FBI Dramas

Described as a gripping network crime series, NBC’s and ER creator John Well’s Southland has burst onto the scene, with a story of a tough and experienced Los Angeles cop assigned to train a young rookie. Check out the short trailer for the series below:

The story is set on the backdrop of Los Angeles, and takes a look at not just the cops, but the victims, their families, and the criminals. Southland airs on Thursdays at 10:00 PM ET on NBC.

Watching the series, I get the feel of something between The Shield and Third Watch.  I also get the same sort of movement of the plot lines that is unmistakably “ER” like. Here’s a quick run-down of what you need to know about this exciting new crime series:

Michael Cudlitz (A River Runs Through It) is John Cooper, the 20 year veteran and training officer. So far, I like his style. He gives off a no-nonsense vibe, and I love his dramatic way when dealing with Ben Sherman. As for the speech he gave to the rookie after the shooting? Although I enjoyed it…it made me laugh out loud.  Here’s a bit from another scene: “Number one, things are not always what they seem…the victim can be suspect, the suspect can be the victim. You do not take action alone…”).

Ben McKenzie portrays the young rookie, Ben Sherman, and boy does he have the “I’m a young inexperienced cop” pout down to a science. I didn’t get to see him as the lead on the other popular series, The OC but here he portrays the “innocent cop” rather well. The formula of the cop who is dismayed at having to actually shoot someone can be a bit trying, but in this case, I didn’t mind it. Officer Cooper’s somewhat hilarious speech afterwards made me forget all about it.

Regina King (Jerry McGuire) portrays Detective Lydia Adams, and she’s the sole caretaker of (and lives with) her mom. Tom Everett Scott is her partner, Detective Russell Clark, and he’s an unhappily married dad with three kids. There is also an assortment of gang detectives, and a patrol officer.

Yes, the series has the familiar elements of the typical police drama. So far, I find the series refreshing, and although it goes up against CBS’s Harpers Island on Thursdays, I think it will do well.

So what do you think of the show so far? Does Officer Sherman have what it takes to be a cop in LA?

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