The Line

The script is not bad, the directing and all not bad either ... but although Dylan McDermott was brilliant--if not perfect--in playing his character in every setting in The Practice, Lt Carter Shaw in Dark Blue is one role which should never have been offered to him/which he should never have accepted.

Let us face it, nearly every actor/actress has roles they cannot possibly play convincingly--Streep can pull off Sophie's Choice, The Devil Wears Prada and Mamma Mia, but that does not mean that everyone else can.

If you adore Dylan McDermott even if he just sat there watching paint dry, then there is no reason for you not to enjoy Dark Blue. But if you are the type of viewer who is distracted by actors playing roles which do not suit them--as in Michael Weston in BURN NOTICE Season 3-Episode 5 "Signals and Codes"--then you will be distracted throughout much of Dark Blue.

This is a undercover cop show that truly takes action where its supposed to be, right back to the streets.

Carter is the head of an undercover unit of cops that are more like rogues then cops which is exactly what is needed to get the job done. False identities, resumes, all the perks you would have if you were put undercover the right way, he works entirely off the grid which makes his job both easier and harder.

This show brings to light a lot of elements which a lot of cop shows seem to miss. First and foremost they have a solid cast, people who really know what criminals/UC's would act like. Second the stories bring the characters to life making you want to both sympathize and yet see the reality of their situations. Finally there's an element mystery around every episode which makes this the show to watch. I give it a solid 10/10 for having all the key elements to a good show.

Dark Blue truly takes these cop shows to a whole other level. I have always found the CSI, Law & Order type series to be so dreadfully boring they could actually put me to sleep. Dark Blue makes you feel more like you are watching a movie then a series which is a unique experience. We don't have to wait 45 minutes out of the hour for only a few minutes of action and gun fire because it's always happening and they keep you interested. Unlike focusing on the typical investigate this investigate that Dark Blue is all about a deep undercover unit hitting the streets and putting themselves right into the action. The cops are the ones who are actually committing the crimes so they can make that next bust. Save the put me to sleep and do some paper work garbage for CSI I promise you this one is a big hit and will keep you entertained. I would like to add that this review only applied to season 1. Unfortunately the show took a wrong direction for season 2 resulting in an epic fail and cancel. Everything I said that lacked in the typical cop series is what they applied to season 2. It's a shame because they really had something great here.

I'm always wary of any production that has Jerry Bruckheimer attached to it - I never know if things will turn out for the best (CSI: Las Vegas) or for the worst (Transformers 2). When I heard Dylan McDermott was going to star, I decided to give the pilot a chance...and I'm glad I did.

The show centers around Lt. Shaw's (McDermott) undercover unit, comprised of himself and two other cops, Curtis (Hardwick) and Bendis (Marshall-Green). Along the way, Shaw recruits a bright-eyed street cop with a dubious past, Allen (Aycox). The unit walks the line between committing felonies that could land them in jail for a considerable amount of time and nailing the criminal enterprises they have infiltrated.

The writing is sharp, if a little predictable when it comes to the "Federal Bureau of Intimidation," but the show works. I hope it becomes serialized like 24 and The Shield, and not procedural like NYPD Blue, as I think that'll give the show more of a chance to delve into the psychology of what it takes to be an undercover cop and remain the person you were when you entered into a cover.

All in all, a good start with a lot of potential. I hope they focus on the characters as much as they do on plot in the episodes to come.

8/10

First off, I'd like to know how you guys were able to swipe the name I had registered for the last eight years! :) Secondly,I'd like to say congrats to your writers and actors for putting together a nice piece of work. Dark Blue clearly defines the fine line between what an 'undercover' and a 'plainclothes'cop. Most of your viewers will catch on if they haven't already. Although you've taken police genre in a new direction, I've seen several flaws in some of the action scenes. I know this because I'm an ex-NYPD undercover cop. I wonder how much more gritty your show would be if you infused outside help from someone who's actually been a real 'undercover'. Click here: Welcome to Derek Wright Associates

Great start!