and smartest shows I've ever seen. I can get "Gilligan's Island" and "Dynasty" on DVD, but not this?

Awesome

[MarblesMarbles84 · 10/10 · 16 April 2003]

This show has got what most shows are missing. STYLE. And not just any style, a cool Las Vegas, Swingers and Rat Pack style. A style that shows like PUSH NEVADA or KINGPIN had. This is something they would be crazy to cancel. It's hilarious. Its about World Champion poker player who also happens to be a reformed gambler. And with that he owes depts, gets the "urge", etc. So Check it out. you won't regret it.

Oh and when you watch it be sure you have a deck of cards in hand because his wanting to play will get to you.

Jordan

God is dead

[alextrudelle · 10/10 · 7 February 2007]

This show was canceled! After only 11 episodes! I watched it faithfully every Tuesday night until some loser network suit wrenched it out off the air. Heathen! Lucky is amazing, watch it pronto. Pronto! It's the story of the fall of a Poker World Champion. One year after his glorious victory, Lucky is broke and seeking help at Gamblers Anonymous. He has two best friends who really make up the core of his spirit, who help him through the toughest of times. He meets a girl through GA who serves as an unusual love interest throughout the rest of the series. On the other side of Lucky's woman radar is a foxy con woman who occasionally crosses paths with Lucky, sometimes even coming to his rescue. If I could, I would just hang out with the three friends in that restaurant they always hang out at. Or go and cheat with Lucky on the blackjack table. That would be sweet.

F/X Does It Again

[bobm5508 · 16 April 2003]

How is it that the WB, UPN and to a degree FOX, miss on every new show, and F/X can hit such home runs as "The Shield" and now "Lucky". This is inspired stuff. Almost every line is repeatable at tomorrow's coffee break (i.e. - "he's white and dead, and I'm black and gone!!"). The characters - after only two weeks -- are unforgettable. The loan shark (Dan Heyada) who hears everything, the "trac" puffing thru his surgical hole, a robber on a 1st name basis with his victim and two of the wackiest sidekicks ever seen. And all held together by a smooth acting job from John Corbett as the most unlucky World Poker Champ ever. He has gotten better with ever role since "Northern Exposure". After scoring big on "Sex and the City",(and My Big Fat....)check out his scene with his deceased wife's parents. This is on several times a week, so pick a time, hopefully catch a few replayed episodes, and strap in!!

I hate TV, but this has potential...

[mikey1969 · 24 June 2003]

There are very few shows out now that I watch, especially with the wave of reality TV that has taken over. I religiously watch The Simpsons, and try to catch Frasier, Just Shoot Me, and Dharma and Greg when I can. TV has nothing new to offer me, except for Lucky and Monk. Since this is a message about Lucky, I'll leave Monk alone for now. Great show though.

I happened upon Lucky one night a few weeks ago, it was a repeat of the Pilot, and I decided to give it a chance. This show is awesome. Good writing and great casting. I can only sit through so many plots of him getting in trouble with hoods, trying to leave Vegas, or blowing a fortune in no time, but other than that this show has everything going for it. I like the fact that they actually use profanity in this show. It sounds weird, but this is the way people talk, more often than saying 'Gosh' or 'Darn'. It's really hard to hate Lucky, he's just too free of a guy, he can lose 10 grand, and walk out with a smile on his face, knowing somehow he'll make it up. I do wish they'd go into more about his life after the World Series of Poker, and the Pilot episode, unless they had some flashback episodes... All in all, I'd have to say that this is a great show. It even goes so far as to have some shots that seem more like a film than a low-budget project like a television series.

is the most delightful show of 2003

[invest1 · 22 May 2003]

ever since "northern exposure", john corbett became one of my favorite actors because of his wit,erudition, and air of control of his every situation. "Lucky" has characters who are smart and eccentric in the stimulating locale of Las Vegas which makes me laugh and applaud.

My New Fav show

[mrbluto · 3 June 2003]

lucky is the best comedy on tv and my new fav show. vinny and Mutha make the show, the time vinny was throwing himself on top of cars to make money for his friend is priceless. 10 out of 10

Great new show, wish it was an hour instead of only 30 minutes.

[damoe · 22 April 2003]

This show is definitely unique and ORIGINAL. It has taken the timeslot that was previously reserved for "The Shield", which was a show I watched religiously since it first came out. I expected to be disappointed by the comparison of the quality between the two shows but the truth is, there is no comparison. They are two completely different types of tv show. FX has really come through once again with "Lucky" with complete originality and believability of the characters. This is what tv shows need today. I find that I cant wait until the next episode and have watched the re-runs almost every time they have aired which is something I have NEVER done with any tv show in all my years of life. This show has enabled me to enjoy watching television once again! Great Job!!

Congrats on an interesting, cool look at all the levels of Vegas

[marewait · 13 May 2003]

Ensemble acting with unique individual performances...the best of both worlds in one television program...thank God it's on FX and you get to see encores...it's so good, the time flies so fast...you want to come back to Vegas right away! Love the characters and the unfolding bits of plot in each episode...the levels multiply, things get wacky, things get sane for a bit and everything explodes again...just like a quick trip to Vegas. The music is great! Adds so much to the feel of the show,and John Corbett...HOORAYYYY!!!! YOU GET TO FINALLY SHINE! You've been 'exposed' in the 'North' and 'Visited' Earth and now you have a character that allows you to anchor your talented star for keeps! Billy,Craig,Ever,Dan and the entire supporting cast..YES! YES! YES! You guys rock! WATCH THIS SHOW!!! YOU'LL LOVE IT!!!!!!!!Mare

Brutally Funny

[quincy-white · 30 April 2003]

Like The Shield, this show deals with a morally ambiguous character, but unlike The Shield, it uses this for dark comedy rather than dark drama. John Corbett rules the show as the troubled lead, simultaneously evoking pity and laughter from his desperate situations. His friends are very funny, and Ever Carradine is classic as a woman with her own gambling problem. I'm surprised the opening credits don't have her as a regular.

So far, so good, I will stick with this show. I don't have a gambling problem, but this show may become my addiction.

great show

[shaun2000us · 11 April 2003]

I love this show. John Corbett is great as compulsive gambler, Michael "Lucky" Linkletter. I love the idea of a show about a compulsive gambler in Vegas trying to recover. It has a good mix of comedy and drama. I recommend this show, good job FX

Fast

[sgershon · 28 May 2003]

Fastest half-hour on tv! Great!!! Short intro, short credits, commercial comes at 20 after! John Corbett is smooooothe and this show lasted longer that his wannabe "My big Fat Greek Life!" Two sidekicks are very funny!

This is fun stuff

[donpapag · 5 May 2003]

Despite the presence of B+ list actors, this show is a ton fun and well made. Very smart, quick witted writing and quality performances keeps me wondering why the "major" networks didn't pick it up. I guess the majors just don't see real quality when it happens. I sincerely hope this show catches on.

John Corbett and all do a great job selling their characters and the motley crew that they assemble are just like any other group of friends and acquaintances in real life (look at you and your friends...pretty motley).

If you haven't seen it check it out! Enjoy

Don Papaggi.

Gold

[KBS247 · 5 June 2003]

FX and Lucky are a match made in heaven. The network allows for a gritty, true to life, minimally censored feel of Las Vegas, without overproducing it in ways that HBO might have. The premise is great: The lead character is an idiot savant of sorts in that he can disect a persons every thought and intention while involved in a game of poker, yet be so vulnerable and naiive once he leaves the table. The comic relief from his two buddies is always on target, and the emotional moralistic element that his "girlfriend" injects is well written and not overbearing. John Corbett has the role down to a "T", in that he projects such confidence in his character yet seeminly always gets played for a fool. This show relates to real life through possibly America's second favorite past-time, poker. Let's hope that Lucky gets the ratings it needs to continue with a second season and not become one of televisions all time great casualties.