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...

I didn't like the first episode of The Good Guys and I wanted to give up on the show, but something about the characters and the pace made me give the show one more chance - and I'm glad I did.

I think you have to be in a certain mood to enjoy this show. After a long day at work, sitting on the couch and not wanting to think ruined the first episode for me because there is a lot to the plot (there are bad guys who then meet worst bad guys who decide to duke it out and the cops find themselves in the middle), and the comedy could be subtle - so when you listen and pay attention the show is a lot better.

If you didn't like an episode, try watching another when you have a lot less on your plate to deal with.

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.

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.

The Good Guys is a really easy, enjoyable show to watch that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's not your typical cop show. While there are plenty of explosions and shooting there are more than enough laughs. If you take the show too seriously some of the lines will rub you the wrong way, but taken the way the show is meant to be watched they are hilarious. All characters, even the bad guys, have slight comedic idiosyncrasies about them that isn't over the top. It's also nice to see a cop show that doesn't have to take place in New York/Los Angele/Miami.

Dan Stark is going to be a great character. Bradley Whitford's portrayal of him makes me laugh out loud. I hope its given a chance to grow and attract an audience.