SnoopyStyle
Officer Ben Sherman (Ben McKenzie) from a rich family is a rookie paired up with training officer John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz) who is secretly a homosexual and dealing with a pain killer addiction. Homicide detective Lydia Adams (Regina King) is a smart independent woman living with her mother. Officer Chickie Brown (Arija Bareikis) suffers from her outrageous partner Dewey Dudek (C. Thomas Howell). Officer Sammy Bryant (Shawn Hatosy) is stressed from his crazed wife Tammi (Emily Bergl).This starts off as a gritty character-driven police drama on NBC. It got sold to TNT in the second season and the show becomes more procedural in later years. It becomes one outrageous police encounter after another. The big takeaway for me is that Ben McKenzie shows that he has a wider range than hinted at in The O.C. I liked him in Junebug but in this one, his character actually grows over the years along with his acting talents.
shunkele-2
I absolutely loved this drama . I was so disappointed it was canceled The characters were so real. It was gritty in your face drama you never knew what to expect. I watched from the beginning I will certainly miss it one the highlights of weekly viewing. So much garbage on today ! I guess the network's decision is final. The ensemble cast was excellent each actor so talented and convincing. I would have liked an ending that would have wrapped up all the story lines. Maybe they could do a TV movie later. It was the best police drama I have seen on TV. I guess it was too raw for prime time that is why NBC got rid of it. Thank goodness for cable alternatives or there would be so many shows that would not air. Just wish the network would reconsider and bring it back ! Actors have probably moved on to other projects.
C.H Newell
I watch a high volume of movies and television, but I have to say this- Southland is one of the greatest police dramas out there. This show combines great character development/writing in general with some absolutely out-of-the-park acting by some underrated actors and actresses. I'm a fan of police shows; everything from Law & Order: SVU to The Shield. Southland explores what it's like for detectives and patrolling officers both on and off the job, and how there isn't really a whole lot of the 'off the job' part when it all comes down to it. Especially in a day and age where police officers are quite often bad mouthed by a lot of the general public, I think Southland gives a show that not only civilians can enjoy as a drama, but I'd venture to bet many police officers out there might be able to watch this and (hopefully) relate to some of the themes going on.Two mentions I need to include for acting: i) Michael Cudlitz as Officer John Cooper. Probably one of my favourite characters of all-time on TV because with Cooper, you gradually see more and more of his personal life as the seasons go by, and from the very first episode (albeit very sly) we know he is gay. However, it isn't totally blatant for the first season or two, only in brief mentions. Cooper shows how an officer (or anybody for that matter) doesn't need to be defined by sexual orientation. He gives a voice to the manly gay men everywhere who can't relate to foolishness like Glee. ii) C. Thomas Howell as Officer Dewey Dudek. He is a great actor, but here he shines! This character was written for Howell- Dewey is a foul, loud mouthed alcoholic who eventually finds the right path through sobriety (although he's still foul and everything). Howell just walks and talks Dudek; he is him. There are many great actors on this show, but he holds as one of the best. They could have even used him more, however, his character arc was very satisfying.There is a lot of solid writing on this show regardless of what other people think; it's undeniable. Every show has its faults, but I find for the better part of this show's run it has been extremely well written. The characters shine. Shawn Hatosy is also one of the best on this show! Really great underrated actor. 10 out of 10 stars. Highly recommended.
rsda
Thank God, this show has a spot here on Englih TV. It is one of the fastest moving, personal and thrilling shows on TV at the moment. The cast is superlative and the back stories on theses folk keep you glued to the screen. Bravo to all involved and keep up the good work. Can't wait for season 5. This show has more to offer than THE WIRE did for me. It has few rivals for its grittiness and honesty. Perhaps the closest show which ticks all the boxes is JUSTIFIED. That is also a show to be proud of. They are the only two series I buy for my personal collection of dvds. Great television comes along more often than it once did and SOUTHLAND is certainly great.