Life

Life is very likely the best TV show on network TV that you aren't watching. It is superbly written, has likable and charismatic stars, has a different note or edge to it than other cop dramas, and has a twist. One of the things I like most about it is how it presents a season-long puzzle and then carries that through as either a primary or secondary storyline through each episode.

The first season was picture-perfect. I watch a lot of TV, read a lot of books, and understand plot, pacing, and how storytellers try to distract or shake up the audience. Because of this, I am rarely surprised when watching most shows; I am well-known for guessing the perpetrater very early in the show (ask my wife-- she is constantly annoyed by my ability to guess plots, character motivations, etc. before she has even nailed down what's going on). This show, especially in the first season, was able to constantly surprise me; not, as you may think, with the surprise itself, but with the reason for it. Charlie Crews did the unsuspecting thing each time. When you think he's going to kill someone for revenge, instead he saves them. When you think he's going to let someone walk or that he really is dirty, he arrests them or proves how clean he is. The combination of Zen philosophy, revenge for being imprisoned, and righteous cop mentality make the character one who you haven't seen on other shows. He's a combination of Mr. Miyagi and Vic Mackey, with a little bit of Jim Rockford or Thomas Magnum thrown in.

I'll grant that the writer's strike and long layoff caused the second season to start a little shaky. The writing was still good, but didn't have the same ... crispness as the first season. The episode with the frozen scientist was a particularly poor one, relatively speaking. However, the show regained its footing and proceeded to get better and better through the finale this week. The final 10 minutes of the finale were, once again, pitch-perfect; the mix of Zen, detective work, and violence was just right.

The addition of Gabrielle Union, filling in for a pregnant Sarah Shahi, was inspired. Her character was totally different from Reese, Shahi's character, and the other characters just took it in stride. Donal Logue also seemed to get more comfortable with his role and character as the season progressed. The remaining regulars did their usual solid job.

The one thing that makes this show hard on new viewers, though, is the ongoing storyline. Just like with X-Files or Veronica Mars, which were new-viewer hostile, Life's ongoing plotline of Crews trying to figure out who sent him to prison and why makes it hard for a new viewer to step in and just enjoy an episode and try it out. But, if a new viewer were to play catch up and watch it from the beginning, I think he/she would get hooked.

Another detraction is that, while the character of Charlie Crews is quite interesting, some seem put off by the actor playing him, Damien Lewis. Both his unique look and his presentation of the character may dissuade some viewers, as he is not in the mold of the typical male lead on TV. However, I think his timing, his ability to play both the serious and comical sides of Crews, and his great chemistry with his costars can get any viewer past that, given he or she makes an effort to watch the show and learn what is going on.

My hope is that this is only the season finale and not the series finale. The show is averaging a 6 which, while not great, is steady and solid. NBC has consistently tanked every show that averaged a 6 or lower and replaced it with ... a show that averaged 6 or lower. I would like to think the powers that be would give this show a little room to grow and gain more audience before they axe it. I can't imagine that it is very expensive to film, compared to some of their other content. The network should take a Bird in the Hand approach to this show and try to grow it.

If you are into watching TV shows on DVD, or catch some sort of marathon, I recommend you watch season 1 and 2 of Life, in order and from the beginning. You might just get hooked.

UPDATE
They did cancel the show after the second season finale. Damien Lewis has gone on to some critical success in "Homeland." Sarah Shahi has a few good roles, and currently can be seen on "Person of Interest."