Hung Season 2, Episode 3

• Courtesy of HBO
• "YOU'VE HEARD OF FREE LOVE? WELL..." Jane Adams and Thomas Jane on "Hung"

I’ve been wondering if HBO’s “Hung” glorifies the oldest profession. It certainly doesn’t examine the ethical aspects of male prostitution very closely. The show seems to endorse Tanya’s attitude that Ray offers a welcome service to frustrated women of means. As long as the transaction involves consenting adults, who cares? Last night’s episode sums up the show’s attitude towards being a gigolo when Ray gives a freebie to Horny Patty. “Sometimes being a good guy has its price,” Ray complains in voiceover. Aw, I feel so sorry for him, as he reclines on his back in bed while a talkative, bouncy-breasted woman humps him.

We shouldn’t examine the idea that most of Ray’s clients on “Hung” are young and attractive enough to get laid for free by visiting a neighborhood bar. Somehow I suspect that “Hung” would be less blasé about prostitution if Lenore and Tanya wanted to send Ray to male clients. Or imagine a show called “Stacked,” in which a woman comparable to Ray’s ex-wife (Anne Heche) started hooking to make ends meet.