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Show:		8.0
Picture:		7.0
Sound:		8.0
Extras:		3.0
Score:		8.0

Director(s):	Christopher Chulack • Nelson McCormick
Writer(s):	Ann Biderman, Heather Zuhlke, Angela Amato
Starring:	Patrick Fischler • Shawn Hatosy • Tom Everett Scott • Kevin Alejandro • Arija Bareikis • Michael Cudlitz • Regina King • Michael McGrady • Ben McKenzie
Genre:	Crime • Drama
Website:	http://www.tnt.tv/series/southland/
Release Date:	January 26, 2010

List Price:	DVD - $19.99
Amazon:

Before we start in on what will initially seem like a crucifixion of Southland, know that we’re only drawing this comparison because its producers chose to enter into territory where the trail has been previously blazed by countless shows, and yet claim in an extra feature that they’ve created something new and exciting with Southland. Either they’re being very tongue-in-cheek funny or are legitimately blind to the sheer volume of shows which have already done exactly what they set out to do: look at the life of LAPD officers and how the job affects them.

The list of shows based around the LAPD is as follows (in alphabetical order, no less): 10-8: Officers on Duty (2002-3), Adam-12 (1968-75), Boomtown (2002-3), The Closer (2005-Present), Columbo (1971-94), Dark Blue (2009), Dragnet (Forever), Fastlane (2002-3), Hunter (1984-91), L.A. Heat (1999), LAPD: Life On the Beat (1995-99), Life (2007-9), Martial Law (1998-2000), Most Wanted (1976-7), Ohara (1987-99), Police Story (1973-77), Police Woman (1974-78), Raines (2007), and, of course, The Shield (2002-8).

Granted, some of these are going way back and not all of them are very realistic or in-depth. However, as if to give Southland’s claim of gritty realism a run for its money, two of the most relevant entries on that list were in the last decade. Both Boomtown and The Shield featured an ensemble cast and had down to earth points of view about what life is really like on the job. Even if Boomtown was just a blip on the radar, The Shield established itself as one of the most badass and legitimate crime dramas of its day. It wasn’t quite The Wire, but it presented a look at the LAPD that wasn’t the glossy “we never beat anyone without cause” image earlier series maintained. Southland follows that trend.

When a man takes a shot at a cop and falls by the bullets of the law, the consequences and results are legitimate. The police officer who made the kill is given pause by what he’s done, while other, more experienced officers applaud him for doing what had to be done. Alcoholism, drug abuse, and the simultaneous knowledge that you have the power to put justice’s wheels in motion but are impotent to achieve any agenda outside of it play pivotal roles in character arcs that drive Southland’s worthy narrative onward. People get gunned down in the street. Vendettas are set against the witnesses of local murders. LA’s finest do what they can to keep sane as the job pushes them closer and closer to the edge of insanity.

It’s not new, and in Southland’s defense it doesn’t have to be. It just has to be compelling. And it is. The cast consists of Tom Everett Scott, Ben McKenzie, Michael McGrady, Regina King, Shawn Hatosy, Michael Cudlitz, Arija Bareikis, Kevin Alejandro, and Patrick Fischler. The players are divided in a typical ensemble cop show fashion between beat pairings: a rookie and his instructing officer, a retirement-bound pro and his cautious partner, etc. It’s a strong cast and the weak links get stronger with every episode. If you liked Boomtown, Southland safely surpasses it in narratives. However, if you’re holding on dear to The Shield, you’re going to find this much tamer and without the cajones to really dig in deep and make the characters pop out of the screen. At least at first. The season gets better with every episodes, and by the time the season finale comes around (it’s a very short season of 7 episodes) you’re invested.

Check it out.

DVD Bonus Features

As mentioned, the set features the cast and crew talking about how refreshing Southland is since it covers a niche never touched before. Now, unless they have a very dry sense of humor, this featurette will drive any Shield fan to outrage. Many cop shows are better at giving a deep and honest look at life as a police officer in a crime-stricken city, Southland is a better part of the tradition, but in no way the best.