We're not saying HBO stole the idea for Hung, the new series about down-on-his-luck Metro Detroit school teacher-cum-male-hooker Ray Drecker from Jalopnik and Detroit-born editor-in-chief Ray Wert's real-life experiences, but there's an awful lot of similarities.
Hung is all about former high school sports legend Ray Drecker's become a middle-aged high school basketball coach in metro Detroit and his finding a way to benefit from his biggest asset — his penis. Doesn't sound like the story of Jalopnik to you? Bear with us. It'll all make sense.
1.) The name of Hung's main character is Ray and he grew up in metro Detroit. The name of Jalopnik's editor is Ray and he grew up in metro Detroit.
2.) Hung's story is set in Detroit. Many of Jalopnik's stories are set in Detroit.
3.) Hung uses the Packard plant and the old Michigan Central train station to set the scene of Detroit's economic decline. Jalopnik uses the Packard plant and the old Michigan Central train station to set the scene of Detroit's economic decline. Well, until it caught fire last week.
4.) Hung's Ray gets admiring looks outside of Hamtramck's Burk's Igloo ice cream shop because of his equipment. Jalopnik's Ray gets admiring looks outside of Hamtramck's Burk's Igloo ice cream shop because of his equipment.
5.) Hung uses Detroit's Renaissance Center as a visual phallus jutting from the groin of the Detroit River. Jalopnik uses Detroit's Renaissance Center as a verbal phallus jutting from the groin of the Detroit River.
6.) Hung's Ray gives love to various ladies for a fee. Jalopnik's Ray gives love to various cars for free.
7.) Hung's Ray is...well...hung like a horse. Jalopnik's Ray is...well..hung up on horsepower.
See — it makes perfect sense to us. Hey HBO, where's our royalties?