Pilot View: CBS’ new drama ‘The Defenders’
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Editor’s note: We offer you our first impressions of the original pilots for fall shows. Keep in mind that these are not reviews and that the networks may make significant changes to these shows before they air. We reserve the right to love them or hate them more later.
‘The Defenders’ is about two Las Vegas defense attorneys who will do just about anything for their clients. Nick Morelli is estranged from his wife and is trying to be a good father to his only son. Pete Kaczmarek loves women and fast cars. Lisa Tyler is their young associate who paid for law school by stripping and wants to put that life behind her. Sophie is their sweet assistant.
Who’s in it: Jim Belushi as Nick; Jerry O’Connell (‘Do Not Disturb’) as Pete; Jurnee Smollett (‘Eve’s Bayou’) and Tanya Fischer (‘Life on Mars’) as Sophie.
Who made it: Written by newcomers Niels Mueller and Kevin Kennedy, it is produced by Carol Mendelsohn of the ‘CSI’ franchise.
Thumbs up: It starts slow but gets better in the second half. Frank Sinatra Jr. makes an appearance. Smollett is a breath of fresh air.
Thumbs down: Belushi outshines O’Connell.
Verdict: As legal dramas go, it doesn’t go anywhere new. If Belushi and O’Connell can become a better team, CBS’ audience might go for it.
— Maria Elena Fernandez
twitter.com/writerchica
Video credit: CBS
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