All Rise

I think I'm going to like this. The writing is sharp. The characters are approachable. Simone Missick has a serenity that balances the rapid fire dialogue. It's going to have to self correct on edging toward being sappy but, otherwise, I think this has potential. I give this pilot a 7 (good) out of 10. {Legal Drama}

Not sure why everyone hates this show. I think it makes for great television drama. Maybe it's not the most factually accurate but I don't care. I just want to sit down after work and relax and this show serves that purpose.

I loved, loved, loved the first two seasons of All Rise. Sigh! I was truly disappointed when it was canceled then elated when the series was picked up by OWN. Some of the episodes are now poorly written with, relationship drama overload, unrealistic exchanges between characters, predictability, outright silliness, some straight-up stupidness, and some stories are overly dramatized (specifically episode 10). I was preoccupied in August when the season finale, episode 10, aired, and forgot about it until now, October 6th. I would have never forgotten to watch an episode during seasons one and two, which says a lot about season three. Episode 10 is so poorly written that I was talking out loud to my monitor, expressing how stupid certain scenes were, and how predictable others were. I found myself clicking the skip forward button several times to get past the foolishness. Smh! During the Summer, I could not bring myself to watch episode 8. The storyline was so silly, and not in a humorous way. Auntie O, what have you done to this once excellent series!!!

Most of the negative reviews of this series dismiss the show altogether based on a lack of realism.

The truth is that no legal drama serves as an accurate depiction of a real life courtroom. Not even Law and Order or Matlock are realistic interpretations of true court proceedings. Further, the grandiose behaviors that are consistently offered under the guise of drama would never be acceptable in real life court proceedings. Regardless, the show is entertaining.

I suspect that those who dismiss the show outright have a problem with the mostly diverse cast and the main antagonist being a woman of color. The writing and production are as good as anything else on network TV. Further, I'm noticing that any new show that addresses racial commentary or issues of bias is immediately criticized as social justice signaling or promoting liberal ideals. But, I wonder two things: what's wrong with social justice? and what's the opposite of social justice since so many are in favor of its antonym?

I loved this show when it first aired and was so pleased OWN made the wise decision to continue it. Everything about this court room drama is compelling. Great plot lines, stellar acting and timely topics of discussion. It has incredibly strong leads and is timely for the times we live!