Fairly Legal

A legal drama that's not a legal drama? Kate Reed is an ex-lawyer who's now a "mediator" - a kind of referee for disputes out of court (as she demonstrates in an amusing scene in the pilot where she mediates between an armed robber and a coffee shop owner).

The show is well cast and filmed with real quality and an eye for both visual appeal and new techniques (watch out for the "un-steady cam) that makes a refreshing change - and of course it always helps if your main character is a 4 alarm fire.

Shows real promise and you'll want to know more about the characters. Let's hope they run with it.

I really enjoy this show because it's fresh and witty! Every Thursday I look forward to watching it and laugh at the no-nonsense approach that Kate displays with some of her clients. Mediaition is brought to a new level as she doesn't intimidate but steers people in a logical approach. One of my favorite lines was her pointing out that these two guys were possibly going to get beat-up or killed even "over what?? a cup of coffee??" I like her personality and because it's really new and fresh I feel that the writers are even looking for a way to show people some alternatives to murder and mayhem. Kate's assistant Leo is sharp as a tack and hilarious! Justin is just plain adorable and everything gels!! Keep up the good work! You have a fan in me!! I can only say I hope you all see a very long run with this one!

As a lighter-than-popcorn time filler on the USA network, the only real reason to watch Fairly Legal is the very charming performance of lead actress Sarah Shahi. Shahi is effervescent, stunningly beautiful and possesses a traffic-stopping figure. In season 2 her character, Kate Reed, has deepened slightly emotionally and Shahi has been able to amp up her intelligent performance as well. Actor Ryan Johnson has been added to the cast in Season 2 as Ben Grogan, a smart alecky law partner and snark counterpart to Shahi. It could be a fruitful and amusing relationship once the writers shake the bugs out. Baron Vaughan, as Kate's assistant Leonardo, is still an annoying presence and could be written out with no appreciable loss to the show. Michael Trucco plays Kate's estranged husband Justin and that relationship also grows wearisome. He's a good actor in the thankless part of whipping boy and deserves a shot in another series. I hope he gets it. The only other reason to tune in is the occasional appearance of Kate's nemesis/stepmother/law partner Lauren Reed, played by Virginia Williams. Reed/Williams is memorable for a joyously eye-catching ability to sashay,saunter and slink while wearing the tightest dresses ever seen on television. If the writers allow Kate to continue her growth while making room for Grogan--and keeps Reed in those dresses, this could be a series that goes for the standard 5 year USA network run. I promise to make time.

Never wrote a review for anything and I've always appreciated all you people who take the time to do so.

This cast is energetic and work well together. The writing is smart and... (okay I'll be fair), the plots are sweet and often soupy. I don't even mind because it's just fun to watch. I get sick of crime shows, dead bodies and autopsy rooms (I am not in charge of the remote). This is one of the few shows that I peek my head over my laptop to watch. Yes even my hardened husband likes this show; although, I don't think its for the same reasons I do. Can't say I blame him, Kate's a knockout along with her stepmother. If you need a break from the world but still want some substance and lots of talent stay tune.

Finally a show that is new, fresh and more unpredictable than anything on TV. Our legal system is not about truth or even justice it is all about the law and which lawyers best spin it to their advantage. This show produces fair and just settlements that benefit all and at the least cost, not the pompous arrogant people TV portrays lawyers to be. (I know one show says that attorneys MAKE the laws.) I know there are times it gets to be a little sappy but I am tired of shows with all the blood, guts and bodies. It even gives sappiness a fresh spin. The characters have real personality, but that is USA network's motto. To top this all off Sarah Shahi is super-hot. I hope this show runs for many seasons and not just 10 episodes so far......