All Rise

A nice premiere episode. Two court cases are presented to a new judge who gets appointed after an older judge retires after a "meltdown" of the bailiff in his courtroom. (Involving a non-fatal shooting.) She is there to witness it. Seems like the intent is to present a semi-dramatic version of "Night Court" with several likeable" supporting actors. She has also made an adversary of a well-respected female detective.

I think I'm going to like this. The writing is sharp. The characters are approachable. Simone Missick has a serenity that balances the rapid fire dialogue. It's going to have to self correct on edging toward being sappy but, otherwise, I think this has potential. I give this pilot a 7 (good) out of 10. {Legal Drama}

We watch the first two seasons and enjoyed them so we were looking forward to season three. The first couple of episodes I chalked it up to them just needing to get their sea legs back but I it seems that the issue is more fundamental than that.. There is flaw in the show that wasn't there before. The characters are so wildly over acting their parts that, in some cases, the characters are not the same. It is like the actors were told to kick it up a few notches. I'm sorry but that does not work for me. You don't have to beat me over the head.

Most of the negative reviews of this series dismiss the show altogether based on a lack of realism.

The truth is that no legal drama serves as an accurate depiction of a real life courtroom. Not even Law and Order or Matlock are realistic interpretations of true court proceedings. Further, the grandiose behaviors that are consistently offered under the guise of drama would never be acceptable in real life court proceedings. Regardless, the show is entertaining.

I suspect that those who dismiss the show outright have a problem with the mostly diverse cast and the main antagonist being a woman of color. The writing and production are as good as anything else on network TV. Further, I'm noticing that any new show that addresses racial commentary or issues of bias is immediately criticized as social justice signaling or promoting liberal ideals. But, I wonder two things: what's wrong with social justice? and what's the opposite of social justice since so many are in favor of its antonym?

I loved this show when it first aired and was so pleased OWN made the wise decision to continue it. Everything about this court room drama is compelling. Great plot lines, stellar acting and timely topics of discussion. It has incredibly strong leads and is timely for the times we live!