Shows I Missed While I was Working: Southland

Now that I have a bit more time on my hands, I have discovered a few shows that I missed the first time around: the dramatic comedy Men of a Certain Age, which I will address in a future post, and the gritty urban drama Southland. The folks at TNT—“We know drama”-- rescued this gem from the Leno/NBC one-hour fallout, and for that I am extremely grateful.

Last week Southland launched its second season. In the hours leading up to the premiere, TNT re-ran the entire first seven episodes back to back. Once I started watching, I was immediately hooked. Although it is somewhat familiar territory-- police and detectives fighting gangs and crime-- it feels totally fresh. The newbie is a cute hunk, Officer Ben Sherman (Ben McKenzie), a rich kid from Bel Air, whose partner calls him "Richie Rich". There is the cute surfer cop, Officer Chickie Brown (Arija Bareikis), who is always having to cover for her less than competent male partners like Officer Billy Dewey (C. Thomas Howell) and Officer Slug Ferguson (Lenny Schmidt), all the while being called on the carpet by Training Officer Cudlitz who blames her for their screw-ups.

I especially like the fact that all of these characters live in a world of that is far from black and white. They have to reconcile ‘the job’ with constant compromises in their own lives. Detective Salinger (Michael McGrady) is a recovering alcoholic having an affair with a TV reporter. Training Officer John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz) is hiding his sexuality and an addiction to pain pills. Detective Bryant's (Shawn Hatosy)wife smokes pot, and he has a drug sniffing dog.  Officer Sherman's walks in on his newly reunited parents as they are smoking pot after we learn about how his dad's earlier drug connections led Ben to becoming a police officer. Detective Russell Clarke (Tom Everett Scott) is contemplating an affair with a victim's sister.  Life is constantly varying shades of gray

Then there is compassionate and dignified performance by Regina King as Detective Lydia Adams. If more law enforcement officers were like Detective Adams, the world would be a better place. I especially liked the way Detective Adams handled the case of the baby found crawling in the street and the case of the man who exposed himself. Season 2's opener gives her multiple story lines: a new partner, the brash and very sexy Detective Rene Cordero (Amaury Nolasco), her continuing relationship with her old partner (Det. Clarke who may not be returning to the force after being shot in the chest by a neighbor at a Memorial Day party) and the case of a missing elderly man.

Kudos to writer/creator Ann Biderman and director Chris Chulack for the thrilling season opener. The great writing, fine cast of actors, and action-paced documentary style feeling make Southland my favorite new police drama. Ask the folks at TNT. Believe me, they know drama.

Amy's Tips: Check out Southland, The Closer, HawthoRNe and Men of a Certain Age on TNT.