Canterbury's Law

Defense attorney Elizabeth Canterbury (Julianna Margulies) is willing to cross the ethics line to defend her clients. She and her husband Matt Furey (Aidan Quinn) are still struggling after she lost their son three years earlier. Her law partner Russell Krauss (Ben Shenkman) is a former prosecutor who likes the straight and narrow path. Russell's former boss, Deputy Attorney General Zach Williams (Terry Kinney), is out to get Canterbury after losing to her. Her investigator Frank Angstrom is also her former lover. Her associate Chester Fields is rebelling against his political father. Her other associate Molly McConnell is struggling to pass the bar.

There is an issue with some of the characters. Canterbury is always the one who believes in her clients' innocence and nobody else believes it. It happens far too often. It's silly that her underlings keep harping on their clients' guilt. They're defense attorneys whether the clients are innocent or guilty. There are some issues with believability. The acting is all solid. This mid-season replacement was quickly cancelled. That's probably for the best since Margulies would go on to lead a better show although the two lead characters have many similarities. In The Good Wife, she has a softer edge with more rooting interest. She's not as militant. In this one, her strident nature is problematic. It's an intriguing show but I need recalibrations with some characters.

We enjoyed this series immensely and were sorry to see it end. Arm chair lawyers can pick nits with courtroom details, but the series is refreshing because it probes the darker side of the justice system and the irony that breaking its "rules" can on occasion result in more just outcomes. Good scripts and music. Julianna Margulies is excellent and as Canterbury pushes the envelop for female leads in television. She has gone on to great success in The Good Wife, so it's probably unrealistic to think that someday, she might return to this project. Even so, it will remain in her acting portfolio as solid evidence that she's one of the very best around. Thank goodness all six episodes are available on Watch Instantly in Netflix.

I think Canterbury's Law is a compelling story line with a strong lead female character. The approach taken in the story line is totally different from other law shows and a welcome change from all the superficial reality shows. The great theme song sets you up for an exciting roller coaster ride of a show!!!! Give this show a change, it's bound to gain viewers each week! Word of mouth will surely spread the news that Julianne is back and she's brought some great talent with her. I do wish Aidan Quinn had a larger role in the show each week. In my opinion, he is one of the outstanding actors of our time.

In closing, those of us who are already fans of Canterbury's Law need to introduce this wonderful show to others.

Canterbury's Law is a breath of fresh air. In a time where reality TV has taken over, this is a truly creative and refreshing show with real story lines. The actors were well cast and really have added to the power of the show. Trieste Kelly Dunn may be a newcomer but she is a wonderful actress with a powerful presence. She is a force to be reckoned with. She will definitely be someone to watch. She is not only beautiful but also a very good actress. Julianna Marguiles is such a fascinating and powerful actress and is a joy to watch. This show may be new but it needs to be given a chance by FOX. Given the chance, this will develop into one of those memorable shows people will be talking about for years to come. I am hooked and won't miss one episode.

I'm enjoying the show, mostly. MOST shows I've grown attached to have a weak start, because they're rushing to show us the new characters - but over time, they spend less time developing the characters, because you know them by then. In the pilot, I thought I would hate the Russell character, because for one, I'd fire him outright, and for another, I don't want some wet blanket always raining on the lead character's ideas. It's weak. He's developing well now, and I think he might prove to be my favorite on the cast.

I wasn't crazy about this latest episode, because the main plot line - her eventual arrest - took the whole hour, while minor plot lines, such as her relationship with her husband - I couldn't care less about. A staff member who is studying law and another who is being encouraged by his dad to jump ship. So basically, an episode where the overall story moved very little - where "nothing happened". I'm willing to keep watching it a few weeks.