53 reviews
Maybe it's because I relate to her character with the straying husband (now my ex also), the 2 children, full-time job, etc, but I love this show. As for the crime & figuring out whodunit, I haven't seen much difference from other cop shows, so to give that aspect a bad review makes it obvious that person is just down on this show, not the content. Yes, I am a fan of Debra Messing and I'm so excited to see her portraying a character that is so strong yet so maternal. And yes, it's a plus that I get to watch Josh Lucas on TV after falling for him on the big screen. I truly enjoy this show! I find myself laughing at all the little jokes, the play on words, and whatever else tickles my funny bone. And when the hour is done, I find myself in good humor! This show makes me smile!
- riki-wells1966
- Dec 2, 2014
- Permalink
My initial review was on the pilot and I said this has the makings of a decent show. It has a great cast, great location, limitless crime stories to take from real life and fictionalize.
I still stand by my "pilot episode" review in which I said it was irritating. I don't care if a cop has kids and a soon to be ex husband, that's fine. But the kids were so cartoony and cliché it was just painful to watch.
The characters in the police part are great, but NBC needs to either cut the kids part in the show to a bare minimum, or stop with the ridiculous behavior that they are trying to pretend people's kids get up to. I mean, everyone's kids are naughty at times, but these kids were so OTT I wanted to turn it off.
Well, since the initial pilot episode this show has improved weekly, to become a pretty strong police procedural type show. Debra Messing is a good actress and the rest of the cast has grown on me since the pretty poor first episode.
Maybe NBC has some people watch the first few episodes and give feedback as it seems the kids are featured much less, and that is how it should be - they are too young to be of any great use in the plots of a detective show anyway.
I'm going to see how this show goes for the rest of the season run - I have upped my rating to 7.
My only real peeve is PLEASE stop her from wearing the baseball cap backwards - I don't know when that became passé but for someone her age, it was a LONG LONG LONG time ago!
7 out of 10 - probably the most improved show from a pilot - doesn't usually work this way, usually they go more downhill!
I still stand by my "pilot episode" review in which I said it was irritating. I don't care if a cop has kids and a soon to be ex husband, that's fine. But the kids were so cartoony and cliché it was just painful to watch.
The characters in the police part are great, but NBC needs to either cut the kids part in the show to a bare minimum, or stop with the ridiculous behavior that they are trying to pretend people's kids get up to. I mean, everyone's kids are naughty at times, but these kids were so OTT I wanted to turn it off.
Well, since the initial pilot episode this show has improved weekly, to become a pretty strong police procedural type show. Debra Messing is a good actress and the rest of the cast has grown on me since the pretty poor first episode.
Maybe NBC has some people watch the first few episodes and give feedback as it seems the kids are featured much less, and that is how it should be - they are too young to be of any great use in the plots of a detective show anyway.
I'm going to see how this show goes for the rest of the season run - I have upped my rating to 7.
My only real peeve is PLEASE stop her from wearing the baseball cap backwards - I don't know when that became passé but for someone her age, it was a LONG LONG LONG time ago!
7 out of 10 - probably the most improved show from a pilot - doesn't usually work this way, usually they go more downhill!
First of all, this show is a comedy. Some reviewers don't seem to realize that.
Those who criticized the performance of the kids in the pilot have a point. They were over the top. But that is a very small part of the show; in the second episode, the kids barely show up.
But Debra Messing is very enjoyable in this show. Imagine Kate Beckett without Castle. It's the same type of light comedy mixed with real crime mysteries. Even when Laura is mixing it up with suspects, she is adorkable and fun to watch.
She wants to get her soon-to-be ex out of her life, but they work together, so she must endure his personality on a daily basis. This seems somewhat trite, but they pull it off. Her other coworkers are quirky, so the tone remains light. I enjoy it.
Update 10/31/14: Now that we have seen a few episodes of this new show, it is consistent in its humor, while presenting actual crime solutions. But this is not "Elementary", so don't expect much more than light fare. Robert Klein just appeared as Laura's father--a great casting coup!
Those who criticized the performance of the kids in the pilot have a point. They were over the top. But that is a very small part of the show; in the second episode, the kids barely show up.
But Debra Messing is very enjoyable in this show. Imagine Kate Beckett without Castle. It's the same type of light comedy mixed with real crime mysteries. Even when Laura is mixing it up with suspects, she is adorkable and fun to watch.
She wants to get her soon-to-be ex out of her life, but they work together, so she must endure his personality on a daily basis. This seems somewhat trite, but they pull it off. Her other coworkers are quirky, so the tone remains light. I enjoy it.
Update 10/31/14: Now that we have seen a few episodes of this new show, it is consistent in its humor, while presenting actual crime solutions. But this is not "Elementary", so don't expect much more than light fare. Robert Klein just appeared as Laura's father--a great casting coup!
Great job NBC, Debra Messing, cast and crew!! In this genre of homicide detectives in New York City, it is REFRESHING, to get done with a long day and have a new cop drama that has the humor and simplicity to include the realities of how most of us try to get by. It isn't meant to be another deep, dark, and serious everyone pull out their guns kind of drama with all the characters in the show going through some kind of mental breakdown each new season. In the pilot and the second episode, it wasn't at all easy to figure out the mystery, so it is also fun to see where the story does lead. So, I say give this show a chance, catch up on it, and sit back for some laughs.
- drewkittell
- Sep 24, 2014
- Permalink
Here's the hope that The Mysteries Of Laura will find a wider audience and greater approval. It's not bad as it is.
Debra Messing is in the title role as a detective who is raising twin sons as a single divorced mom. It's often said that married people with the same kind of career gives them an additional bond.
It sure didn't work here as her former husband also a cop is the original alpha male. Messing is on a mission to prove she's as good or better than he is at the job they both have.
Messing's character is an interesting one. Here's hoping The Mysteries of Laura sets in for a respectable run.
Debra Messing is in the title role as a detective who is raising twin sons as a single divorced mom. It's often said that married people with the same kind of career gives them an additional bond.
It sure didn't work here as her former husband also a cop is the original alpha male. Messing is on a mission to prove she's as good or better than he is at the job they both have.
Messing's character is an interesting one. Here's hoping The Mysteries of Laura sets in for a respectable run.
- bkoganbing
- Feb 3, 2016
- Permalink
Finally watched the pilot (episode two tonight); really impressed. Just the right mix of light comedy and mystery, without one genre encroaching on the other. Debra Messing is, as always, like comfort food to watch. Really hope this lasts, even as a mystery level enjoyed the storyline of the pilot. Just wanna take a strap or something to her kids' backsides on the show, though; what hellions! Anyway, LOVED IT ... which, of course, means it will most likely be canceled after a few episodes.
Messing plays a homicide cop in the throes of both trying to divorce her cheating husband and find a pre-K school that will take her two extremely ... ummm ... rambunctious sons. All while trying to solve the murder of a rich tech guru who was about to release a new smartphone that would revolutionize the market.
Not sure where all the hate is coming from for the show, pilots usually struggle with an identity or to gain footing and this one didn't. Hope the series can build on that and get even better.
Messing plays a homicide cop in the throes of both trying to divorce her cheating husband and find a pre-K school that will take her two extremely ... ummm ... rambunctious sons. All while trying to solve the murder of a rich tech guru who was about to release a new smartphone that would revolutionize the market.
Not sure where all the hate is coming from for the show, pilots usually struggle with an identity or to gain footing and this one didn't. Hope the series can build on that and get even better.
- redwriteandblue
- Sep 23, 2014
- Permalink
In one sentence: It's not a show you will hate, but unless you are a hardcore Debra Messing's fan you won't like it either.
It's an action comedy (supposedly), about a soon to be divorced police woman with two rebellious little kids, who is tough, and tries to balance her professional life with her personal ordeals.
There is a crime to solve, and the criminal is very elusive, but you won't feel any actual mystery. It is overwhelmed by the little gags and the little personal dramas of the protagonist.
The show it's not really funny either.
Messing is presented as a tough, like Dirty Harry tough, police woman who wears a ...raincoat and doesn't give a crap about police procedures. She drinks alcohol on duty, she eats over the dead bodies at the morgue, and... well...you get it. There aren't any scripted jokes in the show so far. No one-liners or catch phrases. If you think that the awkward smile of Messing after she returns an ...$385 bathing suit she just used in a swim-pool party is funny, than you may like this show. For others I think it's a waste of time. And it's a long time! Each episode lasts 42 minutes (I was expecting a 21 minutes show).
Overall: Not to be hated, but I think it's time wasted.
It's an action comedy (supposedly), about a soon to be divorced police woman with two rebellious little kids, who is tough, and tries to balance her professional life with her personal ordeals.
There is a crime to solve, and the criminal is very elusive, but you won't feel any actual mystery. It is overwhelmed by the little gags and the little personal dramas of the protagonist.
The show it's not really funny either.
Messing is presented as a tough, like Dirty Harry tough, police woman who wears a ...raincoat and doesn't give a crap about police procedures. She drinks alcohol on duty, she eats over the dead bodies at the morgue, and... well...you get it. There aren't any scripted jokes in the show so far. No one-liners or catch phrases. If you think that the awkward smile of Messing after she returns an ...$385 bathing suit she just used in a swim-pool party is funny, than you may like this show. For others I think it's a waste of time. And it's a long time! Each episode lasts 42 minutes (I was expecting a 21 minutes show).
Overall: Not to be hated, but I think it's time wasted.
I loved the first couple episodes but...
Here's the thing... its campy like the detecting isn't stupendous and there are little things Laura catches and happens to know where they make those shoes so the crime is solved? If you don't catch the one thing from earlier... it's lost on you. That part is fine! Cheesy but fine.
BUT! The human lessons here are as if they are trying to train us females how to behave? Don't screw your ex. Let the new guy meet the kids. Be nice to your exes new girl. Be nice to new females who join the team. Put yourself in other people shoes before you judge. Give your dad a second chance. Don't date people at work etc. But they are just feeding us these outcomes, not taking us along the journey on how these lessons are learned. Because they are learned you don't just automatically know how to deal with divorce and exes. And it's usually messy. How lucky is Laura that she gets to skip all the messy parts and just run straight to the lessons and good behavior? It seems very fake and doesn't feel right. Like they are trying to get women to behave better by watching this show? Does that even make sense? Every time I was I am left with this feeling of... so the lesson here today was to let the kids meet your new man and to be nice to your exes new girl right off the bat... so you are the bigger person.. Got it. I want to see Laura royally screw up. I want her to make a giant mess of her life and have to deal with it and fix it. I want to see her bang her ex because she loves him and has trouble separating like a normal freakin messy lifed person.
And you know... You look fab in a dress and swim suit, but what is with the sweatshirts and long coats? A little more fashion please. We get it you are a mom but you are a hot mom and you should at least wear a coat that doesn't say you are hiding 50 extra pounds?
The show seems to forget some of the funny aspects of her giant handbag too. It will be joked about one or two episodes but then when she can use it to take out a skydiver, its just a dumb one liner with a handgun drawn? Meh. I want to see her pull things out of her boobs when she can't carry it.
Here's the thing... its campy like the detecting isn't stupendous and there are little things Laura catches and happens to know where they make those shoes so the crime is solved? If you don't catch the one thing from earlier... it's lost on you. That part is fine! Cheesy but fine.
BUT! The human lessons here are as if they are trying to train us females how to behave? Don't screw your ex. Let the new guy meet the kids. Be nice to your exes new girl. Be nice to new females who join the team. Put yourself in other people shoes before you judge. Give your dad a second chance. Don't date people at work etc. But they are just feeding us these outcomes, not taking us along the journey on how these lessons are learned. Because they are learned you don't just automatically know how to deal with divorce and exes. And it's usually messy. How lucky is Laura that she gets to skip all the messy parts and just run straight to the lessons and good behavior? It seems very fake and doesn't feel right. Like they are trying to get women to behave better by watching this show? Does that even make sense? Every time I was I am left with this feeling of... so the lesson here today was to let the kids meet your new man and to be nice to your exes new girl right off the bat... so you are the bigger person.. Got it. I want to see Laura royally screw up. I want her to make a giant mess of her life and have to deal with it and fix it. I want to see her bang her ex because she loves him and has trouble separating like a normal freakin messy lifed person.
And you know... You look fab in a dress and swim suit, but what is with the sweatshirts and long coats? A little more fashion please. We get it you are a mom but you are a hot mom and you should at least wear a coat that doesn't say you are hiding 50 extra pounds?
The show seems to forget some of the funny aspects of her giant handbag too. It will be joked about one or two episodes but then when she can use it to take out a skydiver, its just a dumb one liner with a handgun drawn? Meh. I want to see her pull things out of her boobs when she can't carry it.
- nicole-underhill
- May 6, 2015
- Permalink
I love this show and it is such a great show you don't have to worry about your kids walking in on. It has its serious moments and great comedy. She always gets the criminal, but in her own snazzy way. We need more shows like this one! There's too many drama filled, cuss word filled shows out there that kids should not watch and this is one my son can play in the room while its on and we can just relax. Hope they don't cancel it! All the characters are unique and perfect in the show. <3 By far one of my favorite new series out on TV today. <3 Mysteries of Laura is fantastic! And they have to keep it around. 10 stars! I live how she is always herself, and no matter what she can figure out who committed the crime. She has this way of attention to detail that just shows how smart she is. Some may think this is too silly a show but I think that is what makes it so great! Shows don't have to serious all the time, and this show's comedy is perfect. Not stupid funny but actually lol funny. I laugh so much that my husband started watching with me and now he likes it. We introduced my sister in law to it and she is a die hard sci fi fan and even she loves it now!
- tiggersgirl-52750
- Mar 6, 2015
- Permalink
- chappywatched
- Mar 25, 2016
- Permalink
As a Debra Messing fan, I will pretty much watch anything if I know she will be in it. Her ability to play slapstick comedienne is only outshone by her ability to play dramatic roles. (As we often saw in "Smash" and "The Starter Wife") Unfortunately this time, the writing isn't strong enough to support it. Seeing as the series has been brought to American TV from its Spanish counterpart "Los misterios de Laura", its seemed to have retained most of its original Spanish, shall we say, nuttiness. The issue, however, is that the American public isn't used to this kind of series. At least not in a cop show. The closest we have to this type of thing would be "Castle" which sometimes itself can get a little too schmaltzy. And even though having actually brought the original writers from the series to create the American scripts, it has somehow missed the mark. Unlike many British TV series that are brought to America, this one is not going to be one we complain about changing the tone. Here is some things that could change just a bit that would improve the show greatly but still keep it original to its premise.
=Control those kids. Or at least make them a little less annoying.
=Don't make Meredith be a one note character that simply humphs around spewing rules. Show a soft side. Someone we love to hate.
=Get rid of that trench coat! I'm sorry but I see a whole "Prime Suspect" fedora thing happening there.
=Most importantly, balance. It was so tough to become interested into the crime aspect of the show because suddenly we were ripped away to see what was happening with the terror twins. And when we finally came back to it, it was tough to remember what was actually happening.
All in all, I don't think this is a show that is destined to fail. Since Debra Messing will always give us a great show to watch, I think it just needs a little tweaking to make it a fun and quirky series.
=Control those kids. Or at least make them a little less annoying.
=Don't make Meredith be a one note character that simply humphs around spewing rules. Show a soft side. Someone we love to hate.
=Get rid of that trench coat! I'm sorry but I see a whole "Prime Suspect" fedora thing happening there.
=Most importantly, balance. It was so tough to become interested into the crime aspect of the show because suddenly we were ripped away to see what was happening with the terror twins. And when we finally came back to it, it was tough to remember what was actually happening.
All in all, I don't think this is a show that is destined to fail. Since Debra Messing will always give us a great show to watch, I think it just needs a little tweaking to make it a fun and quirky series.
Having seen the original series "Los Misterios de Laura," from Spain, I was wondering what NBC's version would be like. I was pleasantly surprised when I finally saw the show. I enjoyed the fact that the original structure stayed the same (single mom detective having her ex as her boss and managing work and home life at the same time) while the characters were adapted to match the U.S. environment. The mixed reviews show how difficult it is to adapt from an original written for a completely different cultural setting. As with the original version, I like following the little clues that lead to resolving the cases intermingled with Laura's personal life conflicts. I am looking forward to seeing its future episodes.
- overminded
- Mar 11, 2015
- Permalink
Standard cookie cutter cop comedy with pretty much the same thing every Ep. It's like a Toyota Corolla of TV shows. To its credit it really IS a mystery. It's not Columbo where you know who dunnit in the first 2 minutes. The writing the dialog are adequate. The sidekicks are sufficiently sidekicky. Based on a Spanish show of the same name it seems an odd choice to develop for American audiences. But it's solid. It's as 'mysterious' why it got cancelled after 28 Eps 2 seasons as why it was made in the first place. One irritating thing is the ceaseless unrelenting Grrrrllĺ power schtick. We get it. Males are idiots who would accidentally kill themselves if they didn't have women to wipe their butts for them. But I chalk that up to Uber Hillary girl boner Debra Messing.
The characters and plot lines of this show are predictable, unimaginative and BORING! Debra Messing was great in Will & Grace, but it seems her success was due to shared screen time and a terrific ensemble cast. Here, Messing takes the lead role, essentially carrying the show, and she just isn't charismatic enough to pull it off. The writing is just as bad, with plots that are insulting to anyone with even average intelligence. For example, while investigating a killing, Laura suspects that her boss is the murderer, even though she has no real evidence. Instead of confronting him directly or going to IA, she makes the accusations in public at the victim's funeral. Seriously?! There is zero entertainment value here, and I don't see this show being renewed for another season.
It's too bad that this was canceled, sometimes this happens to great shows. It has a great, diverse cast, and unfortunately that's rare. Please release this digitally so it can be seen by those who appreciate it. I'd love to add it to my collection!
- tailsofthewind
- Jan 10, 2022
- Permalink
I must admit I was not crazy about the pilot episode. I kind of liked it but really didn't like the way the kids were portrayed. It was just too much. I gave it a chance and haven't missed and episode since. I love suspense and USED to like comedy but most comedy shows out there are ridiculous. This is just right for me... looking to solve the mysteries and a couple of giggles along the way. Well made show, great supporting actors/actresses and Debra Messing delivers a great performance. And by the way, I was never a Debra Messing fan before and disliked her pathetic character on Will and Grace. Thumbs up for her on this show!
- trochetorres
- Oct 31, 2014
- Permalink
Debra Messing is a person who plays quirky characters. Some viewers will never like her. She isn't deadpan, she isn't mean (see: House). She is however good with her timing and a good actress. The show's premiere was a bit weak but still enjoyable but this is typical of pilots/premieres - you have to be introduced to characters. However, over the last two episodes, the characters settled down into their roles and the 3rd episode was wonderful. Critics - as usual - will loathe a show that doesn't fit a specific mold and to be sure, this show doesn't. They hated many other successful shows such as House for Hugh Laurie being "too mean". We all ended up loving him. If this show is given that chance, we will also grow to love the characters. People expect blockbusters for pilots and this is why so many shows fail, but if these shows go for blockbusters, they leave for the show not maintaining that hype or never introducing them.
So my review is to watch the 2nd to 3rd episodes and watch the season progress, it definitely got better after episode 1. Pilots are almost never anyone's favorite shows. Even Friends pilot was panned. Unfortunately, as of right now - with all the critics headlines of "BAD SHOW!" (some of which who admittedly only saw commercials... how do they get those jobs if they aren't watching the shows?), the outlook is a bit bleak.
This show will need lots of social media and fans to overcome those headlines and the iffy pilot.
So my review is to watch the 2nd to 3rd episodes and watch the season progress, it definitely got better after episode 1. Pilots are almost never anyone's favorite shows. Even Friends pilot was panned. Unfortunately, as of right now - with all the critics headlines of "BAD SHOW!" (some of which who admittedly only saw commercials... how do they get those jobs if they aren't watching the shows?), the outlook is a bit bleak.
This show will need lots of social media and fans to overcome those headlines and the iffy pilot.
- missmary1983-475-122135
- Oct 1, 2014
- Permalink
boring,lame and miscast, Messing needs to stick to sitcoms her acting is pure shtick, waiting for the punchline after each line of lame dialog out of her mouth,a drama actress she is not! As for Josh Lucas, get back to motion pictures before this lame drivel drowns your career. Any viewer that buys this Lucille ball hued mess as a police woman needs to watch Angie Harmon at work on Rizzoli and Isles, she is able to swing from comedic lines to serious drama faultlessly and believably unlike Messing's sad attempt she just does not have the chops but in all fairness the plots and script are laughable to say the least. cannot guess why this was renewed and better shows were cancelled.
I admit I watched because I was happy to see "Grace" had another job... But even though the pilot had moments of dodgy, by no means was that Debra Messing's fault, in fact by the end she was "Laura" in my mind and I was coming back for more. To my delight the show improves with every episode until at the end if the season I had to write this. Give it a chance. :-) All of the characters grow on you and there are some real moments of hilarity, the mysteries keep you guessing and yes it's not the newest formula, but that's OK its comfortable and lovely that you can trust they aren't gonna kill off your favorite characters suddenly Love it :-)
- pimplepopper
- Jun 21, 2015
- Permalink
I wanted this to be good. The moment I started watching, I knew it would not be good. The acting felt very cheesy, like everyone was over acting and trying to be funny. The portrait of the female detective being drawn in my head at the beginning is that she is unorganized, unhealthy, and not together at all. The detectives show up at a place where they show a badge to get in, but when they get in they pretend to be undercover, like no one knew they were police officers. It really made no sense. I kept watching hoping it would get better and it just got worse. I found myself laughing at how horrible the writing and acting was. At points I swore I was watching a very bad play with people that have never acted a day in their life. I felt like the show was trying to be a version of Psych or Colombo. I really disliked the show and will not be surprised when it is canceled.
- greysonfurrington
- Sep 24, 2014
- Permalink
I really love this show, it is real, down to earth and downright funny as well. As a working woman all my life with 4 children, women have it a lot harder than most men as their job doesn't end when they come home from work, it is just beginning. Debra Messing does a great job as a super smart detective, who gets the job done while still juggling all the chaos in her life. It's real life and funny. The cast works so well together, each with their own personality and dramas. My husband didn't watch it with me at first, but know he's also gotten into it as well and that is very unusual. Please consider giving it a chance at another season, it keeps getting better and better.
- patfitz-59938
- May 2, 2015
- Permalink
I've only known Debra Messing in will&grace so i had my concerns for this show. But, i love it. Yes, it has nothing to do with actual police work, but hey, its a show. And it entertains me. I record the show so that i, when my baby sleeps, i can enjoy a fun and easy going show. Its fun and Debra is great as an single mom. Although i can never get my hair like that in between throwing up and changing diapers. So no, it's not reality TV, but if you enjoy comedy and crime, and loved will & grace, this is your show. Okey, i need at least 10 lines to post... I have only seen season one, but i cannot wait till season 2. Have fun watching this fun show. Don't expect Oscar winning acting or amazing screenplay, it's just fun
NYPD detective Laura Diamond (Debra Messing) has rambunctious twin boys and divorcing from her husband Jake Broderick (Josh Lucas). Of course, he's her boss. Billy Soto (Laz Alonso) and Meredith Bose (Janina Gavankar) become detective partners and later personal partners. Max Carnegie (Max Jenkins) is Laura's irreplaceable helper. In the last half of the first season, Frankie Pulaski (Meg Steedle) joins the squad. In the second season, Frankie is gone and they get a new captain in Nancy Santiani (Callie Thorne).
This show starts horribly. The kids are terribly annoying. As much as I like Debra Messing, I can't stand her character's life. The show gets better as the kids get phased out. Her private life isn't front and center as much. I like the addition of Frankie to add some light likability. Then she gets dropped in favorite of another annoying character, Santiani. Eventually, her character gets explained and then dropped. At its best, the show is nothing more than a passable police procedural. The problem is that it's not even at that passable level for most of its run. A two season run is more than what it deserves.
This show starts horribly. The kids are terribly annoying. As much as I like Debra Messing, I can't stand her character's life. The show gets better as the kids get phased out. Her private life isn't front and center as much. I like the addition of Frankie to add some light likability. Then she gets dropped in favorite of another annoying character, Santiani. Eventually, her character gets explained and then dropped. At its best, the show is nothing more than a passable police procedural. The problem is that it's not even at that passable level for most of its run. A two season run is more than what it deserves.
- SnoopyStyle
- May 17, 2016
- Permalink
- angel-03722
- Aug 30, 2019
- Permalink