Crossing Jordan

I'm not sure what show thwolf was watching, but it doesn't appear that he was watching this one. Crossing Jordan has been one of the freshest and most interesting of the new crop of "crime dramas" that have surfaced recently. In the same vein as CSI, this show has taken the genre to new levels. It does what CSI does, but better, with more humour and a more interesting cast. Does CSI do well as a show? Yes, but if I had to pick between the two, my money would be on Crossing Jordan. Miguel Ferrer has done top notch work (Top Guns: Part Deux notwithstanding), Jill Hennessy is one of the hottest looking women out there, Jerry O'Connell, well, I've liked him since "My Secret Identity", and the supporting cast crack me up on a weekly basis. As for accuracy and versimilitude, I have a friend who works in the local Coroners office and while the office he works in isn't nearly as bright and breezy as the Boston office in Crossing Jordan, the general feel and the equipment that is mentioned in the show is spot on. Someone on staff does their homework.

It looks like the later Rizzoli & Illes show was inspired by this show. Better than a lot of things I've seen in a TV landscape dominated by The Police Procedural-this show stands out as being a bit different-but in a good way. It is to crime shows what Yes was to progressive rock music-always something fresh and always done well. I actually cannot remember seeing this show on TV at any time even though it ran for six years it seems. Not even in reruns. I have noticed that in different areas there are shows that don't seem to be available in other areas-I guess this is one of them. Would have watched it-maybe better to see it on DVD without the dreaded barrage of commercials that I think render most shows neutralized at best. Worth a look if you've never seen it. Probably better than watching the 57,000th episode of Law & Order.

I happened upon "Crossing Jordan" one evening while channel surfing. I'm glad I did; this is a good show. This show works because it is well cast, for starters. The interaction between Jill Hennessey and Miguel Ferrer is excellent and never contrived. Steve Valentine and Ravi Kapoor are brilliant, and Katherine Hahn balances out this group as the sweet, empathic Lily. Jerry O'Connell is a welcome addition as young, gung-ho detective Woody Hoyt, who provides nice little comic moments here and there to keep the show on it's toes. Fortunately for me, A&E runs older episodes of CJ late in the evening, so I've had a chance to play catch-up and watch it from the beginning. This show started out interesting to me and seems to be getting better all the time. I'll definitely keep watching in the future.

I'm not sure why the user before me hates "Crossing Jordan" so much. In fact, I can't figure out why he suggests that the show started well but isn't worth watching any more. I agree that the show has changed slightly, but if it didn't no one would watch (it would be quite boring).

To the contrary, I think this show is just getting better. Jill Hennessy (still very sexy after her "Law & Order days) is really fun to watch. I love the fact that they're giving her a chance to show the rebellious side her fans have seen in a few movies, which to most people's misfortune they have not. Miguel Ferrer as Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Macy holds the line Jordan seems to keep crossing as best he can. The rest of the cast, most of whom have been on the show since it began, are usually up to the task. And the addition of Jerry O'Connell as "Woody" Hoyt just adds to the fun.

"Crossing Jordan" may not be the best show on TV, certainly not the greatest of all time, but it's definitely worth watching...despite what some people might tell you. 7/10 stars.

Some people say that "Crossing Jordan" is a rip-off of CSI but even though there are some similarities it is not trying to be the same. There are cases and forensics involved, but "Crossing Jordan" is far richer in character development. This show is my favorite because it has both; I don't watch CSI or CSI:Miami because when I want just cases and the forensics involved in solving them, I watch "Forensic Files" and other true crime shows on DSC or TLC. But since I enjoy these things as well as drama and character development (not to mention Jill Hennessy is my favorite actress), I love "Crossing Jordan." Also, the fact that the lead character is a little screwy is fine by me...I prefer it! Makes things interesting.