Ben McKenzie in "Southland"
courtesy of TNT
“Southland” (TNT)

Perhaps you watched the first episodes of “Southland” on NBC last year; or maybe you got the DVD of those episodes; or maybe you have been watching them again on TNT. If you are a “Southland” fan the important news is that new episodes finally arrive on TNT March 2. Yes, for the next few weeks we will get new adventures of the characters in the show to whom we have all become so attached.

Ben Sherman (Ben McKenzie) is still the central focus of the show. In the new episodes he has reached the point in his career as a policeman that he can be in a car alone. It seems this is a milestone in his career (personally I would want a partner with me all the time).

His current partner John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz) is still taking pills “for his back” and now Ben is getting suspicious. Cooper maintains he is not an addict but the audience is not so sure. Also continuing with their story line is Sammy (Shawn Hatosy) and his irritating wife.

Lydia Adams (Regina King) is having to adjust to life without her partner Russell Clarke (Tom Everett Scott). Since he was shot the chances of him coming back to the force full time are iffy.

There is a vast panorama of actors and characters in this show and it is hoped if the show should be so lucky as to be picked up for another season on TNT they will all continue. I would hate to think of “Southland” without the actors already mentioned plus Kevin Alejandro, Michael McGrady and Arija Bareikis.

TNT has a full plate of series ranging from “Men of a Certain Age” to “The Closer.” They recently cancelled the excellent “Raising the Bar” and that makes me fear for “Southland’s” safety. Still one can only hope that sane heads will prevail and this excellent show will remain in production.

If you are a fan then get ready to watch the new episodes of “Southland” beginning Tuesday, March 2 at 10PM on TNT. Call up your friends and get them to watch also. This is a violent, raw language type of show but it is well worth your time each week.

“Southland” fills the void left by “NYPD Blue.” Let’s keep it on the air.
 

 

 

 

 

©2010 Jackie K. Cooper

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