Shades of Blue

One of the people reviewing on the board thought this was an original idea. She never saw The Shield, I guess.

Like Shades of Blue, The Shield was about a group of crooked cops, led by Michael Chiklis. Here, it's Ray Liotta as Matt Wozniak, working with a group made up of Harlee (J. Lo), Tess (Drea DeMatteo), Michael (Dayo Okenyi), Marcus (Hampton Fluker) and others.

Harlee is a single mother with a daughter (Cristina Santos). She is having some financial problems. She is approached by the FBI in the person of Robert Stahl (Warren Kole). She can cooperate and help them get Wozniak or she can go to prison given what they have on her. She reluctantly cooperates, but Wozniak is so paranoid and nervous, she has to be extra-careful. Plus she is torn because of her loyalty to Wozniak.

This isn't a bad show. I think people are hard on Jennifer Lopez and here's why: She's a high-profile celebrity who has a lot written about her personal life, she shows up to awards shows in some flimsy fashions, and she's a singer and dancer. When people look at her, they see Jennifer Lopez, diva.

None of that means that she can't act. I thought she was wonderful as Selena, and she's good in this.

The problem with the show is that because it's Jennifer Lopez, we constantly see her taking off her clothes, working out at the gym, having sex, showing cleavage and then being a tough-as-nails cop, all the while with perfect hair and make-up. And did I mention she's 46 years old. Also, all the guys want her. It's too much, and as a result, the show is criticized.

Lopez needs to lose herself in this role a little more and be a female cop and less dishy - a little less makeup, some unstyled hair, a few less love scenes and a few less times she strips down should do it. She would still be beautiful but a little more human. Then I think people might be more receptive.

The rest of the cast is very good -- Ray Liotta is terrific - he looks and is terrifying; Drea DeMatteo from "The Sopranos" is very believable as a policewoman with personal problems; Warren Kole seems young for his job but he's okay. A good cast has been assembled.

There's nothing wrong with being a derivative show - most shows are. For what it is, it's dark and pretty good.

Jennifer Lopez is really donning the moniker "Jenny from the Block". Her acting works have gained mixed reception and Shades of Blue will continue that tradition. The leading actors give a presentable performance and the drama appears to be in working shape, however some of the police works are following frigid formula of crime drama, not to mention a couple of angles are shady and unconvincing.

Female leads in cop series admittedly look like models, for example leads of Castle or Quantico, which is not entirely a bad and might even be appealing, but it doesn't enhance the reliability aspect of the series. What Jennifer brings is the occasional moments where her character is approachable. At these times she can shed the celebrity persona and delves into the character, although there's still inconsistency in this regard.

Harlee Santos (Jennifer Lopez) is a single mother and corrupt cop who is also being chased by FBI. The character can be appealing as the movie plays out the family and camaraderie cards, but it often transitions into intentionally excessively independent woman stereotype or simply become too melodramatic. Fortunately, the supporting cast helps alleviate these few sloppy instances.

Ray Liotta as Wozniak, the patriarch in the police squad, this is a role he's comfortable with. He plays the crude mentor and protector who harbor secret vices presentably well. Warren Kole as Stahl, the FBI agent is charming in creepy kind of way. There's a solid foundation for character development here, although it's not without a lingering inkling that these are crime drama clichés. Furthermore, this translates into some of the police works that just look too outlandishly crafted.

The premise holds together sufficiently, "Shades of Blue" has a decent start and relatively suspenseful set-up. If it follows these core directions instead of trails from other shows, it should find some degree of success.

I love cover up cop shows/movies because they can make great thrillers and I won't say who or what to not spoil it. Ray Liotta is the best actor and character on the show. I love how he yells at people to get his points across in this show because he doesn't come across cocky or ignorant, but more badass swag no messing around and after you done with him, you start to believe he makes sense in what he's trying to accomplish. I'll give props to Jennifer Lopez because I believe she just underrated as a actress and she's great with tension in this show. Great watch!

Sunday, 14 May 2017: I initially reviewed this show after watching the first few episodes and I realized what a great show it is. This is a great dirty cop drama that keeps getting better with each episode. Beautiful, sexy and talented Jennifer Lopez, but the Emmy and SAG awards goes to the brilliant actor, Ray Liotta. He is the powerhouse actor on the show. I like that Ray's character Woz does not blink an eye when he has to kill somebody who is more dirtier than he is.

I sure hope Ray gets an Emmy for best male actor in a drama series and the show itself win an Emmy. Watching Jenny Lopez, she is just a naturally sexy and beautiful Latina to watch.

The rest of the cast of actors/actresses fill out the show very well. I hope this show has a long successful run on television for many years. I hope they hurry up and get rid of mobster Bianchi and his crew.

I figured eventually J Lo would have to leave the show but figured with the other talented actors on the show that were selected....you would've found her replacement. Disappointed to find out that this is the last season. There is a strong female lead and the story lines are great. The show has been one of the few I'd looked forward to returning. Shame that y'all got concerned the show wouldn't stand if and when Jlo left Oh, of little faith in your casting abilities and in not thinking the viewers would continue watching with the great writers you had behind the show. Bummer, Pamela