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Reviews
Southland: Legacy (2012)
"Legacy" review
An episode written by Heather Zuhlke and directed by Jimmy Muro? It's a winner from the opening credits. Neither ever disappoints in their efforts; add in the always stellar cast and we have yet one more epi in which to be in awe.
This week, Sammy and Ben slowed down the run and gun pace with a series of pranks on one another; Ben hiding Sammy's towel after his shower in a duct taped locker, Sammy having a waitress, one of Ben's lovers, tell him she is pregnant, Ben putting birds in Sammy's car (over the top!). Pranking appears to be a common practice among real life cops. It was very nice to see these characters' scenes end in laughter instead of some sort of bloodshed or mishap.
Lydia and Ruben investigate what appears to be a home invasion resulting in the murder of a 30 something, still living at home with his dad. Guest star Joe Regalbuto as the father gave a heart wrenching performance, ultimately confessing to killing his own son because he was afraid his torture porn addiction would turn him into a serial killer. As shocking as that may seem, Ruben sums it up, "Children are a reflection of who you are..." Lydia continues to deny her pregnancy to Ruben but he is clearly aware something is going on. Being a married man and father himself (plus a detective), he sees the clues.
Ultimately though, this episode belonged to Michael Cudlitz, the unanimously critically acclaimed backbone of the show. John Cooper is recognized for 20 years of service (He's really served 22) and he hopes to earn six stripes (30 years) plus one day.
The scenes with the gay teenager are where Cudlitz's acting chops shine the brightest. Coop and Tang are called to a domestic disturbance where the parents want their son Mike to transfer schools because everyone knows he is gay; they fear the repercussions for him and themselves. The look of fear and familiarity of what the kid is going through is transparent on Cooper's face. Later that day, after being beaten at school by bullies and forced to wear a dress, Mike is going to jump off the ledge of a hotel. Coop tries to talk him down, admitting he himself is gay and "It's gonna gets better." This is the first time Coop has confirmed his sexuality publicly; Tang and two other officers are within earshot. Mike ultimately jumps but Coop is able to grab his ankle and the other officers help in pulling him back. At the hospital, Coop gives Mike a final piece of advice regarding his sexuality, "I've got a lot of problems, kid. Being gay isn't one of them." Coop's private life is his own and he has no issue with it. As he told Mike when they first talked, "You can be who you are without making yourself a walking target."
The ending scenes show Cooper and some of his fellow officers having a celebration at O'Malleys. As they recall on the job stories, there is laughter and much appreciation for John's years on the force. Coop leaves with Tang following him out, relaying the sad news that yes, Mike did manage to leave his hospital bed and commit suicide by jumping off the 14th floor. We see on Coop's face the knowledge of 22 years on the force: "I can't worry about what happens to him after I leave him." Tang renters the bar for more revelry and Coop stands outside the door, listening to Dewey recall a particular incident. This is where Cudlitz gets you as an actor: he doesn't even have to speak. His eyes and facial nuances are so touching it makes your heart hurt. We know Coop's legacy thru Cudlitz's portrayal – he's a good cop and will be remembered as such. Give Michael Cudlitz his Emmy already. He is way overdue.
Random musings:
- SouthLAnd does on an episodic basis what no other drama seems to be able to do; add humor when you least expect it and in a very delicate yet deliberate way. We laugh at "Mary" who has lost her son Jesus who was kidnapped by Judas then we are segued into the scene of a shooting victim in a car and it is all done seamlessly. It just fits and it is a hallmark of this show.
- Usually appreciated but not mentioned in reviews is the always fantastic stunt team, including the cast doing most of their own stunts. This episode again showed the fearlessness of all involved. Kudos to Emmy award winning stunt coordinator PeeWee Piemonte.
- The episode ended with a song playing as Coop leaves the bar alley (Tears for Fears "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"), a rarity for SouthLAnd. Hopefully, this is not some sort of foreshadowing.
- The only episode thus far this season where no shots were fired.
- Lucy Liu has proved to be a low key and refreshing addition to the ensemble.
If you are reading this, you are probably already a fan of the show. Keep watching and tell a friend why. If you are a first time viewer, I'm betting you'll be back for more.
Southland: Community (2012)
"Community" review
Where to begin? Heart thumping, head spinning and "What?!?" gasps throughout this incredible episode that was shot and framed brilliantly by director Felix Alcala and DP Jimmy Muro. The use of close-ups was the most compelling ever in the show's history. SouthLAnd never fails to leave it's viewer in shock and awe. "Community" was no exception.
Ben is still feeling the fallout from punching the teenage girl last week. He's now a You Tube sensation and his notoriety is bringing him plenty of action with the ladies. He and Sammy are sent by Captain Rucker to contain "Hood Day", a day where each gang celebrates the anniversary of their creation. Sammy's lack of interest in his old turf leads to tragic consequences for several people. This entire storyline of the episode is somehow convoluted; Sammy is "off": behaving irresponsibly and Ben seems to be going right along with him, though at times reluctantly. Are our two youngest beat cops on a downward spiral? Cooper and Tang deal with a robbery in a Jewish neighborhood, bringing one of the best Coop quotes of the episode, "My old partner would have jumped" as the suspect flees the scene while the two officers watch from an upstairs balcony. (Side note: That scene also contains what makes SouthLAnd so unique - attention to detail. You can hear a clock ticking and the squeak of their leather holsters as the officers ascend the stairs.) In another encounter, Coop and Tang are asked by a convicted child molester for protection from his persecutors in his new neighborhood. This brings to the surface feelings Coop has tried to subdue; we recall through his eyes, tone of voice and mannerisms the remembrance of his father. There will be no sympathy for this man. Tang seems to agree. The episode ends with the pedophile's home being burned and Coop radioing in "Show us code six
431 West Lake." On the scene, handling. They are good cops; job first, personal feelings far down the line.
Lydia and Ruben have one case; A brutal murder investigation involving a woman who was apparently signing people up for debt consolidation and then defrauding them. The most touching scene of the episode is when Ruben recalls his daughter's birth and Lydia assures him that what he just shared is his speech for his daughter's quinceanera. Theirs is an easily flowing, very workable partnership.
Regarding Lydia, the previews for next week's show reveal it is not to be missed. Enough said.
SouthLAnd just gets better with every episode. You think it is impossible for it to exceed its own standard of excellence. This show proves nothing is impossible.
Southland: Wednesday (2012)
"Wednesday" review
Our first "flash" of the season finds Officer Ben Sherman running full throttle through a dirty alley then jumping a fence in pursuit of a suspect. This would be one of many difficult situations he would encounter on his typical Wednesday. Welcome to SouthLAnd, season four.
Detective Lydia Adams (Regina King) begins her Wednesday with an unexpected visit from a former high school acquaintance, DaNelle (played by JoNell Kennedy). In the past, DaNell had been Lydia's CI and still seems to be unable to stay out of trouble. The comparison between Lydia and DaNelle is drastic. Accomplished detective and addicted user. How sad is it that DaNelle has lived in LA her whole life and never seen the ocean? Lydia is also establishing a partnership with Ruben Robinson, a former Marine and street cop turned detective trainee. There is a natural flow of conversation and the acknowledgement of who is in charge between the two.
Officer Ben Sherman (Ben McKenzie) is enjoying the bachelor life and his new rank of P2. He appears confident in this new role, even to the point of lying to a group of gangsters so they will clear a path through a yard for him to continue pursuit of a suspect. "I earn what they pay us and I do the damn job the way they taught us" he tells veteran officer Danny Ferguson (Guest star Lou Diamond Phillips) during a heated exchange over how a crime scene and victim were handled. The Boot has definitely grown up into a full fledged member of the LAPD.
P-3+1 John Cooper's (Michael Cudlitz) Wednesday begins at the gym where we are introduced to the now physically fit and recovered former FTO. His new partner is P-3 Jessica Tang (Lucy Liu), dealing with job related issues of her own. She's a bit quirky; not turning left on Yucca and always eating at Truck Norris on Wednesdays. Cooper shows his cop intuition is still intact by giving a stern look to a man at a sidewalk cafe: the man who would turn out to be the gunman in the police station shootout. We see Cooper do things we haven't before - run, jump into a car ("I hope the pins hold") and walk and bend without pain. And in those activities, as in every scene he is in, we see the subtle joy in Cooper's face at being back on the beat.
Officer Sammy Bryant's Wednesday (Shawn Hatosy) shows us in his role as a single dad; talking with Tammy on the phone. When a car pulls up next to Sammy and his son, Sammy becomes concerned. The car is revving it's engine and staying parallel to Sammy's car. The driver leans over and asks Sammy if he remembers him. Sammy thinks this could be a banger from his days in Gangs and slowly reaches for his gun. Then the other driver tells Sammy his name and says they were in the Academy together. Sammy is so relieved, he has to pull over. Bryant seems to relish being back on the streets far more than being a detective. And his partnership with Sherman seems to be a good fit.
Officer Dewey Dudek's Wednesday shows us he is still his same loudmouth self; both inappropriate and sexist. He calls Officer Tang, Pootie Tang or Hollywood, and uses a stereotypical Chinese accent when talking to her. "Head into the light, brother. Oh, there is no light where you are going" Dewey says to a dying gang banger. A typical Dewey observation and quip.
SouthLAnd is noted for its cinematography, directing, writing, attention to police procedure detail, and acting. This episode is brilliant yet again in all those categories. The hustle and bustle of Los Angeles is captured with the famed guerrilla style of filming, with legendary DP Jimmy Muro using lens flare more sparingly but capturing in one scene the dusky setting sun over the Pacific with perfection. The writing is flawless; the banter between partners is sharp and witty, making the viewer long to hear much more of it in future episodes. There is always a touch of humor in every SouthLAnd episode; Mr. Milsap and his pantyhose supply it in this one. The ensemble cast is truly, truly one of the very best on episodic television.
Tuesday night's TV schedule is crowded. ADD THIS SHOW. Watch it live at 10pmEST on TNT, the reairing at 1:00amEST, DVR it, watch online at tnt.TV or purchase it from ITunes. It is that good and not to be missed.
You will never be disappointed.