Sunday, September 30, 2007

How is it, of all the networks, NBC seems to be doing the best work?

I watched the LIFE pilot. It's a strongly written procedural, created by Rand Ravich, the core of which is a cop who just did twelve years for a crime he was framed for. Now he's doing his best to be all Zen about what was done to him -- cops don't have good experiences in prison. He got a huge settlement but he's back on the force, though no one knows why. And some on the force are still out to get him.

Damien Lewis (Capt. Winters from BAND OF BROTHERS) brings to life a fresh and intriguing character who feels real and fleshed out. The Zen isn't played for cartoon contrast, but as a person who's really trying to make sense out of a life that hasn't made a whole lot of sense. Likewise there are moments where his prison experiences work for him, helping him connect with suspects and witnesses; and other times those experiences and the emotions that come with them get in the way. And Lewis carries the show convincingly.

Like so many shows these days, this is your basic episodic procedural, but with an über plot which, I am sure, each episode will forward juuuuust enough, VERONICA MARS style.

I won't be watching LIFE because I just don't care about cop shows. Lewis's character is very clever, in his irregular way, and the episodic performances are lovely. I just don't need to see crimes solved, no matter how cleverly, and no matter how compelling the performances by the episodic characters. But if you like cop shows, try this one out.

LIFE airs after THE BIONIC WOMAN on NBC and Global on Wednesdays at 10 pm.

Labels: pilots, watching tv

3:49 PM

1 Comments:

This show seems like it should be on the USA Network with Psych, Monk and Burn Notice.

This is my favorite new show this season. And I'm not someone who gets into CSI shows.

I think what captivates me is his release from prison, as I've been following the story of Eric Volz for months now.

By  Nathania Johnson, at 8:51 PM  

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