Smith

Did I read right? This series was ditched by a US network? Talk about a prophet unrecognized in his own country. "Smith" is US film-making at its best--tightly written, filmed with panache, great characterization (particularly Ray Liotta), haunting but understated score. Great stuff--and I'm hooked. The concept of a family man (Liotta) leading a double life combining a normal domestic routine, a boring job and a criminal sideline is original and dramatically daring but it works wonderfully, thanks to the delicate interplay between Liotta and his screen wife (Virginia Madsen, whose ode to the vine in "Sideways" belongs in a compendium of the best modern prose). Thank goodness a discerning distributor(Cinemax) picked up "Smith," patted him on the back and sent him off to Asia, for the entertainment of us benighted exiles.

This is one of the best crime dramas on TV, maybe almost as good as early 'Sopranos' or 'Shield.' It has a wicked soundtrack, it's beautifully shot and choreographed, and sports some of the best acting I've seen on a network show. The characters are, basically, incorrigible scum; but, they pull off their heists with such style, I find myself very much hoping they stick around for a couple dozen episodes. No doubt most or all of them will meet nasty ends, but in the meantime, 'Smith' is a good place to indulge in some cathartic mayhem and villainy. The soundtrack is phenomenal--Rancid, Dirty Pretty Things, Imogen Heap, Thom Yorke, and the Ramones have all popped up early on in the series. I expect the music to stay high-end as the first season progresses. 'Smith' is not for an audience who needs to cheer for the forces of law and order. It's all about the bad guys, and not saying sorry.

Um...to the postperson who said the pilot episode of Smith was somewhat boring and slow at times? It's something we rarely see in most t.v. shows these days, except for maybe "Lost," known as character development. I thought the "Smith" pilot was very good, because like "Lost," I felt like I was watching a movie instead of a t.v. show. The music, production, acting, editing, "character development" and action scenes were well done. I think that a lot of ground got covered in the opening episode. The 2nd episode didn't quite "wow!" me as much as the opener, but it was still engaging nonetheless. I had a problem in the 2nd episode with a place like Venice Beach being so void of people during a beautiful, sunny day, so that a full-on motorcycle chase could take place with no innocent bystanders being harmed. Also, you would think that if the robbers are supposed to keep a low profile after their nearly botched Pittsburgh heist, that Jeff (Simon Baker) would have enough sense to wear a motorcycle helmet (required by law in CA.) in order to avoid hassle with the authorities. But I guess that's just the daredevil in his character, or perhaps just an oversight on the show's writers.

I can't believe this show was canceled. Another case of self-censorship. How sad. This show was the coolest thing on TV. I loved hating these characters. Not every show needs to be a morality tale. This was an im-moraity tale. It's pathetic how terrified the populace is.

From the all star cast to the magnificent plot lines, this show was different. It's easy to be the same. I highly recommend it. Download it from through itunes, it's worth it.

America is losing it's place as the nation where ideas are developed. It's becoming a bottomless pit of bland conformity. Soon, we'll all be characters in some blurred out reality show.

I'm afraid I disagree with the reviewer who didn't like the show. First off, Ray's character is a professional thief and husband/father and if the show moves rather slow at times it may be because of the fact that his family life isn't the most exciting thing in the world, and his profession requires precision and thought - not blow-em-up action. The first episode illustrates what happens when things get moving too fast: disaster! I like the suspense, of which the pace helps build, and the characters are all intriguing. The thing Jeff does on the beach in Hawaii is already coming back to haunt him in the second episode and Amy Smart's character is in for trouble on multiple counts. Then there's Virgina Madsen (Ray's wife) who is suspicious of what her husband is really up to which makes for an excellent side story. Personally, I like the show and can't wait for new episodes. I'd say the show is a kind of cross between Miami Vice and Prison Break but this is just my opinion. If you watch, enjoy!