(S01E01) The premise here is that a high-priced defense attorney grows a conscience and heads up an new unit of the prosecutor's office to convict high-profile (read rich and/or famous) criminals. This set-up is dispensed with in a couple short scenes so we can get on with it. I appreciated that. There's also a subplot with Sebastian Stark (James Woods) learning to feel and become a better father to his daughter. Squeeze in a couple scenes to establish Jessica Devlin (Jeri Ryan) as a no-nonsense D.A. who is doubtful about having Stark in her department. Then add in four or five difficult-to-distinguish attractive young associates to complete Stark's team, and even before we get to his first case, the one-hour pilot is packed full of character types we've seen in prime time many times before.The case involves some young pop starlet who concocts a convoluted plan to rocket to fame via a self-produced sex video, and somehow her lover gets killed in the process. She claims self-defense and Stark manages to Perry Mason her into a tidy confession on the witness stand. Stark's supposed to be a brilliant lawyer (and his closing argument in the pilot's opening scene sounds pretty effective) but his supposedly-effective cross-examination style seems to consist of asking consecutive leading questions in an increasingly shrill tone until a witness cracks. All this proves that if nothing else, the creators of this show have watched their share of other lawyer television show.
Jeri Ryan's job here is to come in at the beginning, tell Stark what a bastard he is, check in an act later and tell him how much the department needs this conviction or something, and then meet up with him near the end so Stark can confess how he has grown as a person now.
The idea of having a special task force to take celebrities to trail is a good one I guess, considering how low conviction rates seem to be with celebrity defendants in California. Stark never loses. Allegedly. We'll see. I need a little more realism today than just a steady line of convictions week after week. I like James Woods, and I like Jeri Ryan as actors. Jeri Ryan rolling her eyes at Stark's closing if my very favorite moment in the pilot. There is some humor, but nothing as extreme or clever as on Boston Legal. And the various Law & Order shows seem more realistic (which isn't saying much.) Stark's meant to be an outrageous character, but so far, Shark the series is just middle of the road.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-22-2006 @ 2:49PM
Edgar said...
I enjoyed the show, Woods has a very entertaining if not exactly believable character. And it was refreshing to see for once a teenage girl in a tv series who isnt a complete idiot and actually seems to have some depth to her character, not the typical angst-ridden I-hate-the-world-because-i-dont-get-enough-attention-at-home types.
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9-22-2006 @ 2:49PM
gatemaster said...
While I was watching the begining of the show I was thinking, this is directed well. Then Spike Lee's name popped on the screen. AS I said to myself, well that explains it!
I set it to record again. It has some real potential.
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9-22-2006 @ 7:11PM
Brent McKee said...
I'm not watching this series for realism. If I want realism I can watch "Close To Home" or "Justice" both of which are more realistic than this. The reason why I'll probably atch this again is the sheer joy of watching James Woods gnaw on the scenery.
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9-24-2006 @ 7:08PM
Joey Geraci said...
The girl got on my nerves. No teenager is that self-actualized/mature.
She is a freak of nature!
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11-04-2006 @ 1:59PM
W said...
The 'girl' played by Danielle Panabaker is the best young actor (male or female) around -hands down. I am hoping for more screen time from her as she is so good. But, of course this is James Wood's vehicle and he does a very respectful job as is expected from a veteran actor like he is.
Whoever said (in the above post) that 'teen' girls don't act or speak that way is wrong. Growing up in L.A. I've known/dated a few that did indeed speak and act that way and yes they were highly intelligent like Danielle's character is (and like Danielle herself probably is). I will agree that by far most teens don't speak or act that way but that's because most people / teens aren't very intelligent or mature at any age. Also keep in mind that Danielle's character is the daughter of a highly successful and highly intelligent L.A. lawyer and she goes to what is seemingly a gifted private school, so her attributes are founded.
As a guy and now an aspiring actor I watch 'Shark' mainly to see Danielle's work. Although I must admit she has faltered in a couple takes early on in this project which is highly unusual for her. Perhaps it's because she's not the protagonist and they didn't take the necessary time to re-shoot the takes again.
More likely it's because the character is still very new and it's normal for actors to require more time than given before really nailing it.
If you look at any cast's first season / first few episodes and compare it to their later seasons you'll realize the difference in acting quality and character development. Then you'll understand what I mean (if you don't already). On this show they do a very good job straight out of the box but because I know Danielle is an exceptional talent I expect much more from her and if she doesn't 'bring it' I'm disappointed.
It was only a couple of takes that were lacking (for her) out of many scenes so she still delivers an excellent performance. Danielle excels in dramatic / critical roles and this character may not have enough real depth for her to properly shine. She still rocks the socks off of any actor (male or female) anywhere near her age and most actors of any age.
Given that Danielle is approx. 20, I can't think of any young actor (male or female) that's anywhere near as good as she is.
Although I find her very beautiful in Hollywood's terms there are prettier actresses but no one brings it home like Danielle does.
No one.
She emits this warm and pure energy that brings her characters to life and she seems so familiar that she penetrates your heart and soul as if you've known her your entire life or, she makes you realize you wished you had.
This young woman has a very promising career ahead of her, no doubt.
I was particularly impressed with her work in :
Mom at Sixteen,
Searching for David's heart
and
Empire falls (unfortunately a smaller role)
Growing up in L.A. and working with and knowing some very successful actors over the years I'm not easily impressed on or off screen.
I have three favorite actresses in this world :
Julia Roberts,
Jennifer Garner
and
Danielle Panabaker.
I hope the LA film wierdos don't tarnish Danielle's heart.
Danielle if you ever read this, stay away from the bad people in the industry, you know who they are. Sweetheart, don't let them drag you down. Keep your family close. It can be hard finding good people in L.A. to hang out with, but we're out there.
Best to you.
mnevara@yahoo.com
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