How can he make some money, rebuild his house, and get his kids back? A seminar instructs him to "identify your own tool" for success, and Ray just has one thing going for him: his oversized groin ferret. (Sorry. I got carried away Googling for synonyms for "penis.")

"Now what the hell do I do with the damn thing?" wonders Ray.

In the fine tradition of "Weeds" and "Breaking Bad," this is the story of a middle-aged suburbanite driven to desperate measures, living a double life and getting a little thrill out of breaking the law.

Imagine how many actors competed for the part. I bet David Duchovny is kicking himself right now for settling for "Kalifornication." But the choice role went to Thomas Jane, better known as superhero "The Punisher" and as Patricia Arquette's ex. He is utterly believable as a none-too-bright underachiever. At least he can laugh at himself. And, you know, make women scream in a good way.

Every pimp needs a ho, and Ray finds his in local "poet" Tanya, who comes up with an impressive marketing plan on how to package his package. She is played by character actress Jane Adams, whom you may remember from "Frasier." You know how you look first thing in the morning? That's how Tanya looks all day. She calls their business "Happiness Consultants" and hands out refrigerator magnets.

Anne Heche is less successful in the role of Ray's ex-wife, Jessica. As a self-centered and shallow person who is sincerely trying to be a good person, Jessica is too over-the-top to belong in this show. But I will give her a chance, and I do look forward to seeing all of her pastel twinsets.

The first four episodes are all about getting business up and running, but the series has the potential to explore some interesting topics: Sexually, what is considered normal? Is a woman taking charge of her sex life empowering? What do women want? And is there any way to escape an adjustable rate mortgage?

There's no full-frontal, sorry, although Ray shows plenty of skin. We are left to wonder why Mark Wahlberg's prosthetic in "Boogie Nights" was not available for filming. Even so, "Hung" is worth watching. There are worse ways to spend your nights than with Ray Drecker: male prostitute.