Fairly Legal

Finally a show that is new, fresh and more unpredictable than anything on TV. Our legal system is not about truth or even justice it is all about the law and which lawyers best spin it to their advantage. This show produces fair and just settlements that benefit all and at the least cost, not the pompous arrogant people TV portrays lawyers to be. (I know one show says that attorneys MAKE the laws.) I know there are times it gets to be a little sappy but I am tired of shows with all the blood, guts and bodies. It even gives sappiness a fresh spin. The characters have real personality, but that is USA network's motto. To top this all off Sarah Shahi is super-hot. I hope this show runs for many seasons and not just 10 episodes so far......

As a lighter-than-popcorn time filler on the USA network, the only real reason to watch Fairly Legal is the very charming performance of lead actress Sarah Shahi. Shahi is effervescent, stunningly beautiful and possesses a traffic-stopping figure. In season 2 her character, Kate Reed, has deepened slightly emotionally and Shahi has been able to amp up her intelligent performance as well. Actor Ryan Johnson has been added to the cast in Season 2 as Ben Grogan, a smart alecky law partner and snark counterpart to Shahi. It could be a fruitful and amusing relationship once the writers shake the bugs out. Baron Vaughan, as Kate's assistant Leonardo, is still an annoying presence and could be written out with no appreciable loss to the show. Michael Trucco plays Kate's estranged husband Justin and that relationship also grows wearisome. He's a good actor in the thankless part of whipping boy and deserves a shot in another series. I hope he gets it. The only other reason to tune in is the occasional appearance of Kate's nemesis/stepmother/law partner Lauren Reed, played by Virginia Williams. Reed/Williams is memorable for a joyously eye-catching ability to sashay,saunter and slink while wearing the tightest dresses ever seen on television. If the writers allow Kate to continue her growth while making room for Grogan--and keeps Reed in those dresses, this could be a series that goes for the standard 5 year USA network run. I promise to make time.

I liked Fairly Legal at the beginning, but after a few episodes, Sarah's character started to annoy me. She is bossy, slightly rude, thinks she's seen it all, knows it all and has an answer to everything, and patronising at times also. "I can solve everything and listen to me, shut up, do this, don't do that, etc" and her own life is a mess with conflicts with everyone in her life... Also, I find some plots uninteresting and the humour at times really falls flat. The idea of the show is quite good, and it started well but went downhill I think, mainly because her character is not likable enough and plots are not very well thought or covered. Shame.

At last a show that's story doesn't revolve around stereo typecasting, fashion and predictable plots!

With a hint of "House" and a touch of "Life", Kate Reed has the strength of character, witticism and sexiness most women crave. Realistic, humanly flawed characters and relationships build a web of interaction for those looking for something different. The role of the mediator almost softens the blood thirsty image of the legal profession.

Fairly Legal has introduced a new style of heroin that should be applauded with a return series despite criticism for her welcomed "out of the box" approach.

This show had all the makings of a great show but unfortunately it never gained enough of an audience. The characters are interesting enough but nothing revolutionary. They are comical though and the cast do a really good job at portraying their respective roles. Kate Reed is particularly entertaining.

I personally found season one to be better than season two. Season two seems a little less "sparkly" but it still feels engaging.

The show may not have aired for many seasons but it's a solid comedy drama with plenty of heart and interesting legal story lines. Give it a go and you won't regret it.