User reviews

Life is show that is so much better than it has any business of being. That's mostly due to the terrific cast who you can tell are all having fun making this show. Life really was such an underrated show. It was a shame that NBC barely advertised it while it was on. Damian Lewis and Sarah Shahi are both terrific actors and both are at their best in this one. I know that there are a million different cop shows out there to choose from but this one was such an original, it's a shame it only lasted 2 seasons but those 2 seasons were great. It was one of the most clever, intelligent and fun shows while it was on. It's one of those rare shows where once you start watching it's hard to stop!

As we were watching, (and getting totally hooked!) my husband and I said that this was the "House" of the line of cop shows. His personality is sarcastic and witty, in a very intelligent and sexy kinda way! He is captivating, and his zen-like qualities are refreshing in a world of fast-paced criminal action. This (cop show) is not like any other- it has a uniqueness to it that is appealing and addicting. It is more than crime scenes and investigations. This is good. How is the Lt connected? And his partner-she has intriguing secrets to her personality too. I want to know about her story as well. The whole show- I was thinking, "ooh, what does that mean? Ooh, how is that connected?" It was humorous and intense. I can't wait till next week to get deeper into the story, I could have kept watching and watching. I like the "interviews" with the people that are involved with his personal case, it lets you, as the viewer, try to draw conclusions about his personal case. This show has a scandalous mystery and I can't wait to get more clues to the truth. Hopefully they don't pull the plug on this one, definitely a keeper in our wed night agenda. It seems like they always do that to the good ones. Keep your fingers crossed!

Main character is great, I love the guy! His zen-philosophy is understandable to everyone, zen-or-not, even like some usual wisdom; and his not-so-zen seek for revenge is so Western... This is just the thing that crime series needed: fresh new character, interesting and funny. I also like his partner (she's beautiful, reminds me of Jo in Eureka), but I hope she will develop in a more interesting way soon - not just because of her past and drug abuse, but also like a character itself, with characteristic language and everything that a full character needs. Story is very promising, it could lead to many different ways; also the crimes that Charlie and Reese have to work on are interesting. Life is great, I hope it will continue for many seasons.

Charlie Crews is a former cop turned inmate who has just gotten out of jail after 12 years for a crime he didn't commit. He becomes a detective again upon his release as part of a settlement with the city. I just watched the pilot, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's not some dumb action piece with big car chases and naked women. It also has a great relationship between the two lead characters, a man and a woman. They're detective partners, but there isn't any forced chemistry tacked on. You know, the whole they hate each other, but you can't deny the attraction...uggh. This avoids that perfectly. It also has some great actors, Damian Lewis is always great, since "Band of Brothers" he's displayed a remarkable talent for character roles. And this is most certainly a character drama. But unlike Shark or Monk or something where the character is the whole plot, there's also a great deal of other fantastic elements. The man was in jail from 1995-2007, so there's cute scenes about a sort of culture shock, mostly pertaining to technological advances. But there's also a darker side, as Crews was brutalized in prison (as a former cop) and has a vendetta against those who conspired to put him in jail. This is the overarching arc of the series, but smaller cases worked with his partner form the bulk of the story lines. I was really impressed and look forward to further episodes. I just hope that NBC manages to get this show enough ratings to keep it on the air. Kudos on a job well done. J.

Life is one of the best shows on television because it revives the old Detective shows where there was no "CSI" made-up procedures to catch people. Instead, it is straight detective work that keeps you on edge.

This show is great because it doesn't have the flashy-ness or unbelievable murders/events as Police shows on TV now. It could be about murders for the simplest and believable reasons. Jealous spouses, simple rapes and other, everyday events. The shows characters are down-to-earth and cast perfectly with the recovering-addict Detective and Damian Lewis' enthralling "Zen-Like" Detectiveness. The way the writers have him interviewing and connecting with people is unlike any other police show or movie I have ever seen.

To make things better, is the side story of how Damian Lewis is spending his money from his settlement. What at first seems like a series like "Bad Boys" is quickly proved incorrect with the lines "I am not attached to this car..." and you can see that he is.

But the best, very best part of this show is how Dt Crews is investigating his own case to find out who framed him during a triple homicide. Again, using basic, detective work.

I was starting to find CSI-style shows becoming boring, and lacking in depth and was excited to finally find a show that uses its characters to bring it to life, not scantly-clothed girls with almost no acting skill.

So if you want a believable show, with great characters and a great story line every week, watch Life and you'll become attached to the show!

So sad this got cancelled. Really great spin on a cop series. I'm actually mad this only has two seasons.

Being the 'Band of Brothers' groupie that I am, I thought I would give my man Damian Lewis a chance to interest me yet again. I was pleasantly surprised by the "Life" pilot! I have always considered Damian a brilliant actor, and this role seems to fit him well. He plays those parts that make you ask"what exactly is going on in this man's head" very well. The "Life" plot is quirky and original (yes, imagine that - originality!), and promises to keep me eagerly anticipating subsequent episodes. I noticed that Robin Weigert (Calamity Jane from HBO's Deadwood) plays a recurring role - another excellent actress. Keep your eye on this one! I certainly will!

Detective Charles "Charlie" Crews(Damien Lewis,in competition with Hugh Laurie for most convincing TV American as done by a Brit)has returned to the Los Angeles Police force. His return is from a twelve year hiatus,brought about by a life sentence(hence the title)for his(wrongful)implication in a multiple homicide. Of course,once vindicated of said crime,Charlie sets about finding out how he was framed,who did it,and who--if anybody--should he trust around him,in the force and elsewheres. He's conducting a lonely search,as he tries to put on the guise of resuming life as normal,back on duty investigating cases alongside a partner(Sarah Shahi)who is as damaged as they come,and VERY suspicious of her partner's ways,among other things.

While the plausibility of some of the show's situations(examples:Crews is the beneficiary of a $50 MIllion settlement with the force,yet somehow shows little sign of having any money,save occasionally cruising around in a different souped-up auto each show;how the force would be penalized or settle with giving up a sum of money THAT steep without appeal;the willfulness of the force to let Crews back on to active duty)seems a shade hard to swallow,this show's edgy,nervous and reflective mood--mostly spurred on by the inspired performance of Lewis--helps the medicine go down a lot easier. Arguably one of the more inspired shows on the new fall season(along with "Pushing Daisies","Chuck" and "Aliens in America"),here's hoping that this show doesn't fall under the wheels of the current writer's strike. THe fertility of the story-lines and richness of characters here merits this show of a longer run.

The premise is new (how rare that is) and innovative. The main guys, Damian Lewis and Adam Arkin are clever and highly intelligent. This is super refreshing since most shows are predicated on 5th grade vocabulary and intelligence.

Damian's reasonable obsession with whoever framed him and their reason(s) for doing so is an interesting undercurrent to each show's primary theme. Adam's past shenanigans with his fiduciary duty, and his odd little quirks, add to the interest and are totally believable.

All in all this "Life" is a unique item which is an ORIGINAL idea and obviously writers good enough to stay with that. Big kudos to whoever thought this up and had the guts to follow through.

Excellent plots, if you have missed it, catch up by watching the full episodes on line on NBC. This program deserves a strong following of viewers. Great character development and moments of humor and insights on humanity interspersed with drama, suspense and darkness. The program mixes single stories each week with on going meta stories about each of the characters pasts-especially the story of the main character Charlie Crews who was framed for a mass murder and spent twelve years in prison before he was exonerated. We learn a little more about the past stories each week as the crime of that episode is investigated and solved. Complex and captivating show.

This show's concept was brilliant. The cast was mostly awesome (especially Lewis, with outstanding supporting performances by Garret Dillahunt and Gabrielle Union). After the first episode, I thought for sure that this would be a 5-mug show. Unfortunately, over its 2 seasons, it turned out to be a mix of great creativity without the attention to detail and follow-through necessary to bring it to its full potential. The overall story lines and individual-episode plots were interesting, unique, and entertaining, and the dialogue was even pretty witty. I even liked the Buddhist voice-overs with lessons relevant to each episode. However, too many scenes seemed hokey and/or contrived. It felt like a bunch of effort and intelligence was spent on thinking up concepts for intriguing and entertaining characters and stories, but little effort was spent on fitting that creativity into a believable story. If your show is about police and murders, you should probably research some of that subject. For example, somebody needed to tell the directors and writers that it is not always appropriate for a policeman to draw his weapon in every circumstance. Although this series did not live up to its full potential, it was entertaining, and I did not feel that my time was wasted watching it.

Funny, heartwarming, wonderfully acted, great mysteries....this is the best new show this fall!!! I agree that Bionic was a total let-down....but NBC has a hit in Life.

I love the fact that their is a bigger mystery that we get a little clue to each week. In addition, the cases they work on each week are fun and interesting. Lewis is awesome as this guy and it's great to see him play such a fun character! Also, his "partner" has her own story that has caught my attention. This is a great show...check it out if you haven't already.

NBC>>>>>THIS IS A KEEPER!!!!

Life was such an underrated show. It was a shame that NBC barely advertised it while it was on. Damian Lewis and Sarah Shahi are both terrific actors and both are at their best in this one. I know that there are a million different cop shows out there to choose from but this one was such an original, it's a shame it only lasted 2 seasons but those 2 seasons were great. It's one of those rare shows where once you start watching it's hard to stop!

It's been many years but I'm still mourning the cancellation of this excellent show after only two seasons! It's unique among cop shows. Damien Lewis is a top rate actor and was impressive in Life - smart, intriguing and never, ever boring! This show crackles with excitement, every episode is of the highest caliber. Charlie Crews' partner is really good too. The other supporting cast members are just plain fun to watch! Charlie's financial advisor really pulls out all the stops! I don't know if he ever received an Emmy or Golden Globe for his performance but he certainly deserved one! "Life" is my favorite show of all time, it's that good!!

I first saw an episode of Life when I was on vacation in Las Vegas. I was paid ten dollars to watch an episode and give my opinion of the show. After watching the episode, I felt that I should have paid them. I love this show. Charley Crews is one of the most enjoyable characters I have seen on TV in a long time. His viewpoint is new and refreshing to this jaded TV viewer. Sarah Shahi is perfect as his partner and friend. NBC has a hit on their hands. The other networks should take a page from the writers and producers of "Life" and get rid of that so called "reality" TV shows and put on shows like "Life" that keeps you caring for the characters and coming back for more.

Many have commented on Life with glowing reviews. While I try to catch it every week, I find it an uneven show, especially in regards to the writing and to various characters coming and going. Who is a regular, who is not? Crews' ex-wife? Reese's father? The lawyer who eventually sprung Crews? Last year's captain (Robin Weigert, underused mostly), who made an interesting appearance this year? And on and on. The show feels as tentative as NBC's scheduling and marketing of it. Let's settle down, writers and network, por favor!

I hope NBC allows this program to evolve and develop its intriguing array of characters, played well by its cast, especially the innovative Damien Lewis, who brings nuance and passion to all his roles. We also need the writers to delve further into the background case of Crews'. There are shadowy characters who disappear further into the shadows because this plot point is treated as peripheral. It needs to be more in the center of the action.

Don't get me wrong…there is sharp dialogue galore and actors with the chops to get it across. But the show needs to come together better. I recall feeling similar re: the first season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit…and, well, we know how fine that has turned out. Let's hope Life (great title, by the way) grows in the same way – and that NBC makes that investment.