Created by ER producer John Wells, Southland takes a unique and charged look at a Los Angeles police unit. From the emotionally charged Detective Lydia Adams (Regina King) to the seasoned training cop John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz), the characters and series have charmed enough viewers into NBC saying yes.

The seven episodes that have premiered so far focus on what happens between LAPD patrol officers and detectives. One thing that’s driven the show so well thus far is that it’s pretty much character driven. The Emmy winning writer, Ann Biderman has let the other shows handle all the police process, science, math, and has put together some characters that interact well…that we like. Not only that, we can relate to something in all of these characters, and it’s that there their job is not their sole existence.

I like knowing that Detective Adams cares so much about the cases, and I like that the rookie cop is questioning his worth. On that last point, it could be a bit overdone if not careful, but so far, I’m caught up in this one.

As for ratings, the series started out strong, and leveled off a bit, but as a viewer, ratings only go so far. I’m happy the ratings have yielded a new crop (second season).  You can watch Southland on Thursdays at 10:00 PM on NBC. (Hollywood Reporter)

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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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