Conviction: The Complete Series

Producer Dick Wolf, creator of the popular Law & Order franchise, came up with the idea for this short-lived spin-off, for which Stephanie March reprised her L&O role as Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot. Conviction turns the spotlight on the Manhattan D.A.'s office, making Cabot a den mother of sorts to five ambitious, aggressive prosecutors—rookies all—who have a tough time juggling their personal and professional lives. Overworked and underpaid, the quintet are all in over their heads, and treading water is about the best they can manage (think Ally McBeal without the humor). Given the surfeit of lawyer shows in recent years, Wolf should have known better than to think Conviction would fly, but he didn't…and it didn't—despite some extremely well-written episodes and promising cast members, including Eric Balfour and Julianne Nicholson. DVD extras include seven character profiles. Optional. (E. Hulse)