I’m getting hooked. Maybe it’s the wave of New Sincerity that Susan Boyle has loosed upon this country, but I found myself really engaged by Southland‘s baby-found-crawling-in-the-street subplot last night. And the rest of the episode — complete with thirteen bleeped curse words, four before the opening credits were finished — was nearly as interesting.
NBC’s replacement for ER shares the hospital drama’s method of focusing on professionals under stress, combined with interesting cases and expected moments of humor. Last night, nearly all the major players, including stars Ben McKenzie and Regina King, were involved in the abandoned-child story line. Written by show creator Ann Biderman, this episode kept us guessing about where that baby would land: in Child Services, or returned to her former-addict mom. Even with a (relatively speaking) happy ending, it was a heart-breaker.
There was an excitingly-filmed suspect chase that ended with co-star Tom Everett Scott shooting the guy… with a “non-lethal” bean-bag gun. (When are we going to get some of the Scott character’s backstory? Southland is teasing us nicely.) I feel as though Southland is trying to cherry-pick the best elements of cop dramas such as NYPD Blue and, especially, Hill Street Blues, while building its own visual style and narrative rhythm. If so, that’s a smart decision: It invites a large audience to enjoy episodes that feel at once familiar and fresh.
The show continues to use Los Angeles and its neighborhoods well. (I’d swear that the motel the cops brought that girl and her grandmother to for safekeeping was the one I stayed in on Sunset Blvd. my first night in L.A.)
And next week — did you catch the coming attractions? Special guest star Tom Sizemore!!
I am so there…
Did you watch? What did you think?
One of the most authentic shows in a long time. I love the “cable” feel. Great show! Even McKenzie is showing he’s far away from The O.C.
http://tvdonewright.com/2009/04/17/tv-tonight-friday-april-17th-2009/
I like it! But they only give us morsels of the characters’ back-stories. Like who the heck was that guy Regina King was talking to? I want to know more. Bring on the gay cop!
1. Why don’t the cops wear seat belts?
2. Why do the cops drink and drive?
Neather set a good example although they do show an attitude towards the law.
Harold T. Pack
I was a Hills Street Blues Fan. I loved Adam 12 (yes I’m older but not old). Didn’t get on the NYPD Blue Bandwagon. I watched a couple of them because a friend of mine had some minor roles in them. Southland’s commercials peaked my interest. A little bit of Adam 12 a litlle bit of Hill Street. Should I invest my time in a new series? I missed the first episode and watched the second. I’m hooked! I hope it stays strong.
Really enjoying it from the bleeped out parts of their conversation (makes the show feel more authentic) to the shaky camera to the actors and the storylines. Feels like a tame version of The Wire. Looking forward to episode 3..
Sigh. Still. Another. Cop. Show. Ken Tucker: why do you congratulate a mediocre show on how well it borrows from better shows? Why not champion some original TV?
And if you’re asking the question, yes I did watch. I was curious at how well NBC’s Thursday night was going and thought I might catch some nostalgia about LA.
This show is fast becoming a must-see. It does borrow from the other shows and even ER but still seems remarkeably fresh, it could be the cast. I am loving Reginea King and Ben McKensie. Who was that guy and his family at the end. C. Thomas Howell has not aged very gracefully but he was believeable as a retiring and alcholic police officer.
You should take a look at The Unusuals over on ABC. I’m a big fan of both Southland and The Unusuals already.
I am drawn to police shows. Never saw OC but saw Ben in “Junebug” and was impressed by his acting ability with facial expressions. Hooked on Regina King since “Jerry McQuire”. I was hooked before the 1st ep. was even half-way through. ALL the characters are interesting. Hope this is right up there with Hills Street Blues & NYPD BLue.
Like i said last wk…i hate cops shows but man is this one good!!! Its very interesting and about the characters.
Im ready for them to reviel more on the gay cop John. I didnt catch that at the end of ep 1 he walked into a gay bar…but i read online that he is going to be a gay cop and that ep 3 will be more about his story.
Oh but i love Ben and i wonder if a love story is building…between him and Chickie…that would be hot and interesting.
I loved Ben in the OC (still my fav show of all time…lol) and i watched Junebug b/c he was in it… and thanks to that i have become a Amy Adams addicted too.
Bens facial expressions say more then his words…
Watched it, loved it. It had me on the edge of my seat for the entire episode.
I like the guy from back to the future!
Terrible show. Overly earnest and predictable.
I am getting hooked. Are you kidding me…Tom Sizemore!!! I love it!!
I would like less of the detectives and more of the street cops though. We have already had so many those shows that focus so much on the detective side. Regina is a keeper..the rest of them can go home.