As far as the episodes go, the separating factor from the other Law and Order spin-offs is that the lawyers get more personal screen time outside the office. But, very much like TBJ, the scripts don't make me care there's that difference at all. Wolf's signature theme of winning at all costs still exists, and seems ancient compared to the 'nobody wins' theme of shows like The Wire.
But hey, Law and Order's original formula is based on Dragnet — back when television made it clear that there were good guys and bad guys.
The Wire forever changed the game in the genre of law enforcement television — now, everyone is, essentially, a bad guy. I prefer it that way, because that seems to be the reality the world is facing, at least in Hollywood. Yes it's depressing, but it's an hour's worth of well-written depression.
Unlike the TBJ box set, they don't bother to include a special about how different their show will be from everything else. All that's included are "character profiles". Not that there was any character who really caught my interest. If I were to base it on performances alone, I'd say Eric Balfour (24) was the most interesting — he was a ladies' man and kind of sleazy looking, which is a better picture of what a lawyer really is.
Dick Wolf can take the Law and Order out of his shows, but the show still carries the taste of the other spin-offs. He should try working a new batch of coffee, rather than simply changing the cup that holds it.
Watch the trailer here (300 kb).
Article comments
1 - Scott Butki
Excellent review. I could never get any of the Law and Order series, though. After growing up on
Hill Street Blues then Homicide I think my standards are too high.