DJariya

By djariya at 2011-01-01

Synopsis:



10 episode 3rd season (at least they finally got past 7 episodes)

Yes, I know this doesn't start until tomorrow night, but I thought I would give you all some advance notice for those unaware it's returning tomorrow and set your DVR's.

Preview for season 3:

<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6aEz_xG6aMw" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Recap of what happened in last season's season finale:

http://www.tnt.tv/dramavision/index....f=sharethisUrl

Also, one of my High School classmates is a Sargent on the LAPD and works on the show. He revealed to me that:

djones6746

I was just talking to my friend today about these 7 episode seasons. I really like this show so 10 more episodes is better than nothing.

MrSmearkase

Can't wait

Geofferson

One of my current favorite shows -- hopefully it finds an audience this season

DJariya

TNT has done a fantastic job promoting the show now that season 3 was produced and developed by them.

The show isn't heavily serialized so I think it should be relatively easy for people to jump in this season. It's more about character backstory.

DJariya

Entertainment Weekly's review:

DJariya

http://www.daemonstv.com/2011/01/04/...dvance-review/

Here's another good review to Southland's season premiere. This reviewer even says that if you have not seen the show, it's easy to jump right in to season 3 without getting lost.

The only 2 key backstory elements you really need to know are:

1) Officer John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz) has constant back problems and is addicted to pills. It was revealed in season 1 that he's "In the closet" since he hangs out at gay bars.

2) Detective Sammy Bryant (Shawn Hatosy) and his wife Tammi's volatile relationship. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe she's bi-polar.

BDB

Pretty excited for the returrn

DJariya

Awesome season premiere. Great script by John Wells and Ann Biderman. Also loved Chris Chulack''s directing. I know alot of people aren't fans of the gritty shaky cam directing style, but I think it works great for this show and gives it more of a documentary Cops-style feel.

1st of all, it was good to see Kevin Alejandro, Arija Bareikis and even Tom Everett Scott's names in the opening credits. I did notice that Michael McGrady (Sal) was missing.

The shootout on Hollywood Blvd was pretty badass. I did think it was a little odd that Cooper, Ben, Chickie and that other cop used their vests to cover the window of the squad car. But I guess it was supposed to be a shield to protect the Sargent from the heavy gunfire. Ben confronting the suspect was awsome and the end result...

Okay one thing that bugs me is why the hell Cooper is refusing to see a doctor for his back. I know his back is all fucked up, but couldn't he receive treatment and go on disability? And then return to work when his back heals? I recall something from last season where he was concerned about being pulled from the streets.

I loved Ben being smitten by that slutty older women with the gigantic boobs in the sports car. Did anyone see how she was sitting when Ben looked at her ID and then when she dropped by the Police station.?

Great stuff overall. Thought the A, B, and C stories were all very entertaining. I even like Lydia's new partner Ochoa.

Loved Nate's line...."I'd rather be a live pussy, than a dead hero."

Geofferson

Yeah, good stuff last night. Entertaining throughout

MikahC

Yes, Coop could see a doctor and go on disability, but what you remember is exactly why he doesn't. He's a cop. He wants to be on the streets, not home knitting blankets and watching The Price is Right.
Also, don't quote me on this, but certain back problems can be chronic, and he may have such a situation. There may be no fixing it. If so, once he lets on, it's over for him on the streets.

Geofferson

Forgot to mention, nice opening scene with Ben Sherman running the steps next to Angels Flight (notable landmark of old L.A.).

Gunde

Great episode except for the ending with the chick in the car. That was just contrived and stupid.

DJariya

Ratings were a little disappointing, espcially for TNT. 2.1M viewers and 0.7 in the 18-49 demo. That's on par with what it was getting last season.

It had a shitty lead-in though, TNT aired the movie Gladiator before it. They should have launched Southland after the winter episodes of The Closer.

I do have to assume that DVR playback numbers will increase those numbers.

MrX

That must have been a pretty big stretch for Emilio Rivera from playing the leader of a Mexican biker gang on Sons of Anarchy to the leader of a Mexican street gang in this episode

I thought it was a good start. I have a feeling Lydia's partner will get on my nerves quickly.

DJariya

How is that any different than Sherman going to bar and picking up some random chick to get laid? Obviously the woman is a Police groupie and has a thing for Cops. He did look surprised to see her at the end, so I was wondering how the hell she knew what station he worked at and let alone what time he was getting off work. I just heard her ask if he worked at the Hollywood station, but he didn't answer during the traffic stop.

mphtrilogy

Would like to see more of the street cops, and less of the detectives.
The shooutout scene was gripping.

I would have no problem making the whole show Cudlitz and Mckenzie...

Geofferson

^ Agreed. The stories on the street are far more engaging (and exciting). It's unfortunate, because I like the detectives -- namely Lydia and Sammy -- but their stories are often lacking. I think this show bites off more than it can chew sometimes -- too much going on over the course of an episode and it tends to thrash.

Gunde

That was the contrived and stupid part

Deftones

man this show is good. pretty real. love coop and sherman. wish the show was entirely about them, but i understand why it isn't.

DJariya

I love Coop and Sherman, but I also think Nate and Sammy are fun to watch to for the detectives.

Not sure why they brought back Tom Everett Scott. IMO he was probably the most expendable cast member.

macnorton

While I like the show and the characters, I had the feeling while watching this episode, that the show is losing some steam.

The street stuff is where the action is, where as the detectives (especially the revolving door for Adams), are wearing a little thin.

That said, I still am going to stick with it.

Nick Martin

I read that the entire reason for his getting shot in season 1 was because NBC didn't like his character and planned to kill him off or have him survive but simply leave. TNT however does like him and chose to keep him on.

Ben McKenzie was the sole reason I initially tuned into this show, because to me it was almost "Street kid Ryan Atwood is taken in by the Cohens, turns his life around, leaves O.C. and becomes a Cop".

That was my odd way of looking at it, and I love every moment of this show. As for your spoiler I would have to assume that:

COACH2369

Did they replace Sammy with another actor or did he just lose a bunch of weight?

djones6746

Can anyone shed some light as to why this episode is not available on tnt's website for viewing? All episodes from last year were online.