One of the greatest things about "Southland" is the gradual development of Office John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz). He really does become a riveting character. Which is what makes him so frustrating in these nascent episodes. He rides his rookie partner way past the point of condescension, and you're just dying to know why he has to resort to bully tactics to test the kid's steel. Not to mention the hope that the wall will come down because you know there's a major history behind this guy. 'See the Woman' does offer a glimpse, though. In just one scene, we see a glint of compassion towards a brutalized woman in a gay clothing store, as well as his Achilles' heel: prior back trauma. It's like I said before, there's no spoon- feeding here. They really make you work for details or sometimes even the big picture. and Cooper's a testament to that.
Three episodes in and it's clear this show is really about the officers and not just the calls they respond to. In that respect, I found it a fascinating episode, painting a picture of Los Angeles that holds surprises not just on the streets but in the moneyed hills as well.
8/10
Three episodes in and it's clear this show is really about the officers and not just the calls they respond to. In that respect, I found it a fascinating episode, painting a picture of Los Angeles that holds surprises not just on the streets but in the moneyed hills as well.
8/10
