I caught this episode when it aired a couple of weeks ago, and I hadn't planned on writing anything up about it. In fact, even after seeing the episode, I wasn't so sure I wanted to write about it. But since we've gotten a few requests, I figured it was time to post some of my thoughts on the pilot episode of this new series.I actually talked about this show a bit on the last APB podcast with Ryan, siting some of my issues with it. I agreed with Ryan's assessment of Orlando Jones -- he deserves a show. He's come a long way from 7-UP commercials, and I really think he should have what it takes to lead or co-lead a series, though I think drama's not his forte, no matter how many quirky lines he's handed.
The thing that disappointed me about The Evidence was its misleading title
and premise. We are indeed presented, at the start of the episode, with several "items" that one could call
evidence: a flower arrangement, a severed finger with ring attached, and a dead body among other things. But the show
tells you that, presented with these items, the viewer should be able to figure out who the killer is or how the crime
was committed. The thing is, that's not at all true -- they do nothing
to help you figure out what's about to happen.
Take the severed finger, for example. We see the ring -- a
compass ring -- given to Cole and he puts it on. Viewers are supposed to be tense with anticipation as to what will
happen next -- will it be his finger that's severed, or will he pass it on? Pass it on he does, and eventually Bishop's
finger is the one that's cut off. But did this lend anything at all to the crime at hand (no pun intended)? No. Not at
all.
One interesting thing I found about this show was the use of humor and how the characters react to
it. In most other shows similar to The Evidence's feel, when you have a
character deliver a witty line, one that's meant for the viewers to laugh at, the straight man of the show usually
doesn't react at all. In real life, such jokes would be laughed at by any somewhat normal person, and in this show
that's just what happens. Characters laugh at the jokes, and while it's a little odd sometimes to see that, it makes
sense! Sadly, the viewers don't laugh so much.
Of course a show like this has to have a recurring, major
plot to follow, and it's presented to us at the episode's conclusion. Rob Estes' character, Cole, is still searching
for the killer of his wife and has a garage full of "evidence" to help him. Perhaps that is where the show's title really comes into play? Anyway, what was supposed to be a dramatic
reveal was something I guessed much earlier on.
I haven't caught another episode since the Pilot, and
honestly I'm not sure I'm going to bother. Has it gotten better? Are we missing out? Sound off in the comments
below!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-05-2006 @ 2:05AM
matt said...
I didn't see the pilot, but caught the second episode because it was on after Lost and getting up off the couch was more than I was capable of at the time. The premise is semi-intriguing, but ultimately it's just (yet) another procedural crime drama. The "we give you all the evidence" gimmick is precisely that--a gimmick. It adds nothing to the experience of watching the show beyond the slight tingling of recognition when a piece of evidence appears on screen.
There was a subplot about Jones' character having a brother in jail just about to be released, but it rang false--it felt like TV writers trying to come up with the situation that provides the most possible drama for the least amount of creative effort.
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4-05-2006 @ 2:08AM
Dorv said...
No one seems to be chiming in, but I like this show so far. I think that Estes and Jones have some decent chemistry, and there's not a 'buddy cop' show out there right now (at least not one that doesn't have Law and Order in the title).
Its also good to see Jodi Lyn Keefe back on television.
Martin Landeau as the ME is almost a bit contrived though... A little too "Ducky" from NCIS for me.
Still giving it a little bit more of a chance, personally. TiVo has increased what I'll make an effort to watch, that's for sure.
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4-05-2006 @ 5:59AM
Brainfish said...
The severing of the finger is part of the evidence. They use the seration marks caused by the knife to match the seration marks on the victims throat
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4-05-2006 @ 12:08PM
Sean said...
I've stopped watching this show, because it just seemed to DRAG on and on. Also it seemed kinda cheesy and contrived...
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4-05-2006 @ 2:45PM
jimmy said...
Thank you for reviewing this show. Excellent show, at least better than conviction and In-Justice. Dont't know, I guess we are all different as how to these shows make us click.
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4-05-2006 @ 10:10PM
John B said...
We stopped watching it because in the first episode Orlando Jones's character got his trigger finger severed.
The next week he is back on the job. No bandage, no mention of the finger. Plus, you kinda can't come back on the job until you re-train yourself to shoot with another finger if you can't use the index finger, if you can manage to do it at all.
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4-07-2006 @ 9:24AM
carol scates said...
I only watch the show because I'm a fan of Orlando Jones. He's handsome, gorgeous and sexy. When is he going to star in his own show?
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4-13-2006 @ 10:59AM
dovi said...
i think the show has gotten better since the pilot. hope they keep it on. like the chemistry between orlando and rob.
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4-14-2006 @ 11:23PM
paula said...
Did anyone watch episode 3 of Evidence? I am trying to find out the name of the song that was playing at the end of the show... Please let me know if you know it or the artist! Thanks!
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