So the ratings have been tumbling a bit for Southland — too bad, since the show has only gotten better since its premiere, and last night, it had one of this season’s best finales. I kind of figured the show wouldn’t kill off the sweet-faced 15 year-old targeted by a drug lord, if only because that’s the kind of tug-at-your-heartstrings moment an assiduously dark show such as Southland avoids.
But it did something better: it put that girl in jeopardy and placed as her ultimate guardian Regina King’s police detective Lydia Adams. And better still, the episode written by creator Ann Biderman put a shotgun in Lydia’s hands, which she used to defend herself and her young charge in a terrific shoot-out that was better than anything in Gran Torino.
The series had to cram all the major characters into the finale, which was set during Memorial Day weekend. Gotta say, I’m not as into the subplot about Detective Sal worrying about his teen daughter Kimmy at a rave (which came to a tearful resolution) as I am with the C. Thomas Howell is a crazy-alcoholic cop (which, while ratcheting up the tension superbly in a Howell-driving-drunk scene, didn’t come to enough of a resolution for me).
And, oh yes, Ben McKenzie, officer, sir? You are much better off without that girl. Her singing a Carole King song in a Silverlake coffee house?: she practically glowed Sensitive Weepy Loser.
The cliffhanger (um, spoiler alert) of Tom Everett Scott being shot by a neighbor may have been easily foreseen, but was nonetheless well-done.
All in all, it was an excellent end to a solid season. I just hope that, when Southland moves to 9 p.m. Fridays next season, it can pick up more viewers. But not at the expense of Dollhouse… boy, it’s hard to know which shows to root for the most these days, isn’t it?
Did you watch the season finale of Southland? What did you think?
As good a quality as this show is, it is far too violent for my taste.
AWESOME Finale!!! I still can’t believe NBC shipped this show to Fridays.
http://tvdonewright.com/2009/05/21/american-idol-scores-ratings-low-a-sign-of-things-to-come/
I loved it, I hope NBC doesn’t kill it in the Friday slot. Release the first season dvd this summer promote it heavily and hope for some magic. I agree Dollhouse shouldn’t have to be sacrificed to this show, so change time slot.
It’s only getting better! Lydia is my favorite Bada$$!!!
I liked it. A lot. I agree about the Regina King storyline. I wasn’t as certain that they wouldn’t kill off Janila and really liked the way the shoot-out played out. I also didn’t see the TES shooting at the end coming, but I think it’s because I have a hard time hearing what he says. I’m not sure if he’s mumbling or what. It is a violent show, but it’s a violent job. I don’t think they’ll kill of TES, but I’m still really excited to see where it goes next season.
I will be catching up on the season on nbc.com in the next couple weeks. That show is great! Regina King for an Emmy nod Puuuuhleeeese!
yup, Regina/Lydia was straight badass last night. that whole scene had my heart pumpin, i couldn’t help it. and how the hell was the shooting at the end “easily forseen”? that came out of NOWHERE. my eyes practically fell out of their sockets when that happened.
I LOVE the reality of this show and I am so incredibly proud of NBC for putting this show on the air, and pissed at them for moving it to Fridays- usually a death knell for any show (bye bye Ugly Betty next year). Nevertheless, the performances, strong writing, gripping graphic reality and for the most part refusal to compromise of the show has made me a fan so I hope it survives. Michael Cudlitz is awesome (nice to see Ana Lucia’s partner on his own show!)
Terrific season ender to a terrific season. I love love this show.
I love Southland and I loved the shoot-out, I was on the edge of my seat. I was so glad that Janilla(?) did not have to lose any more of her inncocence by shooting the gang member. It was sad to see her in the US Marshals’ car as the window rolled up. I love the characters in this show, especially Det. Adams and Officer Sherman.
Excellent edge of your seat, heart stopping excitement! I love this show. People need to get on board! I don’t like ‘cop shows’ but this one is so real, so gritty, so well done!
Loved it, too!! Great show and finale.
I love this show and I guess the question is will Tom everett scott be returning?
I really wish that it wasn’t on Fridays — so many shows have gone there to die and wish NBC changed their minds and moves it to wed. It deserves better.
everyone please email NBC to relaunch this show over the summer on Wed after america’s got talent. So that people can see this show from the beginning. It’s a great series, but got beaten up by really strong shows. This is a show that people need to see from the beginning and they will be hooked.
Southland and Castle are the best new shows of the season.
This is a great show. I loved the finale!