'Shark - Season 1'
(James Woods, Danielle Panabaker, et al / 6-Disc DVD / NR / 2007 / 20th Century Fox)
Overview: Season One of this courtroom drama revolves around Sebastian Starke (James Woods), a hard-nosed lawyer about to change things as the head of the high-profile crime unit of the LA DA's office. Every episode from the show's premiere season is contained here, including "LAPD Blue," "Dr. Feelbad," "Dial M for Monica," and "Strange Bedfellows."
DVD Verdict: Shark is a modern day throwback to classic Perry Mason - with a twist! Woods brings a wiley attorney who after defending the bad guys who really did do the crimes, he starts to work as prosecutor instead of defense attorney.
He has all the hockum the modern day Mason would have. A courtroom in his basement to have him and his team to practice it. Think of the X-Men's DANGER ROOM for attorneys. A sexy boss (Jerri Ryan) who always try to put him, down and he rises above her. A team of lawyers who all seem wet behind the ears.
This show and Boston Legal are better than any Law & Order show. It does not need ripped from the headline cases to make this interesting. It just makes you watch with its powerful acting, and over bearing; yet admirable at all times lead actor!
One side note, Wood's Stark character is saddled with a teenage daughter. so beyond the legal work, you also have Bachelor Father thrown in for good measure. This sometimes takes away from the case at hand, but it is a nice touch - and Danielle Panabaker does shine on more than one occasion.
And in the upcoming season two, with “Gangster Movies,” Shark moves away from procedural courtroom drama into the uncharted territory of action crime fiction. It’s a good way to start a new season. If the series can maintain the wit of its first season while infusing it with a more action-oriented sub-plot, Shark may well be a force to be reckoned with on Sundays.
Finally, this show is taylor made for the talents of Woods. Someone should have given him a TV vehicle long ago! THANK GOD someone did this time! It is good television, indeed better than ALL that crap reality programing. Oh and let's not forget that when Shark debuted on September 21st, 2006, its pilot episode was directed by no less than Spike Lee! Shark is a show with a brain, a show with wit, a show for all ages. Welcome back, Mr. Woods ... we've missed ya! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:
All 22 season one episodes
Audio commentary on selected episodes
Creating Shark Featurette
Gag Reel
Deleted Scenes
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