Close to Home

Annabeth Chase (Jennifer Finnigan) is a suburban wife and an aggressive prosecutor with a perfect record. She is a new mom returning to work. Maureen Scofield (Kimberly Elise) climbs over her to be her new boss. Her husband Jack Chase (Christian Kane) is killed off at the end of the first season.

This is a crime legal procedural. It started with an interesting secondary home life story. Jennifer Finnigan is likable and compelling. Maybe it didn't gel for the writers. There is a massive overhaul for season 2. The first season seems to work well but maybe there were problems behind the scenes. Sadly it never took off. The changeover did nothing but cause disruptions. Finnigan was left to struggle by herself and the show got canceled after 2 seasons.

The fatal flaw in this show is that it does not even come close to accurately representing the criminal justice process. "Law & Order" remains the most accurate representation (though not perfect) of the procedural aspects of a criminal investigation and prosecution, albeit abbreviated. The first (and last) episode of "Close to Home" I watched last night (abusive husband who locks family in house) was ridiculously inaccurate.

1. Mom can't refuse to testify; 2. Mom can't prevent kids from testifying; 3. Recalcitrant witness (Mom) would be forced to testify and impeached with her original statements to police and D.A.; 4. Depositions are not taken in criminal proceedings; 5. Witness testimony is not excluded for failure to take deposition (see No. 3 above); 6. Prosecutors do not have perfect records, unless they cherry pick their cases, and even then, not likely; 7. Prosecutors with THAT solid of a case (such as last night's episode) do not plea bargain on threat of appeal by defense attorney; 8. Defense attorneys do not get to decide on whether to accept the plea deal. The defendant is the ONLY party that can accept or reject. Defense attorney is required to relay the offer (whether he/she agrees with it or not) and let the client decide. Last night's episode implied that defendant (husband) was convicted on his attorney's decision.

Yes, I realize it's a television show, but to wholly make up procedures and processes for the sake of drama is not necessary. The story last night was a great idea, and "Law & Order" would have done it justice without all of the fantasy. If this were a fantasy show, then I could accept the premise. However when the premise is "real life," then it falls flat.

I keep waiting for this show to turn into something worthwhile. It has a fine cast, fairly decent plot ideas, and deals with popular subject matter -- but continues to have no character development, plot holes large enough to drive a Mac truck through, and dialogue that falls flat. Since somebody went to the trouble to move it into a slightly more promising time slot (sure, Friday nights stink -- but not as badly as opposite Law and Order: SVU when you're going for the same audience!), I sure hope they go to the trouble to find some decent writers. It might also behoove them to get some legal advice. There is generally at least one large legal error in each script -- unforgivable, when dealing with an audience that considers itself fairly sophisticated.

This show is designed for a classic CBS audience, the same audience that watched Murder She Wrote and Cold Case. Unfortunately, it will have to improve greatly to maintain that audience.

After just seeing the first episode of this new court/law drama "Close to home" I can see it becoming a hit! It reminds me of years ago after watching the first episode of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" the WOW factor was huge with this and that show! The opening scene was VERY impressive, the middle of the show was Great and the ending was perfect! The cinematography is very wonderful and keeps it fresh and the story is well done.

The characters are very likable. Starring Jennifer Finnigan (Commited) as Assistant DA, and John Carroll Lynch (Drew Careys brother on "The Drew Carey show") and Kimberly Elise (John Q). The cast is experienced and they act well in this show.

Close to Home is yet another great show from the CBS network and I will be watching it every chance I get! 5 Stars out of 5!

EDIT & UPDATE: Unfortunately since I wrote this review on October 4th 2005, Close to Home has gone down the toilet. Mainly with a bad time slot that usually competed with other shows people watch. Effect May 15 2007 it seems that CBS has pulled the plug on this show. Too bad, it was pretty good, the episodes I did watch anyway.

Aren't there any writers out there who can come up with an original thought. This show is a rehash of so many other legal and cop shows using the same old scenarios. Tonight's was really original. A gang leader was on trial and the gang was threatening one of the witnesses. Gee that was really a first. Then the prosecuting attorney's child is missing from the school ground. Did the gang steal her - You think!? Is the "Bad" defending attorney in on the plot to eliminate witnesses? You think!? How boring. An hour I can never get back (actually 45 minutes - I turned it off) I would give this show a couple of more episodes and then it's off to the world of "My Mother, The Car" Look that one up folks. It was almost as plausible as "Close to Home"