The Good Guys

As other reviewers have stated; this is a classic buddy cop show. It's funny and well executed. Don't over think the irreverent subject matter and you will have a good time. Bradley Whitford plays "bad" cop Dan Stark so well he makes you want to smack him. Stark is sexist, stubborn, arrogant and of course, clueless. Colin Hanks character, Jack Bailey, just needs a hug. Bailey attempts to reign stark in but instead gets caught up in the crazy. It is a very funny dynamic that is played out well. It all comes together in a show that has a vintage feel with a pop-culture edge. Standard characters, written for today's audience. Each episode has gotten better so, with only three in, I'm looking forward to the next. It looks good visually too and it's cool to see a show NOT set in L.A.,NY, Chicago etc...

Finally a cop show I can sink my teeth into!!! Bradley Whitford has finally found his niche.. again! After the West Wing I thought it was over for Brad, but as Detective Dan Stark it's pure comedy gold. Conlin Hanks is genius as the by the books Detective Jack Bailey. This show is great for those who enjoy simple plot lines and witty comedy. Be prepared to have to follow the time jumps but it's worth it! The writing on this show is truly amazing, though I am afraid the premise will get old quickly. I would recommend this show for older views! If you don't enjoy humor such as the Princess Bride then you probably won't enjoy the comedy found in this show. I've been trying to find a great show to watch during the summer and finally it's here! You'll fall in love with The Good Guys! Let's go bust some punks!

Based on this program's pilot episode, I will plan to keep tuning in to see if an already strong ensemble continues to gel and the convoluted comic antics continue to make me laugh out loud. *Burn Notice* creator Matt Nix and company have managed to pull off the parody of the buddy cop show without making the characters seem idiotic or the crimes they find themselves in the middle of seem irrelevant. Good plotting, good narrative, good characters. It's the Burn Notice formula (with a less driven Michael-like character, an even funnier Sam stand-in, and a Fiona-like foil in the guise of the boss) applied to the Dallas Police Department (which is, in itself, a nice change of locale and a potential mine of comic gold). This has the potential to be one of the great buddy cop movies (48 HRS, Beverly Hills Cop, Lethal Weapon, etc.) transferred to the small screen and made to fit just right. It is a pilot, so it's potential could either fizzle or be fulfilled, but as a stand-alone program, I feel it deserves 8/10, which means it's an excellent pilot. Once the series hits the streets, I'll adjust my rating upward or downward accordingly.

I was not expecting this show to be anything but a brief failure. I mean, the premise of this show is nothing we have not seen a million time before. But the characters, especially Bradley Witford, make this show something worth watching Based on the pilot, I was pleasantly surprised. The ying/yang relationship between the barely recognizable Bradley Witford reigns supreme in his role as the washed up, alcoholic but lovable partner against Colin Hanks' stuffed shirt, by the book, obnoxious intellectual role. There is action, comedy and even the bad guys are hard to dislike, their roles being deliberately over the top. In fact, this show moves from one cliché to another but I didn't seem to mind. You expect a wink from them at any moment. I hope they can keep this up and this was not just an anomaly.

If you're an overly analytical crime drama aficionado, you won't like The Good Guys. Me, I love it. It takes so many genres, mashes them together and it works like a charm - Love the Stephen J Cannell all action no plot series of the 80's? its here. Like procedural crime drama?its here. Like tongue in cheek comedy? Its here. Like Magnum's cheesy mustache, Matt Houston, pleather jackets? Its here. Matt Nix has a winner here. Its no typical crime drama, buddy cop adventure. Its a hoot and I hope it sticks around. The cast of characters is strong, plenty of action, lots of laughs and it just doesn't take itself too seriously. You want blue light CSI special effects and Law & Order procedural drama, go watch them. You want simple action, gunfights, car chases and likable characters, watch The Good Guys.