TV Times - Southland

 

Southland - Absolutely solid bit of storytelling about what it is to be cop on the mean streets of Los Angeles, California. The spectre of death and dread hangs over all of this but it is also a 'ticket to see the greatest show on Earth, but it's not always easy getting to the front row."

It's Adam - 12 for these troubled times. The fact that this is on cable gives them license to be a bit more edgy in the visuals and that only ramps up the tension. Last night's episode was about a body dismemberment that didn't skimp on the gruesome nature of the offence. This is the tightest, leanest bit of entertainment on TV today.

 

C. Thomas Howel is particularly great as a cop (Dewey) spinning right on the edge of insanity. He sees the awesome parts of the freakiest of the freak show and LOVES it. He always seems like he is overacting to compensate for everything he sees. It's either that or eating his gun.