Damian Lewis
Sarah Shahi
Brent Sexton
Donal Logue
Adam Arkin

Created by:
Rand Ravich

2007-2009
Crime, Drama, Mystery
NBC
TV-14

“Life” is yet another police-procedural TV show. Its distinguishing feature is that it features two detectives with complicated pasts who are paired together: Charlie Crews, played by Damian Lewis, was wrongfully convicted of a crime and spent 12 years in prison before his exoneration and subsequent receipt of a substantial settlement from the city and the police department. Dani Reese, played by Sarah Shahi, made some sort of mistake due to a substance abuse problem that she developed as an undercover Narc. She’s been partnered with Crews because of her troubles and so she can provide information to their lieutenant (also a woman) about any violations that he makes – the department believes that he came back to the force to get even. Despite that, Crews spends his time trying to live a Zen-filled life, a process that started after he read a book on the subject in prison. He’s also preoccupied with solving the murder that led to his wrongful conviction.

(“Life” also stars Adam Arkin, Brent Sexton, and, in the second season, Donal Logue. So, the actors know what they’re doing.)

“Life” looks somewhat like many other police-procedurals set in LA, and its writing and acting are acceptable, though not exceptional. Since this genre is severely over-represented on TV, “Life” needs to hook the viewer to make it stand out. However, while the premise is sort of interesting, it’s not good enough to overcome a presentation that’s standard fare for this genre. Actually, the most interesting part of this show is Lewis’s portrayal of Crews, who’s nowhere near your average detective. His character adds a bit of attempted humor through some of his Zen pronouncements, his preoccupation with fruit, and his lack of familiarity with modern technology. Still, he’s not interesting enough to distinguish “Life” from other similarly themed shows.

If you love police-procedurals or Damian Lewis, then give “Life” a watch when you have nothing better to do. If you’re not in love with this genre or Lewis, you can skip it. It’s fine, maybe even good, but it’s not good enough or fresh enough to achieve must-see TV status. Just watch “Southland,” instead.

Verdict: Somewhat Good

About: (Source: life)

“Life,” from Rand Ravich (“The Astronaut’s Wife”) and Far Shariat (“Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”), focuses on a detective who is given a second chance. Golden Globe nominee Damian Lewis (“Band of Brothers”) plays complex, offbeat Detective Charlie Crews, who returns to the force after serving time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.

Crews’ new lease on life has provided him with a Zen-like outlook, peace of mind and no need for vengeance, an attitude which can be challenging to maintain when someone he cares about is threatened — or when he is investigating the mystery surrounding the murder he was falsely accused of.

Lewis is joined by cast members Sarah Shahi (“Rush Hour 3”) as Dani Reese, Charlie’s skeptical and demanding partner; Brent Sexton (HBO’s “Deadwood”) as Officer Bobby Stark; Donal Logue (“Grounded for Life)” as Captain Kevin Tidwell, and Adam Arkin (“Chicago Hope”) as Crew’s former cellmate Ted Earley.