Standoff

Standoff could definitely shine if it was given a chance. It has just enough action to satisfy you but not too much and the writers make the character plots interesting but not overpowering. It is too bad that FOX refuses to give great show a chance. THis is an amazing show but of course FOX doesn't give chances to any shows except the popular ones. The only complaint I have on this show is that it doesn't show enough of Matt and Emily's relationship. It is very witty and has a few funny lines that keep it real. This is an awesome show that deserves a chance. This show is about two hostage negotiators who have a secret relationship and can't show it in the office. When Matt admits the relationship over the radio to a hostage taker (ht)the whole office knows and his FBI job is in trouble as well as his partners. Matt and Emily obviously care about each other and have trouble hiding it. They have to deal with dating and saving hostages from kidnappers, upset teens, bank robbers and saving themselves from some Mexican Drug traffickers. (only in one episode). It is an amazing show that is not given the time of day. Literally FOX puts it in the Friday 9/8 c death time slot. So of course no new viewers are going to find it. It is also being threatened by rumors that it has been canceled which is ruining and lessening it's veiwership. It has not been canceled by FOX .

In Australia, the three major commercial television stations (Channels 7, 9 and 10) have always tried to match each other with similar shows to vie for the viewer's attention.

Channel 10 has always been home to 'Law & Order' (and its subsequents like 'SVU'), where as Channel 7 has been home to Jerry Bruckheimer's series including 'CSI' (as well as 'CSI: Miami' and 'CSI: New York'), 'Cold Case' and 'Without a Trace'. And then there was Channel 7...with it's re-runs of 'Blue Heelers' (an Aussie crime show) in the afternoons.

Well, 7 (now yahoo7) had to get in on this action, of course. And so Australians were treated to 'Criminal Minds'. As much as I like Mandy Patinkin the show wasn't anything special so I quit after the first episode. The same went for 'Bones'. And then 7 had the insight to put 'Standoff' on Monday nights, head-to-head with 9's 'Cold Case'.

Let me tell you, 'Standoff' is one entertaining show. The two leads are fun to watch and the show is interesting enough. I was hooked from the first episode. A must see to fans of crime drama, and, in my opinion, the best new show since 'CSI'. 7 out of 10.

Matt Flannery (Ron Livingston) and Emily Lehman (Rosemarie DeWitt) are an FBI negotiation team. Cheryl Carrera (Gina Torres) is the head of the unit. This is a functional police procedural drama. Each week they get a new case.

The two leads have some good chemistry. They are both good actors, and they are able to convey some sexual tension. In fact it's so good, they actually married 3 years later. Maybe it's a good thing that this show got canceled so they have some time apart. Anyways this only lasted only 18 episodes. My guess is that neither lead is a A-lister, and there isn't anything particularly original in the concept. Although I liked the two leads, there's just not enough flash.

Thank you Sky for bringing this show to the UK, it's great, and a nice change to actually get a good drama/comedy instead of more reality TV.

The characters are well thought out, and well acted. A great cast, especially Gina Torres as the "Boss".

The story lines are solid, and without too much emphasis on the technical aspects the viewers is allowed to get involved with the personal story that evolves each week.

It's also interesting to have the running theme of the relationship between the two main characters, and to see how this will develop as time goes on.

Well done FOX, please don't cancel this one.

Working for a TV station, I was lucky enough to get to see the first episode of this show. It's a smart and funny show that I hope continues in this direction. It's two lead actors, Ron Livingston and Rosemarie Dewitt, play their roles as crisis negotiators very well. I only hope that the writing continues to be as strong in progressive episodes as it was in the pilot.

Being a big fan of "harder edge" shows like 24, The Shield, & The Sopranos, I was surprised to find I really enjoyed this show. I've been a big fan of Ron Livingston's since he had a side role in Swingers back in '96, and while I haven't seen much featuring Rosemarie Dewitt, I thought she provided a perfect foil for Ron Livingston's dry wit.

Overall, I'd rate the show an 8 out of 10, only because I've only seen the first episode so far. I hope they continue to build on the relationship between the two lead characters and keep the level of writing high.