Big Apple

If you don't want to use your brain to watch a television program, do not watch "Big Apple". It is a show that challenges you to think alongside the characters, live with them and learn. Not a 'typical' cop show or performance for the multi-talented Ed O'Neill, who rarely sees the better side of a critics penned impression. Mr. O'Neill portrays a 3 dimensional police officer, including the distinct pain of helping a family member in need, allowing you to feel him as if he were your own family member. Real pain, Real life. Nope, Al Bundy is not present in this performance of a good cop in a tough world. You don't have to look close, just give it a chance, and it'll bloom.

I can't understand why this show never made it. The acting is superb and so understated. The writing is crisp and caring. The dialogue is true and forthright. And it seems it was filmed in HD.

Go figure.

The story line evolves on many levels -- with the writing straight out of NYPD Blue. This team also wrote for HBO and other networks.

Why did the viewing public not watch this fine show? It certainly beats me. It is so sad when a good to great show suddenly disappears.

Well it's back for another short run in HD.

Time to enjoy.

The creative strategy behind this show is so similar to NYPD Blue, that I'm not sure it will attract enough viewers, as it doesn't really offer much that is different. Ed O'Neill plays a boorish character heavily borrowed from Sipkowicz of "Blue," but without some redeeming qualities.

Also, the show is very dark (visually and thematically) and humorless, to the point where it becomes tiring. Perhaps this will change with time. So far (2 episodes), there's been a lot of plot to cover.

The relationship between the younger FBI agent and his informer (also a childhood friend) is the best thing about the show, as well as the low-key intelligence that David Strathairn brings to the role of the director of the NYC office of the FBI. Unfortunately, the show is more geared around O'Neill than Strathairn, who is relegated to a Sam Waterston type role (and not the Waterston of "Law & Order."). He deserves better.

I don't think this one will make it. Milch's previous CBS outing," Brooklyn South" had a more engaging group of characters.

I too fear for this show's survival, but only because it is one of the most demanding things I've seen on network tv. the former "Al Bundy," far from having little to offer, is a revelation, and he is on a team of truly great actors.

The show is nuanced & edgy, and almost all the characters have indicated enormous depth in a very short time. That can only happen when both writing and acting are wonderful.

Visually the show is sensuous, with a cool blue color feel and great cinematography.

It may be a bit too rich to survive as a staple of the american tv diet, and that would be a pity. It's exploring the moral and psychological grey areas that most of us can only get on the Sopranos.

I trust David Milch, and once again, I'm grateful.

I like Big Apple. It's taken me several episodes to understand who everyone is and what's happening, but the complex plots are one of the reasons I enjoy the show. Big Apple is, well, big, with a large and impressive cast of characters running around in different plots which are just beginning to intersect. Have to pay attention--forget the bathroom breaks--but this show is worth the extra effort.

The ratings for Big Apple haven't been as good as hoped for, which makes me sad. The networks rarely take a chance on rich, ambitious and morally ambiguous shows like Big Apple and my viewing options are much poorer for it. I commend CBS for taking a chance with Big Apple, and I hope they stay with it.

I encourage people to watch, if for no other reason than the cast. The acting is great. Ed O'Neill is amazing as Mike Mooney; Michael Madsen and David Strathairn are wonderful, but they're always wonderful; I pretty much love the whole cast and would watch them in any show.

If you want a second reason to watch: David Milch. He's a brilliant writer and there isn't anyone like him writing for TV. If you like interesting, complicated people, who want to do the right thing but can't always get there, Milch gives you the goods.

Big Apple is solid drama and I don't mind if it's been a little confusing in the beginning because "easy to understand" often becomes boring and predictable. Big Apple has what it takes to be exceptional.