The Unit

Like many I was excited to see the new show "The Unit." However, it quickly became apparent it was all wrong. First, off I having served in various Army assignment for 10 years it is easy to spot a fake. Itis a personal pet peeve to watch Hollywood botch up military genre pictures with unrealistic situations/outcomes, misplaced ribbons-medals-ranks-etc, and phony dialogue.

I think Mamet and Ryan (The Shield creator)are very talented and entertaining writers who get it right most of the time. Rule number one in writing-write about what you know. The military genre is far more technical than cop shows and a show about "Delta Force" is even more so (due to being shrouded in secrecy.) Some of the major flaws: Military wives: (sorry ladies) many are homely and over weight. The male actors: are too old and not fit enough to portray and elite counter terrorism unit such as Delta. Many Delta are former Ranger and Special Forces. The tactics: another flaw. Episode #2 features a team recovering a Chinese satellite behind enemy lines. One two man two provides "overwatch" (aka observation and security for the recovery team). They don't conceal their position, rather park a jeep on an open hilltop. "Hello?" Then the insurgents skate across the desert floor to intercept them leaving a visible and exposing dust signature. Finally they are spotted by Delta once within small arms range. How do these poorly trained insurgents get the drop on Delta? If Delta is authorized to use deadly force why wait till they are on top of your position. Weapons use: Watch how they hold their weapons-enough said. The writing: At points the dialog reads like it is ripped off an Army Field Manual-dry, brittle, forced technical speak, and unrealistic. Military Housing: So "the unit" soldier all live on the same street with CBS's version of Desperate Military Housewives? Are you trying to combine two shows? Focus on making one right first.

This is a very entertaining show. The writing is good, the characters are both interesting and multi-dimensional. The lighting and set design are very appropriate for a mainstream network series. Excellent use of steady-cam and "documentary style" camera work.

I respectfully disagree with some of the previous comments by my fellow veteran. I believe that he may not have had much contact with the spec ops community in his 10 year career.

We should remember that this is a television series- If the cameras rolled in the average combat spec ops unit, it *might* last a whole episode...*might*.

While the wives in this show do seem to be a very comely group, The same probably applies to the men- as is fitting for a cast of actors.

If anything, the actors seem a little young to be from the unit. The average age in Delta is over 30, minimum age to apply is 22. As far as out of shape, senior soldiers don't fit the 3% body fat runner look that many young garritroopers sport.

The tactics used by the actors would definitely be out of place even in an infantry unit- but I have trained with enough operators to know that they can look sloppy and distracted (unmilitary) a fraction of a second before they tear through the target. I saw one step into a room, draw, engage 5 targets, and holster in 3 seconds - Then almost get tossed off the course for not wearing a regulation helmet.

While the dialog is not what we would hear in the field (too many syllables and too few profanities), it is intended to help the viewer understand and experience the flow of tension and action- which I feel it dies well.

While the homes are officer and senior NCO grade, it is very similar to the newer housing at Ft. Bragg (Where the unit it most expressly not stationed).

This show needs to come back. Better than any of the reality nonsense

David Mamet, one of the best writers today, made a series that expresses his talent as one of the best writer/directors! This series has a story that can keep giving, time and time again.

Especially a show that really expresses a dramatic POV of a US solider. The fact that it shows a secret agency that really does this adds more charm and appeal to this show.

To me, you can't go wrong with anything that David Mamet has done! Anyone who says this show is poorly done hasn't seen it!

Denis Haysbert really adds a cool quality that fans will love. And for those you are Michael Mann fans find enjoyment in this little treasure, as well.

I love the way the story moves quickly from one action to the other, classic Mamet. 10 out of 10!

As of this writing, the best show on television that no one talks about. Is it easier to overlook military-themed shows, being as their viewership is made up of middle America? But The Unit is neither a gussied-up procedural (NCIS) nor a rousing commercial (Jag), and it betrays almost no political agenda. It keeps to these guys, their job, and their families, all facing challenges that are alternately far beyond and extremely similar to those of our own. Like most Mamet, it is characterized not so much by distinctive characters as it filled with plain ol' drama. The show is as clipped, professional, and dutiful as its characters— no 'special-episodes', no sweeps- month stunts.

In a refreshing change of pace from other current (and more-heralded) shows, it's not serialized; every episode does stand alone, though the show also rewards faithful viewership. I love me some 'Lost', but there's plenty to slog through while waiting for the good stuff. The Unit gives no such quarter; it may not enrapture or surprise, but you can count on it to do its job.