Only time will tell how high the replay value is for this show, but watching from start to finish (though I don't recommend binge watching) proved an exhilarating and emotional stretch of series watching to rival the very best. It takes a lot to roll credits and leave me wanting more. "Southland" did that consistently (like a ravenous wolf I consumed this series).
The documentary camera work, while adding a "really there" authenticity, also offered inventive angles and really ratcheted the tension at every turn. I couldn't get into "The Shield" partly because of the shaky-cam, but it really is well-done here. And "Southland" was almost always on-location (not to mention the wide array of inside-the- patrol-car shots), so the feeling of really being there was genuine. No wonder this show was so expensive.
But it was the writing that kept me coming back for more. Events occur naturally on this show; even the rare use of the stock "toxicology report confirms ..." trope to keep the narrative going didn't feel forced (it's a contrivance on a great many cop shows). And these were characters I genuinely gave a damn about; there mistakes, weaknesses and the struggle to maintain humanity at the end of the day. Which was certainly helped by the stellar ensemble cast. Everyone here is terrific, particularly Regina King and Michael Cudlitz; episode after episode, these two deliver performances that get under your skin, and they are nothing short of captivating to watch. Cudlitz made Officer John Cooper one of the great characters of the genre - equal parts frustrating and fascinating. Give that man an Emmy.
The cancellation of "Southland" is truly heartbreaking, as the season ended with all sorts of insanity coming to a head (and a bitter cliffhanger with no closure). But what we've gotten is some seriously riveting, impressive and haunting television, the likes of which I don't think I'll see again in the near future.
Just an unbelievably high-quality show.
Outstanding.
10/10
The documentary camera work, while adding a "really there" authenticity, also offered inventive angles and really ratcheted the tension at every turn. I couldn't get into "The Shield" partly because of the shaky-cam, but it really is well-done here. And "Southland" was almost always on-location (not to mention the wide array of inside-the- patrol-car shots), so the feeling of really being there was genuine. No wonder this show was so expensive.
But it was the writing that kept me coming back for more. Events occur naturally on this show; even the rare use of the stock "toxicology report confirms ..." trope to keep the narrative going didn't feel forced (it's a contrivance on a great many cop shows). And these were characters I genuinely gave a damn about; there mistakes, weaknesses and the struggle to maintain humanity at the end of the day. Which was certainly helped by the stellar ensemble cast. Everyone here is terrific, particularly Regina King and Michael Cudlitz; episode after episode, these two deliver performances that get under your skin, and they are nothing short of captivating to watch. Cudlitz made Officer John Cooper one of the great characters of the genre - equal parts frustrating and fascinating. Give that man an Emmy.
The cancellation of "Southland" is truly heartbreaking, as the season ended with all sorts of insanity coming to a head (and a bitter cliffhanger with no closure). But what we've gotten is some seriously riveting, impressive and haunting television, the likes of which I don't think I'll see again in the near future.
Just an unbelievably high-quality show.
Outstanding.
10/10