Close to Home: Juste Cause

Aren't there any writers out there who can come up with an original thought. This show is a rehash of so many other legal and cop shows using the same old scenarios. Tonight's was really original. A gang leader was on trial and the gang was threatening one of the witnesses. Gee that was really a first. Then the prosecuting attorney's child is missing from the school ground. Did the gang steal her - You think!? Is the "Bad" defending attorney in on the plot to eliminate witnesses? You think!? How boring. An hour I can never get back (actually 45 minutes - I turned it off) I would give this show a couple of more episodes and then it's off to the world of "My Mother, The Car" Look that one up folks. It was almost as plausible as "Close to Home"

The fatal flaw in this show is that it does not even come close to accurately representing the criminal justice process. "Law & Order" remains the most accurate representation (though not perfect) of the procedural aspects of a criminal investigation and prosecution, albeit abbreviated. The first (and last) episode of "Close to Home" I watched last night (abusive husband who locks family in house) was ridiculously inaccurate.

1. Mom can't refuse to testify; 2. Mom can't prevent kids from testifying; 3. Recalcitrant witness (Mom) would be forced to testify and impeached with her original statements to police and D.A.; 4. Depositions are not taken in criminal proceedings; 5. Witness testimony is not excluded for failure to take deposition (see No. 3 above); 6. Prosecutors do not have perfect records, unless they cherry pick their cases, and even then, not likely; 7. Prosecutors with THAT solid of a case (such as last night's episode) do not plea bargain on threat of appeal by defense attorney; 8. Defense attorneys do not get to decide on whether to accept the plea deal. The defendant is the ONLY party that can accept or reject. Defense attorney is required to relay the offer (whether he/she agrees with it or not) and let the client decide. Last night's episode implied that defendant (husband) was convicted on his attorney's decision.

Yes, I realize it's a television show, but to wholly make up procedures and processes for the sake of drama is not necessary. The story last night was a great idea, and "Law & Order" would have done it justice without all of the fantasy. If this were a fantasy show, then I could accept the premise. However when the premise is "real life," then it falls flat.

Well... first when i heard of this show, i thought that this will be a mixture of CSI and Law and Order. When i heard that Jennifer Finnigan will be playing the lead in the series i thought that she will bring the "soap opera" acting in this show. But when i saw the show i was proved wrong. Jennifer Finnigan plays a brilliant lawyer and a mother of a child. When i saw her acting i realized that she has forgotten all about the soap acting and created a new taste in her acting. In the start of the show, she is taking care of her new baby and her career as a lawyer and struggling to maintain both jobs at a good position. Her husband is played by the former Angel's villain Christian Kane. He is a loving husband and is helping his wife to maintain her job and take care of their baby. CBS has done a great job of picking up this show and taking actors who are best for this show. This show should continue for many seasons and all of my friends loved it. I recommend it to everyone to watch it.

I really enjoy this show. It is the perfect lead into Numb3rs because they are both crime/justice shows taken from a different angle. I love how this show is set in Indianapolis. Im sick and tired of NY and LA shows. There are so many other great cities to set the show in. I have been a big fan of Jennifer Finnigan after seeing her on the short lived show Committed.

I don't see why people are criticizing it so much. Of course this show isn't Law and Order, but what is. Its a very enjoyable show with good acting and fun plot lines. I like how they use takeoffs of story lines that actually happen in Indianapolis.

I recommend this show to everyone.

After just seeing the first episode of this new court/law drama "Close to home" I can see it becoming a hit! It reminds me of years ago after watching the first episode of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" the WOW factor was huge with this and that show! The opening scene was VERY impressive, the middle of the show was Great and the ending was perfect! The cinematography is very wonderful and keeps it fresh and the story is well done.

The characters are very likable. Starring Jennifer Finnigan (Commited) as Assistant DA, and John Carroll Lynch (Drew Careys brother on "The Drew Carey show") and Kimberly Elise (John Q). The cast is experienced and they act well in this show.

Close to Home is yet another great show from the CBS network and I will be watching it every chance I get! 5 Stars out of 5!

EDIT & UPDATE: Unfortunately since I wrote this review on October 4th 2005, Close to Home has gone down the toilet. Mainly with a bad time slot that usually competed with other shows people watch. Effect May 15 2007 it seems that CBS has pulled the plug on this show. Too bad, it was pretty good, the episodes I did watch anyway.