The Job

This type of show is not supposed to happen on television. This is the type of edginess usually reserved for independent film. This is what only HBO is supposed to do. Fact is that Denis Leary has managed to come up with one of the best television shows ever, easily joining the ranks of THE SOPRANOS, OZ, ED etc.. Kudos the gang at ABC for showing that NYPD Blue was not a fluke, and to Mr. Leary and his gang for creating a truly unique viewing experience. My only complaint is that the show is not long enough ... an hour would make it better, but I can't wait for the next episode!

It's 20 years since "The Job" aired on ABC and those dimwitted nitwits cancelled this unparalleled brilliant comedy series after 19 perfect pitched episodes. In my wisdom I bought the DVDs and find the show to be as funny and relevant today. Dennis Leary and Peter Tolan never compromised on their vision. The scripts and the jokes are sharp, fast, sophisticated and hilarious. The cast, oh the cast, so perfect, so completely comfortable with themselves in their characters, convey so much in a smirk, an ebrow raised, a flared nostril. This is one of the best comedies ever produced for American TV. An immediate classic. Subsequently, came Leary's "Rescue Me," but the characters did not have the same depth and most too adolescent for my taste. Nothing comes close to "The Job."

I saw the episodes in Austria and I must say that the German production company made a great job using the best dubbing voices for the different characters. It was a funny show with a lot of real-life stories - unfortunately broadcast in Austria after midnight. I also liked "It's Like, You Know..." which also had been canceled after two seasons. The question in both cases is why? But remember: "Star Trek" was a flop at the beginning and no public broadcaster was encouraged enough to buy "Sex and the City" ... So, what remains of "The Job" is a good memory, a couple of episodes on DVD+R and the hope for a future release on DVD.

Denis Leary can indeed be funny and clever at times and is always likable, but this takes the cake! This show showed Leary's genius.

The Job is set in New York. Leary plays Mike McNeil, a hard-nosed detective who is married, has a occasional drug problem, and has a girlfriend. McNeil has serious attitude. So much he's dripping in it. The precinct is filled with funny, interesting and likable characters besides McNeil. An excellent cast too. All of the episodes in this show are really funny and are addictive. The one liners in this show are everywhere. You'll be in stitches after hearing them and still laugh about them a few minutes after and then some. The cases the precinct deals with are something else to stripper nuns, a bathroom hostage situation, and more are over the top. This show was too good. Could have grown legs to last many more seasons.

The Last Word: A great, fantastic show. I miss this show dearly. All episodes of this show are great. You get even belly-laughs...a lot. ABC made a huge mistake by giving this the ax. Too bad Leary did not revive the show for cable TV. Still, I give this show one of my highest of recommendations. Truly a one of a kind show.

... and F you ABC for being so stupid so as to pull the plug on this show. You let NYPD Blue keep on airing when anyone with a quarter brain will tell you that that cop show is out of ammo a long time ago. Maybe this is some warped competition in which ABC brass says "Gee, if NBC can pull the plug on a classic like HOMICIDE, then we should show them and F up the same by pulling the plug on our own cop classic, THE JOB." Well ... a big middle finger to you for being so stupid. To Mr. Leary, DreamWorks, and all the visionaries involved I can only say that it was a pleasure to join you for your (too short) visit and I can only hope that you combine talents again soon ... for someone that can see you for the talent that you are. I will miss you.