Judging Amy

I don't know what show some of the "critics" have been watching, because many of the complaints can't possibly apply to the "Judging Amy" I've been watching. For one thing, this show is about as nonpolitical as a show about a judge can be. Issues which come up during the cases heard by Amy or handled by Maxine are decided in the interest of the child--that's the whole point of the juvenile justice system. The only reason I can see for lodging the charge that "Judging Amy" is "left-leaning" is that characters who fall outside the "married-white-protestant-middleclass-traditional-family" group (in other words, most everyone) aren't stoned to death on the show. Other than that, there is no left to lean.

As to whether this is a "woman's show:" first of all, I'm a man, and have loved the show from Week One. The two most important characters are women, but "Amy" has never been one of those shows concerned primarily with emotions and issues unique to women (like "Sisters" or "One Day At A Time")--the third most important character has always been a man (first Vincent, then Kyle). And to say that male characters are treated unfairly is patently ridiculous.

I do think that over the years the show has suffered from too much turnover in Amy's love life--she never seems to date anyone for more than 3 or 4 consecutive shows. My favorite of all the "boyfriends" was Stu (Reed Diamond); I found his history with Amy and the way the relationship was developing well worth exploring. I wish they'd bring him back. Also missed is Dan Futterman. Kevin Rahm as Kyle is doing a fine job, and the character is growing on me, but I really liked the affectionate/prickly/challenging relationships between the main triangle of Amy, Maxine, and Vincent. The other characters are often used in lighter subplots, but are compelling and well-rounded people in their own right. I guess it's possible that "Amy" detractors are NYPD Blue fans upset that "Amy" always beats it in the ratings, but that's hardly an excuse for trashing a good show.

As a TV drama addict, I have to admit that the premise for this show did not inspire me.

How wrong I was.

The storylines are challenging and the actors all give fine balanced performances.

My greatest praise, however, is reserved for Tyne Daly. Her performance as Maxine Grey is one of the best I have ever seen on TV.

She deserves an Emmy.

I missed the show the first time around, but now I'm hooked on the reruns. I watch it every day without fail.

The show evokes joy, pain, love, anger, resentment, forgiveness, sadness, hope. We laugh, we cry, we get the warm fuzzies. In addition to the range and depth of emotion, Judging Amy also has a high level of intelligence. The viewer is required to think.

I enjoy how the complex issues of faith and spirituality are addressed with subtlety, tactful wit, and respectful objectivity.

All the characters have engaging, ever-evolving personalities and the way they interact with each other is incredibly fascinating and real.

Best of all, there's Amy. As a character, as an actor, and as a person she is everything a great woman should be. When I think of Amy Brenneman, all the superlative traits beginning with "s" flood my mind: Smart, Strong, Sensitive, Sharp, Sweet, Smiling, Sexy.

A wonderful woman and a wonderful show.

...keithw1975! This show perfectly portrays the life of every professional woman I know, including myself. Amy and Maxine have to fight for respect in difficult careers and, even when they've earned the respect, they cannot afford to show the slightest hesitation to anyone except those closest to them. It's a lonely life in many ways, but you watch how they cope, sometimes well and sometimes not. And that's the real world!

What's most impressive about this show is that each of the women are portrayed as strong in their own way, even Gillian, who was a bit wimpy in the earlier years. You see her strength in dealing with substance abuse, losing a child, infertility and childbirth, as well as her own changing role in the family. She becomes just as valuable a role model for Lauren as Amy and Maxine. I wish that every girl I've ever known had the same sort of guidance and role modeling.

I'm sorry that it's been canceled.

It was a sad day when I learned this amazing show was canceled. This show had everything needed to last for years to come. The show had great actors, wonderful supporting cast, and gripping story lines. I felt that Amy Brenneman's character, Amy Gray, was one that could be related to on all levels. All of the characters had such solid structure, whether they were re-occurring players, or regulars. In my opinion, CBS made a dreadful mistake with this decision. I do look forward to more work from Amy Brenneman, her talents are so very under-rated. I for one will certainly miss it. Now all I can do is wait for the DVDs to be released.