Facing Kate

Finally a show that is new, fresh and more unpredictable than anything on TV. Our legal system is not about truth or even justice it is all about the law and which lawyers best spin it to their advantage. This show produces fair and just settlements that benefit all and at the least cost, not the pompous arrogant people TV portrays lawyers to be. (I know one show says that attorneys MAKE the laws.) I know there are times it gets to be a little sappy but I am tired of shows with all the blood, guts and bodies. It even gives sappiness a fresh spin. The characters have real personality, but that is USA network's motto. To top this all off Sarah Shahi is super-hot. I hope this show runs for many seasons and not just 10 episodes so far......

This series has lots of energy mostly via its lead Kate (Sarah Shahi) and Leonardo (Baron Vaughn) as a "fairly legal" mediation team. The concept and the character backgrounds is made interesting in the first episode with plenty of room for development.

I do like the "affectionate" exchanges between Kate and her former legal "professionals" personified in Kate's brazen disregard for protocol. Kate's character is immediately given speed and license to turn human disputes around whichever which way she can. If the rest of the series lives up to episode one then it'll have my attention.

My one reservation is the apparent lack of chemistry between Kate and co-star Justin (Michael Trucco) which is apparent through the kind of characters they play as well as an on screen indifference.

Still promising though.

Fairly Legal is a new show with a lot of potential for a few season run. This show focuses upon court ordered mediation and in particular the young woman who is assigned by the court to settle disputes between parties before they get to the formality of trial.

Sarah Shahi plays a perky and quirky former attorney who steps down a bit in the legal food chain to take on the job. She has the notion that things be kept on an informal basis, it makes life and the consequences for the parties involved a whole lot easier.

The show has a nice Ally McBeal feel to it. Showing up in a few episodes is Gerald McRaney as a judge. I liked his character and hope to see more of him.

I'd give this show a look.

I really enjoy this show because it's fresh and witty! Every Thursday I look forward to watching it and laugh at the no-nonsense approach that Kate displays with some of her clients. Mediaition is brought to a new level as she doesn't intimidate but steers people in a logical approach. One of my favorite lines was her pointing out that these two guys were possibly going to get beat-up or killed even "over what?? a cup of coffee??" I like her personality and because it's really new and fresh I feel that the writers are even looking for a way to show people some alternatives to murder and mayhem. Kate's assistant Leo is sharp as a tack and hilarious! Justin is just plain adorable and everything gels!! Keep up the good work! You have a fan in me!! I can only say I hope you all see a very long run with this one!

As a lighter-than-popcorn time filler on the USA network, the only real reason to watch Fairly Legal is the very charming performance of lead actress Sarah Shahi. Shahi is effervescent, stunningly beautiful and possesses a traffic-stopping figure. In season 2 her character, Kate Reed, has deepened slightly emotionally and Shahi has been able to amp up her intelligent performance as well. Actor Ryan Johnson has been added to the cast in Season 2 as Ben Grogan, a smart alecky law partner and snark counterpart to Shahi. It could be a fruitful and amusing relationship once the writers shake the bugs out. Baron Vaughan, as Kate's assistant Leonardo, is still an annoying presence and could be written out with no appreciable loss to the show. Michael Trucco plays Kate's estranged husband Justin and that relationship also grows wearisome. He's a good actor in the thankless part of whipping boy and deserves a shot in another series. I hope he gets it. The only other reason to tune in is the occasional appearance of Kate's nemesis/stepmother/law partner Lauren Reed, played by Virginia Williams. Reed/Williams is memorable for a joyously eye-catching ability to sashay,saunter and slink while wearing the tightest dresses ever seen on television. If the writers allow Kate to continue her growth while making room for Grogan--and keeps Reed in those dresses, this could be a series that goes for the standard 5 year USA network run. I promise to make time.