Many have commented on Life with glowing reviews. While I try to catch it every week, I find it an uneven show, especially in regards to the writing and to various characters coming and going. Who is a regular, who is not? Crews' ex-wife? Reese's father? The lawyer who eventually sprung Crews? Last year's captain (Robin Weigert, underused mostly), who made an interesting appearance this year? And on and on. The show feels as tentative as NBC's scheduling and marketing of it. Let's settle down, writers and network, por favor!
I hope NBC allows this program to evolve and develop its intriguing array of characters, played well by its cast, especially the innovative Damien Lewis, who brings nuance and passion to all his roles. We also need the writers to delve further into the background case of Crews'. There are shadowy characters who disappear further into the shadows because this plot point is treated as peripheral. It needs to be more in the center of the action.
Don't get me wrong there is sharp dialogue galore and actors with the chops to get it across. But the show needs to come together better. I recall feeling similar re: the first season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and, well, we know how fine that has turned out. Let's hope Life (great title, by the way) grows in the same way and that NBC makes that investment.
I hope NBC allows this program to evolve and develop its intriguing array of characters, played well by its cast, especially the innovative Damien Lewis, who brings nuance and passion to all his roles. We also need the writers to delve further into the background case of Crews'. There are shadowy characters who disappear further into the shadows because this plot point is treated as peripheral. It needs to be more in the center of the action.
Don't get me wrong there is sharp dialogue galore and actors with the chops to get it across. But the show needs to come together better. I recall feeling similar re: the first season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and, well, we know how fine that has turned out. Let's hope Life (great title, by the way) grows in the same way and that NBC makes that investment.