Blind Justice

Since the creator of" NYPD Blue" had his show disappear from the TV, this new show about a blind detective and his trials and tribulations gives an entirely different outlook to Cop Drama's. Ron Eldard,(Detective Jim Dunbar),"Ghost Ship",'02, gives an outstanding performance with his seeing-eye-dog and manages to find a good looking partner. Marisal Nichols,(Karen Bettancourt),"The Road Home",'03, Karen is the partner and really has to adjust to a very unusual situation in trying to do her job fighting crime with a handicap partner. This is certainly a very different twist to a crime TV Series and I am quite sure it will hold the public interest for the time being, but for future seasons, I am very doubtful. Jim Dunbar figures out in his mind what Karen looks like, her hair, built,and personality, but has to ask her the color of her eyes, which she reluctantly refuses to tell him at first. There is a good possibility that Jim Dunbar will become romantically involved with Karen down the road, even though he is married to a very sexy, good looking wife. This is an interesting first Pilot, wish it good LUCK!

Hank is Jim's life raft. He needs to be in more scenes, and spend more time with Jim on the job. He is an important part of the show, and needs to be given a more expanded role. Anyone who has a service dog will tell you they are bonded in a way most of us can never understand. Hank is a beautiful, amazing, important part of Jim's life, and should be doing more to help him on the job. I am surprised the SPCA, ASPCA and Humane Society have not objected to Jim leaving Hank in the car when he goes into buildings. No one should ever leave their dog in the car, just as they should never leave children in the car, and the writers need to be more aware of proper pet care. The writers also need to learn more about the proper care and feeding of assistance dogs since this is an important part of the show.

I'm loving "Blind Justice" which has so far run for 4 episodes in Australia. Ron Eldard's acting is superb - his range of emotions is gut wrenching and I look forward to seeing more character development as the series continues. However, some aspects of the story line defy belief. In the first episode shown here, Jim is knocked off his feet while crossing the road and his dog Hank rushes off leaving him stranded: I'm sure a trained guide dog would not do this. Labradors have been used as guide dogs for many years in Australia because they are more stable in their personality - are German Shepherds still used in the U.S.? In "Seoul Man" the "perp" had been dishonorably discharged from the Army during the Korean War. This ran from 1950 - 53 so the serial killer would have to be at least 60 plus, but was played by an actor obviously in his late 30's or 40's. This makes me wonder if the series is set during an earlier time frame - say the 1960's? More attention to these types of inconsistencies would have made the show tighter and more convincing but I look forward to seeing all episodes here. We want a second season please.

I have to say I admire and love Ron Eldard's performance as Jim Dunbar, the homicide detective who goes blind in a deadly shooting match. He plays him beautifully with such depth and care. Ron Eldard is really an outstanding actor. He brings such charisma, heart, and love to this role. I was impressed with Marisol Nichols as his assigned partner. Women always get the shaft in the working world and are held back particularly in the police field. I was not impressed with Rena Sofer. I think they could have casted somebody better for that role. She does her best with the little lines she had last night. I was impressed and thrilled to see Guiding Light Alumni Frank Grillo played a fellow police detective Marty Russo. He really captures the character. Jim's guide dog Hank deserves to be recognized as an official cast member in the show's credits. Hank is loyal and faithful to Jim no matter what in their relationship. Jim's relationship with Hank is closer than Jim is with his wife who feels out of place in their relationship. I hope this show lasts longer than 13 episodes. I am personally upset that the show is taken place in New York City. Too many crime shows film and take place in New York. It would be nice for a cop show to be filmed elsewhere like Chicago, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. I am grateful for the show's usage of New York City for financial reasons and the opportunities for it's cast and crew. There are just too many shows about cops set in New York City. I can't watch Law & Order anymore and I never watched CSI. I prefer forensic shows like American Justice, City Confidential, and Cold Case Files all on A&E. Blind Justice should be about the relationship of a blind police detective and the people in his life.

Much has been said about the show itself, so I would not delve into the details of the show. I just want to direct my attention toward the performance of the cast, especially that of Ron Eldard's, who played detective Jim Dunbar. I am overwhelmingly impressed with his performance in this new series, an opinion I think few would disagree with.

In "Blind Justice," Eldard's role, Jim Dunbar, is a multidimensional and interesting character to watch. Dunbar was a successful detective, a lady man, and a husband to a gorgeous wife. Now adding to those traits are his determination, sense of authority, cool cockiness, and yes, sometimes insecurity. Soon enough he is drawing your full attention and making you worry about him, anxious to know what is going to happen next.... Eldard expresses all of those characteristics so beautifully...

As far as the story goes, I have to admit there are some unrealistic details (Dunbar carrying a gun), BUT I am willing to ignore those and concentrate on the more compelling aspects of the story that make it so wonderful!!! Can anyone name a movie/show that does NOT contain any unrealistic details? I don't think so. Even "reality" shows have improbable moments. "Blind Justice" is supposed to be a combination of drama, suspense, and action. All of those factors are what make it stand out from other traditional pure drama, pure action, pure cop shows! Give "Blind Justice" a chance! Tune in for one or two episodes, and see for yourself what an outstanding performance these actors/actresses are presenting!!!