2007 Fall TV Preview: Life on NBC

Life - Season 1

Premieres: Wednesday, September 26th at 10:00 p.m. EST
Network: NBC
Creator(s): Rand Ravich
Starring: Damian Lewis, Sarah Shahi, Adam Arkin
Website: NBC.com

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Charlie Crews (Damian Lewis) was a succesful Los Angeles detective before he was sent to jail for a triple homicide he did not commit. After years in prison, in solitary lockdown because of his reputation as a cop, Charlie is finally exonerated and sent back to the force. He’s partnered with Dani Reese (Sarah Shahi), who served her own time in rehab after her career working undercover in the drug world got a little too real. He’s also got the help of Ted (Adam Arkin), a friend from the inside who’s genius with money-- even though he’s an ex-felon. Now Charlie has to do his duties as a detective while still coping with the new reality of life on the outside.


Meh. Police procedurals do little for me unless they’ve got a neat hook (the upcoming New Amsterdam, for example). The idea of a cop who’s been in prison just doesn’t intrigue me-- don’t all TV cops act like they have some special insider knowledge? It’s also strange that there’s been virtually no promotion for this show, given that it comes right after Bionic Woman, which NBC is clearly expecting to be their new cash cow. As someone who can barely watch House without getting annoyed at the formula, I have my doubts that Charlie Crews will be a character worth watching this show for.