The Trials of Rosie O'Neill

The theme song for The Trials of Rosie O'Neill, "I Wish I Knew," was written by Carole King, not Carly Simon. I don't know who sang the song during the opening credits, but Carole King was a guest star on the episode, "The Reunion," along with Tyne Daly, and did perform "I Wish I Knew" during that episode. (I have the sheet music--Words and Music by Carole King!) As to the series itself, I liked it very much and was highly disappointed when it was canceled. I was hooked on it after seeing it for the first time--which may or may not have been the first episode--in it Rosie defends a young girl (maybe homeless, at least "family-less") accused of killing her newborn child and hiding the body in a dumpster. She claimed the baby was born dead and that she had buried the baby in the dumpster. It was a very touching episode, the young lady playing the defendant did an excellent job in her portrayal of the downtrodden girl. Being a fan of Sharon Gless, I am glad to see "Cagney & Lacey" finally being offered on DVD; I would like to see "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill," (the entire series) come out on DVD, I would definitely buy it.

43 year old Beverly Hills lawyer Rosie O'Neill (Sharon Gless) is starting over after her husband dumps her for someone younger (Helen Hunt). She begins work as a public defender for the poor and underserved in LA. Her new office mate Hank Mitchell (Dorian Harewood) is initially dismissive of her. Ben Meyer (Ron Rifkin) is her boss. Her mother Charlotte O'Neill (Georgann Johnson) hates her new job. Her former stepdaughter Kim Ginty (Lisa Rieffel) would rather spend time with her than either of her biological parents. Her younger sister Doreen Morrison (Lisa Banes) is her best friend. Former cop Walter Kovacs (Edward Asner) is the investigator, mostly in the second season.

I really like Sharon Gless and the stepdaughter. The sister is not necessary but has some uses. The mother is good material. Hank loses his value over time. The show may have had some romantic intentions with the character, but the early 90's would have been pushing it. Ed Asner injects some needed energy for the second season. The show usually opens with a cold opening of Rosie speaking to an unknown therapist. It's not my favorite part of the show. Neither is the opening theme song or opening credits in either season. Ultimately, this lasted only two seasons. I do really like this show. The second episode sold me on it. That episode shows that her clients wouldn't all be innocent and that's interesting.

Sharon Gless does a great job in painting a complex and interesting character in this show. It's a truly adult part and one that doesn't pander to anyone. More importantly, it's a show that is carried squarely on her shoulders and she does it with passion and compassion. It was great seeing Tyne Daly guest star as a very different character from "Cagney & Lacey." And having Carole King sing the theme song (along with the other characters) was a real treat as well. The theme song for this great show was indeed written by Carole King, but recorded for the credits of the show by Melissa Manchester. Unfortunately, the song has yet to be released.

I had recently taken out season 1 of Cagney and Lacey at my local library and forgotten how much I enjoyed the acting of Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly (and how much I had missed such quality type shows). So in searching for more shows starring Gless and/or Daly, I came across "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill". I remember watching this show and enjoying it as much as Cagney and Lacey. Different type of show but with excellent supporting cast and great writing. (Gless is recently divorced and trying to rebuild her life as a public defender.) Tyne Daly guest starred in a "reunion" episode. Also, Carole King guest starred in the "reunion" episode. She sang the theme sing that she wrote for the show "I Wish I Knew". Each week the opening song written by King was sung beautifully by Melissa Manchester.

My favorite part of the show was the beginning where she was talking to her therapist. (In real life her husband and producer) Can not believe this show only lasted 2 seasons and is not on DVD.

Sharon Gless (Cagney&Lacey) played Rosie. Also, called Fiona "Rosie" O'Neill, and Fiona by her mother. Rosie was an attorney practicing as a Public Defender. Her mother wanted her to be a Corporation Lawyer and that caused friction between them. Specially when the mother had to introduce her to some high society type, she was embarrassed to say she worked in the Public Defender's Office. That was too poor for her. I guess she did not know that a crime is a crime whether or not it is committed by an executive or a blue collar worker. Her sister was a housewife married to a workaholic doctor. Rosie and her sister had a wonderful relationship. Rosie's theme was written and sung by one of my favorites, Carly Simon, a lovely song, which I recorded from the television, so that I could have the words for it. Actually I really don't understand why some lawyer's shows are so popular, and others get canceled after the first year, when they are so good. My guess is "age discrimination." When a more mature actor could play a more mature lawyer, the executives decide to get a skinny lawyer, one third of her age, and with so much wisdom for her age. Actually I thought that people grow wiser with age. But I guess it was just a thought! I think that we watched most of the series. We truly enjoyed the series. I am surprised that this is the first comment on the series! My favorite episode: The Christmas episode, when Rosie goes to church. Very moving shows. My Favorite quotes: "In a perfect world everyone's dreams will come true, what will the future hold, I wish I knew."