Facing Kate

At last a show that's story doesn't revolve around stereo typecasting, fashion and predictable plots!

With a hint of "House" and a touch of "Life", Kate Reed has the strength of character, witticism and sexiness most women crave. Realistic, humanly flawed characters and relationships build a web of interaction for those looking for something different. The role of the mediator almost softens the blood thirsty image of the legal profession.

Fairly Legal has introduced a new style of heroin that should be applauded with a return series despite criticism for her welcomed "out of the box" approach.

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.

Never wrote a review for anything and I've always appreciated all you people who take the time to do so.

This cast is energetic and work well together. The writing is smart and... (okay I'll be fair), the plots are sweet and often soupy. I don't even mind because it's just fun to watch. I get sick of crime shows, dead bodies and autopsy rooms (I am not in charge of the remote). This is one of the few shows that I peek my head over my laptop to watch. Yes even my hardened husband likes this show; although, I don't think its for the same reasons I do. Can't say I blame him, Kate's a knockout along with her stepmother. If you need a break from the world but still want some substance and lots of talent stay tune.

A legal drama that's not a legal drama? Kate Reed is an ex-lawyer who's now a "mediator" - a kind of referee for disputes out of court (as she demonstrates in an amusing scene in the pilot where she mediates between an armed robber and a coffee shop owner).

The show is well cast and filmed with real quality and an eye for both visual appeal and new techniques (watch out for the "un-steady cam) that makes a refreshing change - and of course it always helps if your main character is a 4 alarm fire.

Shows real promise and you'll want to know more about the characters. Let's hope they run with it.