The Best Show You Aren’t Watching

Set for DVD release Tuesday, September 2 is Life starring Damian Lewis (Major Winters, Band of Brothers).  This under appreciated show debuted last September on NBC to decent ratings, but nothing mind blowing.  Luckily the suits at the peacock network saw the potential and kept the show alive in spite of the writers’ strike (Life only managed to squeeze in 11 episodes).  If only they had seen Journeyman’s potential.

Life centers on LAPD officer Charlie Crews, a cop who served 12 years for a crime he did not commit.  Once exonerated Crews promptly sues the city, winning a huge cash settlement along with reinstatement to the police force as a detective.  Teamed up with Dani Reese (Sarah Shahi), a cop with her own troubled past, Crews does his job while subjected to the suspicious glares and questions of his fellow officers.  Tying the series together is Crews’ search for the corrupt cops who set him up to take the fall in a bank robbery conspiracy 12 years earlier.

Far from the melodrama that has become Law and Order: SVU, Life manages to deal with serious issues and have a bit of fun as well.  For example, Charlie’s zen-like attitude toward the world is countered with  frequent harassing traffic stops of his ex-wife’s new husband; or his home life in a  mansion that he has not bothered to furnish.  It’s a challenging show dealing with issues of revenge and redemption without ever forgetting that it is entertainment.  Life provides a blend of cop drama and humor reminiscent of Hill Street Blues with top notch writing and acting all the way.  I would be remiss not to mention Adam Arkin’s fantastic turn as Charlie’s prison pal and accountant.

Life is definitely superior television and without a doubt my favorite new show from this past season.  I take it upon myself to spread the word to all who will read and take my advice.  Go buy or rent the DVD and then tune in Monday, September 29 at 10/9c to NBC.  You will not regret it.  Great stuff!