"Southland"

[DonnaJo]

I've been noticing quite a few previews for this new cop show slated to run in a few weeks on NBC. It's creator is the guy who created "ER."

I had been planning on catching it, but now I definitely will! Tom Everett Scott is in the lead (an ADA?). He's been playing the Governor of NY the last two seasons on the mothership. Obviously a take on Elliot Spitzer. He is great, and I'm delighted with NBC for giving him a series.

Finally, NBC does something right.

[tjara]

So that showrunner would be John Wells?
(Because Michael Crichton is dead)

[nick5oh]

For the record, Michael Crichton created "ER", and Ann Biderman created "Southland". John Wells is not the creator of either show, though he is one of the executive producers of both shows. As a writer, he is notoriously known for having committed the gravest sin in writing, i.e. plagiarism, for directly stealing big chunks of the book "Homicide: life On the Street" (which the Tom Fontana TV series was based on) for use without accreditation in his short-lived TV show "Polish Hill".

[DonnaJo]

Thanks for that info, nick. Like getting the inside info on Wells.

I enjoyed "Southland." It's gritty and faced paced. There are alot of characters. All couldn't be showcased in this premier ep. but they touched on everyone. I was hoping for more of Tom Everett Scott (he plays the smarmy NYS Governor on the mothership) but he was barely in the episode. Maybe next week.

It does remind me a little of HLOTS - great music, shifting to different characters & scenes. They even have a crime board. My only complaint is that the rookie, on his very first day as a cop, shot & killed a perp. I thought that was a bit much.

[tjara]

What it's about, Donnajo?

Curious on how that show will do and whether we'll ever get it *grin* Maybe if it's got a famous name in it we will!

[DonnaJo]

Tjara, here's a link to the show's NBC official site:

Southland - NBC Site

You can watch the pilot (first episode) through this site also:

Southland Pilot

[Patcat]

Watch it while you can. NBC's lame brain move of giving Jay Leno the 10 pm slot means that shows with any sort of sex and violence are going to be put at 9pm, where they'll have to clean up their acts or not get seen. Of course, since they're on NBC, they're not going to get seen anyway.

Patcat (who really loathes NBC. Not too obvious, eh?)

[tjara]

Thanks for the Links DJ. Doesn't exactly look like something I'd watch - but you never know... ;D

[NikkiGreen]

NBC has the pilot schedule for a repeat telecast this Saturday (April 11) at 9:00 (after CI)

[Jefferaldo]

Has anyone been following the show? So far there have been 3 episodes:

Unknown Trouble
Mozambique
See the Woman

Pretty solid so far. None have been as good as the pilot but they are good nonetheless!

Found it quite funny that Sherman walked out of the party after seeing his dad there. Mirrors what I would do teehee!

[DonnaJo]

I've seen all three episodes too, Jeff. I'm getting into it. My only complaint is not enough Tom Everett Scott. Although in this last episode, it looks like he's got a hankering to cheat on his wife.

I'm already bored with the rich cop's storyline. He's mentioned that story about the drug dealers beating him & him mom up three times (once per episode) I guess that was to bring all viewers up to speed as to why he loathes his daddy.

[ragincajun]

I am getting into this show too. I like the realism, I like the black female cop too. Also the female cop who played on LOCI in stress position.

[DonnaJo]

Any of you who watch "Southland," do you think that Russell's character dies in the finale? He's shot twice in the chest by the crazy neighbor (who it seems also shoots his wife) and is starting into the sky (Memorial Day fireworks display).

I hope not. I watch the show in part for him.

[Jefferaldo]

I'm pretty sure he won't die. We still have a lot to see in his character.

Also Diana Son has joined the writing team for this show!

[DonnaJo]

Diana Son? Great news, Jeff! ;D