Quirky and fun

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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.

score 10/10

rack_focus 27 September 2007

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1739317/