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Original Title :
Life
Genre :
TV Series / Crime / Drama / Mystery
Cast :
Damian Lewis,Sarah Shahi,Adam Arkin
Type :
TV Series
Time :
45min
Rating :
8.3/10

A former police officer returns to the force after having been wrongly imprisoned for years.

Eluaegne Online

Brilliant LAPD detective Charlie Crews has survived the extreme abuse befalling an innocent cop in prison, and was exonerated for the murders and released after 12 years of hell in jail. He could retire on his settlement, but chooses to resume police work. Nevertheless, the grim experience has made him more philosophical and tempted to put justice - especially for the innocent - above chasing the presumably guilty and legally by-the-book, as his new partner Dani Reese must experience and learn to cope with.
Series cast summary:
Damian Lewis Damian Lewis - Charlie Crews 32 episodes, 2007-2009
Sarah Shahi Sarah Shahi - Dani Reese 32 episodes, 2007-2009
Adam Arkin Adam Arkin - Ted Earley 32 episodes, 2007-2009
Brent Sexton Brent Sexton - Robert Stark / - 22 episodes, 2007-2009
Donal Logue Donal Logue - Captain Kevin Tidwell 21 episodes, 2008-2009

Damian Lewis (who plays Charlie Crews) and Helen McCrory (Amanda Puryer) are engaged in real life and have two children together.

The plot of Dani Reese and the FBI investigation in the final episodes of season 2 was written because of Sarah Shahi's pregnancy. You can tell that Shahi is always sit-down and filmed over her shoulders.

When they have their weapons drawn, Reese follows the correct procedure and doesn't have her finger on the trigger, while Crews always has his finger on the trigger. A small detail to indicate that Crews doesn't play by the rules.

The background story is that Charlie Crews, while an LAPD officer, had been part-owner of a bar. In California, Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) laws prohibit a peace officer or spouse of a peace officer from having a liquor license.

Melissa Sagemiller played Constance Griffiths in the pilot but was replaced by Brooke Langton for the series.

Crews license plate number in S01E03 spells 2QRI455, which can be read as too curious.

Victor Rivers plays Jack Reese - Sarah Shari's father. Sarah's partner on 'Person of Interest' is John Reese.

Victor Rivers and Sarah Shahi portray father and daughter. Rivers is of Cuban decent, while Shahi is Spanish and Iranian.

Charlie Crews' badge number is 38012.


User reviews

Mogelv

Mogelv

NBC did a horrible job advertising this new show and I almost didn't watch the first episode because it didn't look like it was worth watching, I glad I did. The writers thew in a great combination of humor and suspense. How often do you see a chase seen end with a cop and suspect duking it out in a knife fight? Unlike other police shows, this show you really don't know if the victim will actually turn out to be the criminal - in the last episode I watched I found myself going back and forth believing victim, no, criminal, no, victim, no, criminal......

I should point out that this show may not seem to be so great at first but once you've gotten to know the characters you'll find yourself waiting anxiously for the next episode. This is a show you grow into.
Jothris

Jothris

As we were watching, (and getting totally hooked!) my husband and I said that this was the "House" of the line of cop shows. His personality is sarcastic and witty, in a very intelligent and sexy kinda way! He is captivating, and his zen-like qualities are refreshing in a world of fast-paced criminal action. This (cop show) is not like any other- it has a uniqueness to it that is appealing and addicting. It is more than crime scenes and investigations. This is good. How is the Lt connected? And his partner-she has intriguing secrets to her personality too. I want to know about her story as well. The whole show- I was thinking, "ooh, what does that mean? Ooh, how is that connected?" It was humorous and intense. I can't wait till next week to get deeper into the story, I could have kept watching and watching. I like the "interviews" with the people that are involved with his personal case, it lets you, as the viewer, try to draw conclusions about his personal case. This show has a scandalous mystery and I can't wait to get more clues to the truth. Hopefully they don't pull the plug on this one, definitely a keeper in our wed night agenda. It seems like they always do that to the good ones. Keep your fingers crossed!
Erennge

Erennge

Main character is great, I love the guy! His zen-philosophy is understandable to everyone, zen-or-not, even like some usual wisdom; and his not-so-zen seek for revenge is so Western... This is just the thing that crime series needed: fresh new character, interesting and funny. I also like his partner (she's beautiful, reminds me of Jo in Eureka), but I hope she will develop in a more interesting way soon - not just because of her past and drug abuse, but also like a character itself, with characteristic language and everything that a full character needs. Story is very promising, it could lead to many different ways; also the crimes that Charlie and Reese have to work on are interesting. Life is great, I hope it will continue for many seasons.
Mori

Mori

I've heard a lot of hype the last couple of weeks about Life's Charlie Crews is like Gregory House. Well, while the characters are equally as interesting (and both played by English actors), they are nothing alike.

The set up is this; Charlie Crews was a cop on the beat who went to maximum security prison on a life sentence for twelve years. After twelve years he was proved innocent and, when he gets out he goes back to the force. Things have changed for Charlie though; he's divorced, his mother is dead, his dad is remarrying, and he's loaded. His settlement for the false imprisonment has made him rich, famous and a detective. Everyone thinks he's just in the position because of the settlement, but the truth is, he's actually pretty good, which we find out in the first five minutes.

Crews is even more interesting because he's spent the last twelve years in prison reading "The Path to Zen" and instead of raising his voice when he's angry, like normal people, he spouts off about how the universe is making fun of us. And Crews, unlike House, has a bona fide soft side. (Spoiler) After he fatally wounds a crack head, he tells him, "It's okay, it was just a bad dream. Go back to sleep," as the man dies in his arms, which was a slow and truly touching moment that was actually, you know, sweet for a network television pilot. Damian Lewis plays Crews with such subtlety and sincerity, that the character is completely believable.

Also, unlike "House", Life has a whole cast of complicated and interesting characters. Sarah Shahi's Dani Reese is Crews' partner and a recovered drug addict. She's under pressure from the department both to prove that she's fit for duty and to find a way to get rid of Crews. It's a difficult line to walk for her because, like I said, Crews is good at his job, and Reese respects that.

Reese is also smart. She doesn't believe Crews is Zen enough to have completely let go of his own case, which, as we discover at the very end of the show (Spoiler) he has not. He's devoted a whole room in his ridiculously large house to laying out the case. We see that his old partner and current boss, the person putting pressure on Reese, were involved in setting Crews up, if not the original murder all together. Crews' case is going to be an ongoing plot line, probably throughout the entire series, and it's something I'm looking forward to seeing fleshed out.

My favorite supporting character thus far has got to be Adam Arkin's Ted Early, who was in prison with Crews for insider trading. Now that they're both out and Crews is loaded, Early is his financial adviser and lives above Crews' garage.

The show also makes fun references to how much technology has changed in such a short time span. Crews, having been in prison for twelve years, has no clue that there are such things as camera phones and instant messages. It's interesting to have a character who is very smart, but a little hapless in the modern era.

I'm very interested in both the ongoing story of the series and in the interactions Reese and Crews will have in the future with each other and with the rest of the force. It's a great show, so tune in and watch and keep great TV on the air.
Jesmi

Jesmi

Charlie Crews is a former cop turned inmate who has just gotten out of jail after 12 years for a crime he didn't commit. He becomes a detective again upon his release as part of a settlement with the city. I just watched the pilot, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's not some dumb action piece with big car chases and naked women. It also has a great relationship between the two lead characters, a man and a woman. They're detective partners, but there isn't any forced chemistry tacked on. You know, the whole they hate each other, but you can't deny the attraction...uggh. This avoids that perfectly. It also has some great actors, Damian Lewis is always great, since "Band of Brothers" he's displayed a remarkable talent for character roles. And this is most certainly a character drama. But unlike Shark or Monk or something where the character is the whole plot, there's also a great deal of other fantastic elements. The man was in jail from 1995-2007, so there's cute scenes about a sort of culture shock, mostly pertaining to technological advances. But there's also a darker side, as Crews was brutalized in prison (as a former cop) and has a vendetta against those who conspired to put him in jail. This is the overarching arc of the series, but smaller cases worked with his partner form the bulk of the story lines. I was really impressed and look forward to further episodes. I just hope that NBC manages to get this show enough ratings to keep it on the air. Kudos on a job well done. J.
Cha

Cha

Excellent plots, if you have missed it, catch up by watching the full episodes on line on NBC. This program deserves a strong following of viewers. Great character development and moments of humor and insights on humanity interspersed with drama, suspense and darkness. The program mixes single stories each week with on going meta stories about each of the characters pasts-especially the story of the main character Charlie Crews who was framed for a mass murder and spent twelve years in prison before he was exonerated. We learn a little more about the past stories each week as the crime of that episode is investigated and solved. Complex and captivating show.
Mataxe

Mataxe

Life is one of the best shows on television because it revives the old Detective shows where there was no "CSI" made-up procedures to catch people. Instead, it is straight detective work that keeps you on edge.

This show is great because it doesn't have the flashy-ness or unbelievable murders/events as Police shows on TV now. It could be about murders for the simplest and believable reasons. Jealous spouses, simple rapes and other, everyday events. The shows characters are down-to-earth and cast perfectly with the recovering-addict Detective and Damian Lewis' enthralling "Zen-Like" Detectiveness. The way the writers have him interviewing and connecting with people is unlike any other police show or movie I have ever seen.

To make things better, is the side story of how Damian Lewis is spending his money from his settlement. What at first seems like a series like "Bad Boys" is quickly proved incorrect with the lines "I am not attached to this car..." and you can see that he is.

But the best, very best part of this show is how Dt Crews is investigating his own case to find out who framed him during a triple homicide. Again, using basic, detective work.

I was starting to find CSI-style shows becoming boring, and lacking in depth and was excited to finally find a show that uses its characters to bring it to life, not scantly-clothed girls with almost no acting skill.

So if you want a believable show, with great characters and a great story line every week, watch Life and you'll become attached to the show!
GEL

GEL

Funny, heartwarming, wonderfully acted, great mysteries....this is the best new show this fall!!! I agree that Bionic was a total let-down....but NBC has a hit in Life.

I love the fact that their is a bigger mystery that we get a little clue to each week. In addition, the cases they work on each week are fun and interesting. Lewis is awesome as this guy and it's great to see him play such a fun character! Also, his "partner" has her own story that has caught my attention. This is a great show...check it out if you haven't already.

NBC>>>>>THIS IS A KEEPER!!!!
Tuliancel

Tuliancel

Being the 'Band of Brothers' groupie that I am, I thought I would give my man Damian Lewis a chance to interest me yet again. I was pleasantly surprised by the "Life" pilot! I have always considered Damian a brilliant actor, and this role seems to fit him well. He plays those parts that make you ask"what exactly is going on in this man's head" very well. The "Life" plot is quirky and original (yes, imagine that - originality!), and promises to keep me eagerly anticipating subsequent episodes. I noticed that Robin Weigert (Calamity Jane from HBO's Deadwood) plays a recurring role - another excellent actress. Keep your eye on this one! I certainly will!
Early Waffle

Early Waffle

Quirky leads have been very big lately. In the aftermath of the success of Gil Grissom, Monk, and House, quirky leads are seen as a guaranteed hit. We love when the lead is sarcastic, or does odd things that turn out to be completely logical. And that is what pulled me to Charlie Crews, played by the under-rated Damian Lewis.

The writers did a great job with the pilot. It is clean, and clear what the storyline is. Charlie Crews is an ex-cop who was set to prison for murder. 12 years later, he is released, compensated, and reinstated. His wife is remarried (presumably an amicable break-up), and he still doesn't know who framed him, but he has an anally set up system to try and figure it out.

Adam Arkin is in the cast playing his friend and financial adviser. He was in the same prison as Charlie for a white-collar crime, and Charlie saved his life. Now, he lives above Charlie's garage, and sometimes destroys his car with a tractor... Adam Arkin is fantastic.

Sarah Shahi plays Charlie's new partner, Dani Reese. The two actors have great chemistry and it shows on-screen. She is the typical straight laced cop, whereas he is the goofy, brooding, Sherlock. She's also got her own demons. It is clear that she has made a mistake that got her the "honor" of getting Charlie as a partner, and she is seen having a one night stand.

The storyline is clean, and not just focused on Charlie. The writers manage to do a good job juggling his character storyline, and the story of a murdered little boy. Good luck, "Life". I'll be watching.

And if you like Damian Lewis, check him out in Colditz. Excellent movie.
Dagdage

Dagdage

I actually watched this by accident and a few minutes into it, I saw it was good enough for me to record on my DVR. I like all the actors and their story lines are intriguing. Like another fan of this show, I also like Burn Notice. "Life" mixes in moments of humor with good drama. The premise is very unusual, at least to me, and I like that past scenes are spliced in, especially the prison ones...it will be interesting to see more of how he survived 12 years of prison as a former cop. I thought the scene where the main character was helping his partner shower off the drug powder that got all over her was well done, and sexy-I wouldn't mind him lifting me into a shower!
Onaxan

Onaxan

The new fall season is just starting and a dozen or more different TV shows are invading our living rooms. Naturally, there'll be a few series that will fall under the ax while there are others who will prevail and return for the next season and for seasons to come.

I'm hoping that one of those shows that survive is 'Life'. It's a fresh and vibrant take on the cop drama that has a great mix of comedy, drama, some action, a hint of sexual tension, and a great mystery. And that's only what I saw in the first episode.

Detective Charlie Crews is played in a wonderfully quirky but understated way by actor Damian Lewis. Viewers are most likely to remember him from the WWII miniseries, 'Band of Brothers', where he also shined. His Crews is truly an original character with quirks such as his love of fresh fruits and his zen-like outlook on life. Despite his zen outlook, he can't help but feel attached to his newly bought Bentley or the sexy women his money attracts. Crews is not a total oddball though. He's actually a brilliant detective since his zen outlook actually helps him in solving cases. Hopefully, if this series continues, Charlie may be able to develop into one of those great cop characters...like Andy Sipowicz or Lennie Briscoe.

The rest of the cast also does a great job in their roles. Sarah Shai plays Dani Reese with just the right balance of toughness and vulnerability. Crews' financial adviser, Ted Earley (Adam Arkin), boss, Lieutenant Karen Davis, and attorney, Constance Griffiths (Brooke Langton), provide solid if short performances. Lewis, however, is the anchor of the show and truly holds this show together. The show is also interspersed with documentary-like scenes about Charlie's time in prison, with interviews from his former partner, his ex-wife (who divorced him while he was in jail), and various others.

If there were any flaws, it would be the pacing. There were times when the show kind of slowed in its pace but otherwise it was a great show to see.

I definitely recommend you to save some time Wednesdays at 10:00 PM for a little slice of 'Life'.
Zehaffy

Zehaffy

I promised myself not to get hooked on any new TV show this season as there were a handful of shows i loved last season that got cancelled...

well, so much for that.... i hated both CHUCK and BIONIC WOMAN pilots with utter disgust and yet these two are NBC's flagship banners this season... chances are, they both will survive over the shows that had more quality: LIFE and JOURNEYMAN finally. a cop drama that had substance in it. charlie crews stroke me as the DR HOUSE of the cop drama world.

his being not attuned to the technological advancements since being locked in, provides the comic relief of the show...

charlie crews' partner has an interesting storyline as well.

the pilot episode seems to be suited to how things are going on today.

it's an irony that a guy who hasn't been in touch with the world solved a mystery that includes the word "I.M" ( a little spoiler there)...

well, just a heads up for everybody. you should definitely check this show out. my wednesdays @ 9pm are locked in for this show.

PS: NBC, please don't pull a FOX on this one.
Talvinl

Talvinl

I first saw an episode of Life when I was on vacation in Las Vegas. I was paid ten dollars to watch an episode and give my opinion of the show. After watching the episode, I felt that I should have paid them. I love this show. Charley Crews is one of the most enjoyable characters I have seen on TV in a long time. His viewpoint is new and refreshing to this jaded TV viewer. Sarah Shahi is perfect as his partner and friend. NBC has a hit on their hands. The other networks should take a page from the writers and producers of "Life" and get rid of that so called "reality" TV shows and put on shows like "Life" that keeps you caring for the characters and coming back for more.
Fani

Fani

This show is great from the storyline to the character strength. The plot on each episode is enough to keep you on the edge of your seat and the characters each bring a mysterious yet powerful presence to each scene. Specifically Sarah Shahi I absolutely love her in the L word not only because she is absolutely beautiful but there is more to be said about her acting skills. She convinced me then she was a hot Latina lesbian and she convinces me now as a detective with an edgy yet dark past.

She holds her own when in scenes with other men and makes me like her that much more as an actress and as one of the few minority actresses on screen.

Thanks for your hard work and dedication-
Ffrlel

Ffrlel

As an Australian, I say that this show is bloody brilliant, meaning that it is F A N T A S T I C

Quirky. Off beat. Intriguing. Thinking, And so very enjoyable. When does it come back for series 3 folks???

The character's portrayal is nothing like any other police drama/ cop show and for that reason alone it stands taller than its competition.

Will Charlie get back with his ex wife? Will his partner wake up and realise that her relationship with the Captain is her nightmare, or his dream?

Will his accountant catch up with his almost step mum?

And when will the whole truth come out, but not affecting Bobby as I like him
Tygrarad

Tygrarad

I hope this becomes a sleeper hit, because it's a fantastic show. Both main characters (Charlie Crews and his partner Dani Reese) have rich back stories and are well cast. The always-excellent Adam Arkin (Northern Exposure, anyone?) is entertaining as Crews's friend and house guest. I even like Crews's Zen philosophizing (and, as someone who has practiced Zen Buddhism semi-seriously, in affiliation with a legitimate Zen temple, I was prepared to hate it).

This show is an unusual mix of elements. Crews the eccentric detective is a lot like Monk; the cinematography and pacing remind me of Boomtown; and the soundtrack is so prominent at times that brief segments are like a music video. The show also reminds me of Veronica Mars in combining a central mystery (who set up Charlie Crews for a crime he didn't commit?) that runs through all episodes with, in each episode, one or two crimes that are solved by the end of that episode. (There may be other shows with the same type of setup, but they don't leap to my mind.) It's unclear how long they'll be able to string out the central mystery. On the one hand, if they wrap it up too soon, it's hard to see how they will replace it. (Though Veronica Mars managed to do so a few times.) On the other hand, if they drag it out too long, it might become tedious.

For now, though, this is one of my and my wife's favorite shows (and our tastes often don't overlap; when they do, it's a sign of a quality show that should have broad appeal).
Agantrius

Agantrius

I was every episode of this show while it was running on NBC; and I've since bought bought the the two seasons of the show on iTunes. I've all the episodes a few more times over the years; and it hasn't lost any of it's original appeal. In the last five to ten years NBC has been making terrible programing decision; which is demonstrated by their terrible ratings numbers on nearly every time period of nearly every day of the week. This was an excellent show; with a great cast, turning in great performances, helped by excellent writing. Damian Lewis and Sarah Shahi bring to life two quirky and fun characters. Damian playing man deeply affected by the years he spent in spent being brutalized while serving time for a crime he didn't commit. Add to his problems, the problems of Sarah's character who has burned many bridges on her job with the LAPD; and is stuck with Crews (Damian's character). They are backed up by a very deep and excellent supporting cast. Adam Arkin doesn't get a lot of screen time but adds a great deal to the series. Other supporting characters include Donal Logue ("Terrers", "The Knights of Prosperiety", etc.) who joins the show half way through the first season as Crews shift commander. And those are just a few of the members of this wonderful cast. Each episode was a new a new case; but there were a few on-going story lines that were woven into various episodes; that involved Crews looking the men that helped him get convicted and put in prison, his discovery of a many of the new things (small cell phones, flat panels, and many other new bits of technology and pop culture) that he has not seen before and has to get used to, his interests in new cars, his use of Zen to help him survive jail and survive the outside world. I won't go into details of episode story lines; but suffice to say this is a fun, moving, and some times gripping series. This is a show that should have lasted at least five seasons. NBC didn't bother to publicize this show anywhere near enough; and didn't give it enough time on a specific day at a specific time for this show to gain an audience. This is a smart, fun, cop drama that I can't imagine anyone, who gives it a chance, could possibly dislike. You can get all the episodes for a reasonable price on iTunes; it's a great return for your entertainment dollars. If your reading this, take my advice look this show up on iTunes and check out the previews, and buy yourself a season. Once you do; you'll be sorry there's only one more season to come by. I'd give it 15 stars if I could!!!
Efmprof

Efmprof

Despite a slightly choppy pilot episode, Life paced itself through a very impressive first season. Even those who outright disliked the pilot and subsequent first few episodes were pleasantly surprised at just how GOOD this show became with each episode. The season, unfortunately shortened a good deal by the fallout from the writer's strike, reached a fever pitch at the fourth episode and hit every note perfectly from that episode until the truly classic and excellent last two episodes of the season. I can't remember a season finale as tense and truly interesting in a long, long time.

MILD SPOILERS Much of the show is carried by Damian Lewis, as Det. Charlie Crews. Crews, wrongfully sent down via conspiracy for the murder of his best friend's family, emerges from 12 years (most of which is spent in solitary) in the super-max Pelican Bay Prison. Nearly killed several times inside, the only thing that kept Crews going is a small, tattered book of Zen teachings that he seems to have read over and over again in an attempt to keep himself from losing his mind.

Constance Griffiths, a kind-hearted and tenacious lawyer manages to get Crews's conviction overturned. She also gets him his job back at the LAPD, and at the Detective rank he'd have been if he'd not been sent down for 12 years. She also managed to secure him a nice settlement...anywhere from 5 to 50 million dollars, depending on which beat cop you ask.

Crews settles in to his Home Sweet McMansion with Ted Early (Adam Arkin) a smart but crooked inside trader whom he met and protected in prison.

Meanwhile, Dani Reese (Sarah Shai), an attractive, smart but troubled young detective is also emerging from serious troubles in her past. Demoted, she ends up with Crews as her partner as a punishment, but also quickly picks up on the fact that her commanding officer may have more sinister reasons for pairing the duo up; she wants to keep an eye on Crews, who she feels is back for one thing only....revenge on those who may have set him up. A second generation cop (her father was with the LAPD, too), she seems to exist for work, which props her up when her battles with addiction and self-loathing kick in the worst.

The show revolves around Crews's search for the family's real killer and those who set him up, but in the meantime, he's got work to do. LA is a big city, crimes happen and he and Reese have to solve them. This is where the procedural element, and possibly the show's weakest element, come into play. Each weekly mystery, especially in the first few episodes, has been done to death (no pun intended) and solving the murder mysteries can seem tedious and a distraction from the sub-plot of the conspiracy. However, by the episode Farthingale, even these procedural plots become much more interesting and original.

Comparisons have been made, especially in the beginning, between this show and House. While I understand that both lead characters are quirky (Crews with the Zen and House with the.....well, House) and the procedural element of both shows lend similarities, they really are nothing alike. I find the endless comparisons not only inaccurate, but lacking in imagination.

Season 1 sets up the conspiracy story arc well, and despite the shortened season, we DO get some answers towards the end of the season, so there is some satisfaction.

The season finale, which is really kind of a two parter, if you include the second to last episode as part of the finale, is tense and pitch perfect. When was the last time you saw a film, let alone a television show, where you TRULY did not know what was going to happen, which path a borderline character would choose? The writing in this series is commendable, but the entire show belongs to Lewis, and to an only slightly lesser extent, Shahi.

Best known from the mini-series Band of Brothers and films like Keane and Dreamcatcher, Lewis is a British actor who employs possibly the single best American accent on US television. His mannerisms and intensity are not only completely three dimensional, his repressed anger and depth are palpable. Lewis makes Crews a brilliant combination between a sixth grader and a serious, old school bad ass. The character is cool, smart, sexy and humorous.

For her part, Shahi is nobody's fiddle or banana in this show. Stoic and, at the same time, brimming with quiet and serious charm, Shahi's Reese is instantly likable.

Together, Crews and Reese make one of the best on screen partnerships in recent history.

One can't help feel Adam Arkin is slightly under-utilized and the second season should feature more of his character.

Overall, this show is not only original, smart and funny, it has the layers of depth that set it apart from similar shows. Definitely worth watching, check it out on NBC.com or Hulu.com (or order the Season 1 DVD on Amazon) before the second season begins in October. You'll be glad you did.
GAMER

GAMER

I absolutely love this show! I don't know if it is the writers, the actors, or what, but boy what a perfect combination! Its an absolute travesty to cancel a show this good when there is so much junk posing as entertainment that goes on and on for years. My husband and I are so disenchanted with television and the icky reality shows, so we watch Netflix and Amazon streaming TV and movies. We luckily came across Life while searching for things to watch, but we are extremely disappointed that it only lasted 2 seasons. We are well into the 2nd season, and I'm feeling a bit sad with the ending of each episode that I'm then one show closer to it being over with. This show has a good balance of drama, mystery, humor, really good tongue-in-cheek humor too, and great actors. I'm not done with it yet, but I'm missing it already!
Rleillin

Rleillin

This is a wonderful new series - currently in its second season. Its full of great characters you really grow to love and the stories are intelligent. This series has really caught my imagination, and for its quality its hard to see why its not better. I suspect if you like "Burn Notice" you'll also like this as they both have that attention to detail and good story lines that keep bringing you back for more.

Damien Lewis and Sarah Shahi make a great team and have good chemistry and throwing Adam Arkin into the mix (he's great comic relief) is just inspired. I highly recommend at least trying this out of you like a good drama.
Kefym

Kefym

Detective Charles "Charlie" Crews(Damien Lewis,in competition with Hugh Laurie for most convincing TV American as done by a Brit)has returned to the Los Angeles Police force. His return is from a twelve year hiatus,brought about by a life sentence(hence the title)for his(wrongful)implication in a multiple homicide. Of course,once vindicated of said crime,Charlie sets about finding out how he was framed,who did it,and who--if anybody--should he trust around him,in the force and elsewheres. He's conducting a lonely search,as he tries to put on the guise of resuming life as normal,back on duty investigating cases alongside a partner(Sarah Shahi)who is as damaged as they come,and VERY suspicious of her partner's ways,among other things.

While the plausibility of some of the show's situations(examples:Crews is the beneficiary of a $50 MIllion settlement with the force,yet somehow shows little sign of having any money,save occasionally cruising around in a different souped-up auto each show;how the force would be penalized or settle with giving up a sum of money THAT steep without appeal;the willfulness of the force to let Crews back on to active duty)seems a shade hard to swallow,this show's edgy,nervous and reflective mood--mostly spurred on by the inspired performance of Lewis--helps the medicine go down a lot easier. Arguably one of the more inspired shows on the new fall season(along with "Pushing Daisies","Chuck" and "Aliens in America"),here's hoping that this show doesn't fall under the wheels of the current writer's strike. THe fertility of the story-lines and richness of characters here merits this show of a longer run.
Zodama

Zodama

Can't say enough about this show. I do not watch TV lately, with the sole exceptions of House and now Life. Life struck me immediately as something different. The story lines are great but the real something special is in the characters of Charlie Crews and his supporting cast. Lewis's Charlie Crews is subtle and fantastic, just weird enough to keep you guessing but utterly compelling. On top of his gem of a performance, I was blown away by the talent and depth of the supporting actors in their various roles. Shahi does a good job of playing Reese, although the role is not as well developed (yet) in the storyline as she could be, and the chemistry between Reese and Crews excellent. The characters really compliment each other. However my two favorite supporting roles are Adam Arkin and Robin Weigert as Ted Earley and Lt. Davis. Both actors play their roles with compelling subtlety and leave you wishing they had more screen time. Early is lovably adorable and a sympathetic white-collar criminal. Davis plays the lieutenant strong and sarcastic and while her allegiances are shady I can't help liking her in spite of this. All in all witty writing and a fabulous ensemble cast with great on screen chemistry make this show one not to miss! now go watch it so NBC doesn't cancel it. please nbc don't do that.
Xlisiahal

Xlisiahal

This is an excellent show. Not your usual crime drama. So far the only draw back I see is his hunt to find those who framed him. The search seems to be moving way to fast. I'd like to see them take that part more slowly and develop the characters more first. Damien Lewis is outstanding in this role. I would be surprised if he not nominated for an Emmy award. The rest of the cast is great also. The real interesting parts are the reactions of those around him. You would think that a friend wrongly convicted would be welcomed back with open arms by his friends. Yet here they seem more angry and annoyed that he was set free. I'm sure this will be explained more fully as time goes on. The reaction of his former partners' wife to his return was really something.
THOMAS

THOMAS

This show's concept was brilliant. The cast was mostly awesome (especially Lewis, with outstanding supporting performances by Garret Dillahunt and Gabrielle Union). After the first episode, I thought for sure that this would be a 5-mug show. Unfortunately, over its 2 seasons, it turned out to be a mix of great creativity without the attention to detail and follow-through necessary to bring it to its full potential. The overall story lines and individual-episode plots were interesting, unique, and entertaining, and the dialogue was even pretty witty. I even liked the Buddhist voice-overs with lessons relevant to each episode. However, too many scenes seemed hokey and/or contrived. It felt like a bunch of effort and intelligence was spent on thinking up concepts for intriguing and entertaining characters and stories, but little effort was spent on fitting that creativity into a believable story. If your show is about police and murders, you should probably research some of that subject. For example, somebody needed to tell the directors and writers that it is not always appropriate for a policeman to draw his weapon in every circumstance. Although this series did not live up to its full potential, it was entertaining, and I did not feel that my time was wasted watching it.