Even in today's world of vocal fans, internet petitions, forums, and blog screams heard round the world, Southland's fate is a rare one. Despite great reviews, the police drama was dropped, and though talk of such things is not all that rare, it was actually picked up by another network. Now airing a new season on TNT (Tuesdays at 10/9c), the show has a new lease on life, and we get a continued chance to see something that's quite a bit different from the average police show.
Southland Uncensored: The Complete First Season brings you all seven Season One episodes in uncensored versions (which may or may not make all that much difference in the overall scheme of things). It's a very interesting DVD release, because while you might have let this one slip under your radar, especially given that you didn't have a lot of time to catch it, I think there's a whole new level of intrigue now that it is airing on a new network.
Whatever ideas you might have had before, you've got to admit that another network signing on makes you think. I have to admit that I was pretty skeptical at first. I wasn't sure that the previews and promos were really telling me things that moved me. Then, let's be honest, it's that dude from The O.C. as a cop. Am I going to buy that? Plus, on a personal level, yet another cop/crime drama doesn't make me jump out of my seat.
Now, after seeing the show, I have to tell you that there are other critics who will talk it up more than me. I give the show 3.5 or 4 stars out of 5, but I'm self-aware enough to know that the rating might be lower than it should be just because it's a cop show. I could say that it's frenetic, with some very solid acting, and I love the writing. I could even say that it's the best police drama in years, or who knows what other quotable bits that, while true, don't exactly tell you that much. What makes Southland really work (and I'll be watching every new episode), is that it's somehow more interesting even than it is. I could tell you what's good about it. Why you might or might not like it. Who works. Who doesn't. The same as the plethora of police/crime/lawyer dramas out there that I don't, in the end, actually watch. But, there's something about the combination of people behind this show that makes for something I'm going to watch, despite the fact that cop shows really aren't my bag.
Ordinarily, this is the sort of DVD release I would write off altogether. An attempted milking with nothing particularly going for it. It's only seven episodes. There is one special feature, which finds the producers and cast talking about the creation of the series. It's a pretty good feature actually, and given the very different nature of the show, fans will be interested. But, in the big picture it's on the general level of throwing something together just to say you have a special feature. "Uncensored" in this case doesn't amount to all that much. It's like an uncensored horror movie. Hooray, more blood. Here, you pretty much get more swearing.
But, in this fairly unique case, you really want to check out the DVD, and you'll be glad you own it. Get caught up now, so you can jump into the new shows. I really encourage you to take a look at the clips, and give this show a fair shot. It'll surprise you.
Own it on DVD today!
Key Characters
God's Work
Greatest Show On Earth
A raw and authentic look at the police unit in Los Angeles, Southland is a compelling new series from Emmy® Award–winning producer John Wells (ER, The West Wing). A fast-moving drama that explores the lives of cops, criminals, victims and their families, Southland features a. highly talented ensemble cast led by Ben McKenzie (The O.C.), Michael Cudlitz (Band of Brothers) and Regina King (24).
Created by John Wells (ER, The West Wing, Third Watch), Christopher Chulack (ER, Third Watch) and Ann Biderman (Public Enemies, Hill Street Blues), Southland: The Complete First Season follows the complicated lives dedicated LAPD officers and detectives lead as they take on criminals, victims and a city tainted by vice and seething with danger. The rookie cop and his savvier, veteran colleagues try to make a difference in the not so glamorous part of Hollywood, but as one wised-up cop says, “Every once in a while, you get to take a bad guy off the street for good. And that, my friend, is God’s work.”
“Southland: The Complete First Season has seven uncensored episodes of the gripping, action-packed series that show life behind the glamour of this diverse and dynamic city,” said Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President, TV & Special Interest Marketing. “Warner Home Video is thrilled to bring the first season of this gritty police drama to DVD.”
Premiering to rave reviews, Southland was called “tough-minded [and] suspenseful” by The New York Times, which also proclaimed that “Southland is commendably stinting and cold, a series that doesn’t aim to please, and is all the more pleasurable for it.” The Hollywood Reporter called Southland “exciting, smart, realistic and brilliant,” while Daily Variety said “[John] Wells and company have delivered a cop drama with its own racing pulse. The crisp execution…“Southland: The Complete First Season has a decidedly elite cable feel.”
Partnered with hardened, veteran colleagues, a rookie cop (McKenzie) tries to make a difference in the not so glamorous parts of Southern California, where he quickly learns that the reality of being out in the field is nothing like his preparation at the Academy.
From John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Southland stars Kevin Alejandro (Ugly Betty), Arija Bareikis (Crossing Jordan), Michael Cudlitz (Band of Brothers), Shawn Hatosy (Public Enemies), Regina King (24), Michael McGrady (The Thin Red Line), Ben McKenzie (The O.C.) and Tom Everett Scott (ER).
Leave a comment below and include the word, "Win," and you are automatically entered to win your very own copy of the DVD. U.S. only. Winner will be randomly selected on Feb. 24th.
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About Marc Eastman
Marc Eastman is the owner and operator of Are You Screening? and has been writing film reviews for over a decade, and several branches of the internet's film review world have seen his name. His reviews have brought him personal praise from the director of a major motion picture, and have been used as required reading in a course at a major University. These priceless rewards, along with just bags of cash, keep him from straying from freelance writing. He is also a member of The Broadcast Film Critics Association and The Broadcast Television Journalists Association.
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