Judging Amy

I don't know what show some of the "critics" have been watching, because many of the complaints can't possibly apply to the "Judging Amy" I've been watching. For one thing, this show is about as nonpolitical as a show about a judge can be. Issues which come up during the cases heard by Amy or handled by Maxine are decided in the interest of the child--that's the whole point of the juvenile justice system. The only reason I can see for lodging the charge that "Judging Amy" is "left-leaning" is that characters who fall outside the "married-white-protestant-middleclass-traditional-family" group (in other words, most everyone) aren't stoned to death on the show. Other than that, there is no left to lean.

As to whether this is a "woman's show:" first of all, I'm a man, and have loved the show from Week One. The two most important characters are women, but "Amy" has never been one of those shows concerned primarily with emotions and issues unique to women (like "Sisters" or "One Day At A Time")--the third most important character has always been a man (first Vincent, then Kyle). And to say that male characters are treated unfairly is patently ridiculous.

I do think that over the years the show has suffered from too much turnover in Amy's love life--she never seems to date anyone for more than 3 or 4 consecutive shows. My favorite of all the "boyfriends" was Stu (Reed Diamond); I found his history with Amy and the way the relationship was developing well worth exploring. I wish they'd bring him back. Also missed is Dan Futterman. Kevin Rahm as Kyle is doing a fine job, and the character is growing on me, but I really liked the affectionate/prickly/challenging relationships between the main triangle of Amy, Maxine, and Vincent. The other characters are often used in lighter subplots, but are compelling and well-rounded people in their own right. I guess it's possible that "Amy" detractors are NYPD Blue fans upset that "Amy" always beats it in the ratings, but that's hardly an excuse for trashing a good show.

I absolutely love this show and I am not one to enjoy much television. I enjoy Friends, Oprah, and a few various movies that lose my interest soon after I press play. But something about Judging Amy I absolutely love and anticipate everyday from 11a-1p when it airs on primetime. I love the different cases Amy encounters and I love the suspense leading up to her verdict. I love watching Maxine and her ever exciting DCF cases. They are always original and surprisingly real and a good replication of what actually happens daily with social workers. I love Vincent's excitingly boring life.

Lauren is always up to something interesting. And, overall, I think that it is an excellent show that portrays everyday life of a single mother, grandmother, and family. It is not unreal and does not portray any bizarre, unnatural occurrences. It is innocent and just someone's real life story. Excellent show! LOVE IT!!! Jess

judging Amy was one of my favorite shows that has been canceled. I watched it from the beginning, and felt very sad to know the show would not be back this season. Why should anyone be loyal to a show, and have it removed without any regard to the fans who continue to come back, wk after wk, yr after yr. All the networks deserve to tank, if this is how they treat their customers. NBC did the same thing with Third Watch, but tied up the story lines for us. I'd rather see Joan over Jennifer L any day. She at least has some real smarts. Shame on you corporate honchos. I think I'll just stay on the internet, from now on. A Disheartened former viewer.

As a TV drama addict, I have to admit that the premise for this show did not inspire me.

How wrong I was.

The storylines are challenging and the actors all give fine balanced performances.

My greatest praise, however, is reserved for Tyne Daly. Her performance as Maxine Grey is one of the best I have ever seen on TV.

She deserves an Emmy.

I missed the show the first time around, but now I'm hooked on the reruns. I watch it every day without fail.

The show evokes joy, pain, love, anger, resentment, forgiveness, sadness, hope. We laugh, we cry, we get the warm fuzzies. In addition to the range and depth of emotion, Judging Amy also has a high level of intelligence. The viewer is required to think.

I enjoy how the complex issues of faith and spirituality are addressed with subtlety, tactful wit, and respectful objectivity.

All the characters have engaging, ever-evolving personalities and the way they interact with each other is incredibly fascinating and real.

Best of all, there's Amy. As a character, as an actor, and as a person she is everything a great woman should be. When I think of Amy Brenneman, all the superlative traits beginning with "s" flood my mind: Smart, Strong, Sensitive, Sharp, Sweet, Smiling, Sexy.

A wonderful woman and a wonderful show.