Judy Justice

Went into this without having any idea it was even a new TV series I just saw the banner ad whilst looking through something to watch one night when I couldn't sleep. Did initially groan a little bit internally in the hope this wasn't going to be watching a brilliant Judge now way beyond her best before but actually, I was pleasantly surprised. It does take a few episodes to warm and get the gist of her new setup so if you're not aversely affected by the first one, give it time and watch a few more before giving it the death penalty.

First thing I noticed is how well she looks. Whether it's been the time off, a bit of work done or just the change of colour in robes and the set or whatever - she looks really well, freshened up and brighter in general.

I then noticed a change in Bailiff which I was really glad to see. Byrd seems to have been really popular with most people and his departure is what I gather irks and has gone down badly with many. I personally never liked him nor understood how and why Judge Judy would have him behave and conduct himself the way he did in her court. He wasn't some jumped up nightclub bouncer hired for TV - he was a law enforcement officer and court bailiff so the unprofessional swagger, attitude and arrogance was so unprofessional and unnecessary.

Anyway he's gone and in his place a super sweet bailiff Kevin who is polite, well mannered, attentive and not leaning against the set doing crosswords or whatever.

The two young ladies sat at either side of her I didn't quite get at first and felt like they could have been a token addition but it turns out they do have a place and role both of which are good additions. One is the court reporter providing transcription to allow Judge Judy clarification of an exact quote or statement someone said. The other is the clerk with access to internet and relevant databases to check specific queries and provide accurate information on the spot.

The feel, tone and pace is a little slower than with the older shows but again, I think that works better as she does allow that bit more time to speak with each person, go through the basic info and gist of their case. She's not softened or lost her touch by any means - she's just toned down the yelling and belittling and I don't think there's been any real hand banging / chair bouncing as yet but she's still very much got the old trademark "Shhhhhhhh!!!" and "Just a second..."

What I really dislike is the little girly chit-chat she has right at the end in her chambers with one of the girls (not sure if it's her granddaughter but that's irrelevant) The credits roll and as before, each side has their little swipe at the other over the outcome and then it cuts to them having a little two or three minute chat about the case and its outcome. Why? Who did that and why?

It feels like Jerry Springer's "Final Thought" and just forced, naff and lets down each episode right at the very last as well. Maybe a second series will have tweaked and ironed out the creases but that little couple of minutes for BFF girly chat in chambers needs to go.

JJ still has her moments where she lights someone up but it just doesn't seem to be as entertaining. I also liked her exchanges with her bailiff in the old series. This one she doesn't really bounce the stupidity of some of the people on the show off anyone. She has the law clerk and stenographer but they just kind of roll their eyes or shrug their shoulders.

The law clerk is boring as can be. It's not the little snippet at the end where they talk about the case because I just move on to the next one. I just now read some of the other reviews and they said the law clerk was a relative of JJ. Well...as JJ has said she can be taught the reality of the world and have to let her go because she is as boring as the come.

The stenographer and law clerk make sense since it's a 'court of record' . Those roles are standard in trial courts which coincides with the parties ability to sue for higher damages. What hurts the show, in my opinion is the conference in the judge's chambers at the end with the law clerk. The law clerk, whom from the other reviews I now know is Judge Judy's granddaughter, is cringe. She's awkward on camera, their discussion is forced, and her comments repeat Judge Judy's. Their discussions are very hard to watch. Either ditch that law clerk for another one or do away with the post-trial conference altogether. It adds nothing.

The new bailiff is a very pleasant man. But. Officer Byrd left a BIG hole.

The other people are fine, too. But, without Byrd, it just ain't the same.

I have seen every episode of Judge Judy...several times.

I watched it for any reason, but particularly when this world seemed back-asswards, and i felt like there was no more common sense or self accountability in this world.

I have watched every episode of her new show, JUDY JUSTICE, that is available free on IMBD. I would of continued on with a nice long Judy Marathon had there been more new ones to watch. I have missed her terribly.

My opinion on the new additions? They are a scoop of vanilla ice cream over frosted cake. It isn't needed to be good..... but if you have a sweet tooth it's an extra delicious treat.

My world makes sense again.