Detective Charles "Charlie" Crews(Damien Lewis,in competition with Hugh Laurie for most convincing TV American as done by a Brit)has returned to the Los Angeles Police force. His return is from a twelve year hiatus,brought about by a life sentence(hence the title)for his(wrongful)implication in a multiple homicide. Of course,once vindicated of said crime,Charlie sets about finding out how he was framed,who did it,and who--if anybody--should he trust around him,in the force and elsewheres. He's conducting a lonely search,as he tries to put on the guise of resuming life as normal,back on duty investigating cases alongside a partner(Sarah Shahi)who is as damaged as they come,and VERY suspicious of her partner's ways,among other things.
While the plausibility of some of the show's situations(examples:Crews is the beneficiary of a $50 MIllion settlement with the force,yet somehow shows little sign of having any money,save occasionally cruising around in a different souped-up auto each show;how the force would be penalized or settle with giving up a sum of money THAT steep without appeal;the willfulness of the force to let Crews back on to active duty)seems a shade hard to swallow,this show's edgy,nervous and reflective mood--mostly spurred on by the inspired performance of Lewis--helps the medicine go down a lot easier. Arguably one of the more inspired shows on the new fall season(along with "Pushing Daisies","Chuck" and "Aliens in America"),here's hoping that this show doesn't fall under the wheels of the current writer's strike. THe fertility of the story-lines and richness of characters here merits this show of a longer run.
While the plausibility of some of the show's situations(examples:Crews is the beneficiary of a $50 MIllion settlement with the force,yet somehow shows little sign of having any money,save occasionally cruising around in a different souped-up auto each show;how the force would be penalized or settle with giving up a sum of money THAT steep without appeal;the willfulness of the force to let Crews back on to active duty)seems a shade hard to swallow,this show's edgy,nervous and reflective mood--mostly spurred on by the inspired performance of Lewis--helps the medicine go down a lot easier. Arguably one of the more inspired shows on the new fall season(along with "Pushing Daisies","Chuck" and "Aliens in America"),here's hoping that this show doesn't fall under the wheels of the current writer's strike. THe fertility of the story-lines and richness of characters here merits this show of a longer run.