The Trials of Rosie O'Neill

The theme song for The Trials of Rosie O'Neill, "I Wish I Knew," was written by Carole King, not Carly Simon. I don't know who sang the song during the opening credits, but Carole King was a guest star on the episode, "The Reunion," along with Tyne Daly, and did perform "I Wish I Knew" during that episode. (I have the sheet music--Words and Music by Carole King!) As to the series itself, I liked it very much and was highly disappointed when it was canceled. I was hooked on it after seeing it for the first time--which may or may not have been the first episode--in it Rosie defends a young girl (maybe homeless, at least "family-less") accused of killing her newborn child and hiding the body in a dumpster. She claimed the baby was born dead and that she had buried the baby in the dumpster. It was a very touching episode, the young lady playing the defendant did an excellent job in her portrayal of the downtrodden girl. Being a fan of Sharon Gless, I am glad to see "Cagney & Lacey" finally being offered on DVD; I would like to see "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill," (the entire series) come out on DVD, I would definitely buy it.

Sharon Gless (Cagney&Lacey) played Rosie. Also, called Fiona "Rosie" O'Neill, and Fiona by her mother. Rosie was an attorney practicing as a Public Defender. Her mother wanted her to be a Corporation Lawyer and that caused friction between them. Specially when the mother had to introduce her to some high society type, she was embarrassed to say she worked in the Public Defender's Office. That was too poor for her. I guess she did not know that a crime is a crime whether or not it is committed by an executive or a blue collar worker. Her sister was a housewife married to a workaholic doctor. Rosie and her sister had a wonderful relationship. Rosie's theme was written and sung by one of my favorites, Carly Simon, a lovely song, which I recorded from the television, so that I could have the words for it. Actually I really don't understand why some lawyer's shows are so popular, and others get canceled after the first year, when they are so good. My guess is "age discrimination." When a more mature actor could play a more mature lawyer, the executives decide to get a skinny lawyer, one third of her age, and with so much wisdom for her age. Actually I thought that people grow wiser with age. But I guess it was just a thought! I think that we watched most of the series. We truly enjoyed the series. I am surprised that this is the first comment on the series! My favorite episode: The Christmas episode, when Rosie goes to church. Very moving shows. My Favorite quotes: "In a perfect world everyone's dreams will come true, what will the future hold, I wish I knew."

It's a shame this TV show was canceled when it was. It deserved many more seasons. Brilliant acting, well defined and written characters with immense diversity that I don't see a lot of in today's shows. The first episode alone shows a variety of different races and ethnicities, a man in a wheelchair, and different religions.

Especially appreciated the episode about anti-Semitism spotlighting the Jewish character, the boss.

Sharon Gless is a wonderful actress who is so natural in everything. Love the dynamic between the characters. This show was completely underappreciated for its time and deserves a reboot.

I had recently taken out season 1 of Cagney and Lacey at my local library and forgotten how much I enjoyed the acting of Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly (and how much I had missed such quality type shows). So in searching for more shows starring Gless and/or Daly, I came across "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill". I remember watching this show and enjoying it as much as Cagney and Lacey. Different type of show but with excellent supporting cast and great writing. (Gless is recently divorced and trying to rebuild her life as a public defender.) Tyne Daly guest starred in a "reunion" episode. Also, Carole King guest starred in the "reunion" episode. She sang the theme sing that she wrote for the show "I Wish I Knew". Each week the opening song written by King was sung beautifully by Melissa Manchester.

My favorite part of the show was the beginning where she was talking to her therapist. (In real life her husband and producer) Can not believe this show only lasted 2 seasons and is not on DVD.

Sharon Gless is just one of those personalities that you welcomed into your home weekly as you would an old friend. She made life not seem so brash or unbearable because she had her own problems she shared with you and, oh that sarcastic wit! Come on in and have a cup of coffee or a beer. What's going on? Her work in "Cagney & Lacey" was pivotal in bringing women to the forefront of what women are all about. Her role in "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill" was one of the best and Gless made it her own. She shared her inner most secrets with us in her opening shots at the analyst's office and wasn't afraid to show her emotions and courage throughout the shows too short a run! I miss that show today still. One of my favorite episodes was the "Christmas" themed one. I feel as though this show may have brought a few tears to the eyes of the crew, when it closed down the set. Bring out the DVD, I'm sure there are thousands of fans willing to buy the too few episodes. Count me in.