This is a new 13-episode series on the premium cable channel FX. But it's being repeated, after a slight lag time, on a small broadcast network as well. The first two broadcast episodes were aired last Wednesday.

Normally, a law show about civil lawyers trying to outclaw each other appeals to me about as much as a "we're just family" mafia movie. And, much as I admire Glenn Close, she doesn't draw me to movies or tv shows.

Here Close plays a ball-busting lawyer named Patty Hewes who seems to take on the most evil corporations. In the opening case, she manipulates her opposition to pay $150 million dollars in settlement. (The male lawyer: If you were a man, I'd punch you. Hewes: If you were a man, I'd be worried.)

Close is typecast. She's absolutely perfect for the role. And the real motive of the series is: Is her character, the scheming lawyer, good or is she evil?

The young recruit to her firm is played by Rose Byrne. That's why I turned in. She's going to find the answer to that question while she's involved in a lawsuit accusing Ted Danson's character of fleecing his employees of their pensions.

It's a story full of twists and turns in the first episode. In fact, the first twist occurs in the very first scene when we meet Rose Byrne's character -- emerging from a building and running down the street partially dressed and covered in blood. Flashback to six months earlier: she joins the Hewes law firm.

I'm afraid to say that Rose Byrne is out of her depth here. As in the action roles she's played in the movies, she isn't really suited for this bright young legal prospect. Unlike Glenn Close, she doesn't naturally suggest great intellectual depth. And she isn't able to suggest it by acting. Plus, she is made-up and filmed in a very unflattering way.

In fact, the visuals in general are pretty ugly.

Acting is generally very good. I must give special mention to Zeljko Ivanek as the defense attorney. His character is essentially the opposite of Close's. He talks with a easy-going Southern drawl and is personable despite defending a pretty reprehensible client.

When the second episode finished, I was left with a depressed feeling. Not because I was so involved in the storyline. I was depressed over it's show's execution. I'd might have to be sued in order to continue watching it.

Thanks John. :)

Not even heard of that one. :blink:

Beeb Clicky :)

Finally ! :thumbsup:

:)