The Mysteries of Laura

Finally watched the pilot (episode two tonight); really impressed. Just the right mix of light comedy and mystery, without one genre encroaching on the other. Debra Messing is, as always, like comfort food to watch. Really hope this lasts, even as a mystery level enjoyed the storyline of the pilot. Just wanna take a strap or something to her kids' backsides on the show, though; what hellions! Anyway, LOVED IT ... which, of course, means it will most likely be canceled after a few episodes.

Messing plays a homicide cop in the throes of both trying to divorce her cheating husband and find a pre-K school that will take her two extremely ... ummm ... rambunctious sons. All while trying to solve the murder of a rich tech guru who was about to release a new smartphone that would revolutionize the market.

Not sure where all the hate is coming from for the show, pilots usually struggle with an identity or to gain footing and this one didn't. Hope the series can build on that and get even better.

Debra Messing is a person who plays quirky characters. Some viewers will never like her. She isn't deadpan, she isn't mean (see: House). She is however good with her timing and a good actress. The show's premiere was a bit weak but still enjoyable but this is typical of pilots/premieres - you have to be introduced to characters. However, over the last two episodes, the characters settled down into their roles and the 3rd episode was wonderful. Critics - as usual - will loathe a show that doesn't fit a specific mold and to be sure, this show doesn't. They hated many other successful shows such as House for Hugh Laurie being "too mean". We all ended up loving him. If this show is given that chance, we will also grow to love the characters. People expect blockbusters for pilots and this is why so many shows fail, but if these shows go for blockbusters, they leave for the show not maintaining that hype or never introducing them.

So my review is to watch the 2nd to 3rd episodes and watch the season progress, it definitely got better after episode 1. Pilots are almost never anyone's favorite shows. Even Friends pilot was panned. Unfortunately, as of right now - with all the critics headlines of "BAD SHOW!" (some of which who admittedly only saw commercials... how do they get those jobs if they aren't watching the shows?), the outlook is a bit bleak.

This show will need lots of social media and fans to overcome those headlines and the iffy pilot.

Maybe it's because I relate to her character with the straying husband (now my ex also), the 2 children, full-time job, etc, but I love this show. As for the crime & figuring out whodunit, I haven't seen much difference from other cop shows, so to give that aspect a bad review makes it obvious that person is just down on this show, not the content. Yes, I am a fan of Debra Messing and I'm so excited to see her portraying a character that is so strong yet so maternal. And yes, it's a plus that I get to watch Josh Lucas on TV after falling for him on the big screen. I truly enjoy this show! I find myself laughing at all the little jokes, the play on words, and whatever else tickles my funny bone. And when the hour is done, I find myself in good humor! This show makes me smile!

In one sentence: It's not a show you will hate, but unless you are a hardcore Debra Messing's fan you won't like it either.

It's an action comedy (supposedly), about a soon to be divorced police woman with two rebellious little kids, who is tough, and tries to balance her professional life with her personal ordeals.

There is a crime to solve, and the criminal is very elusive, but you won't feel any actual mystery. It is overwhelmed by the little gags and the little personal dramas of the protagonist.

The show it's not really funny either.

Messing is presented as a tough, like Dirty Harry tough, police woman who wears a ...raincoat and doesn't give a crap about police procedures. She drinks alcohol on duty, she eats over the dead bodies at the morgue, and... well...you get it. There aren't any scripted jokes in the show so far. No one-liners or catch phrases. If you think that the awkward smile of Messing after she returns an ...$385 bathing suit she just used in a swim-pool party is funny, than you may like this show. For others I think it's a waste of time. And it's a long time! Each episode lasts 42 minutes (I was expecting a 21 minutes show).

Overall: Not to be hated, but I think it's time wasted.

I will add the disclaimer that I have always loved Debra Messing. She has a comedic energy that for me, is reminiscent of Lucille Ball and Debbie Reynolds. Cop shows are usually dark and melodramatic, so I find the slightly comedic tone of "Mysteries of Laura" to be refreshing.

The series is certainly not meant to be realistic, which seems to be something critics take issue with. It's also not a screwball comedy like "Brooklyn Nine Nine." Mysteries is somewhere in between a comedy and a serious cop drama. In that way it reminds me of certain comic books.

Debra Messing brings her charming, quirky attitude to this show and I don't think anyone could pull this character off like her. I love Laura and the idea of a "super mom" trying to save the day and keep her family together. It's a great metaphor for single moms trying to provide for their family and have the career they love. With a little ass kicking on the side.