Or: Zen and the Art of the TV Cop. Scoring points for originality, this police procedural series stars Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers) as Charlie Crews, a cop who spent 12 hard years in prison for horrific murders he did not commit, before being exonerated by DNA evidence. “Life was his sentence and life is what he got back,” his attorney proclaims, but not completely: his wife (Jennifer Siebel) divorced him and is now remarried. Although awarded a $50 million cash settlement, Charlie returns to his former job, much to the displeasure of his new partner Dani Reese (Sarah Shahi), a recovering addict; his superior, Lt. Karen Davis (Robin Weigert), who is looking for any dirt that will get Charlie off the force; and other cops. In his corner is Ted Earley (Adam Arkin), a white collar criminal whom Charlie met in prison, now released and living with him, as well as serving as his financial advisor. Driving the 11 episodes of the 2007 first season is Charlie's quest to find the real killers and uncover the conspiracy behind the murders that sent him to prison, but each episode also features a standalone crime that Charlie uses his intuitive and empathetic abilities to solve. Charlie has some intriguing quirks, to say the least, including a Zen calm and a passion for fruit. One of the series' interesting conceits involves faux interview segments for what appears to be a documentary about Charlie. An interesting and involving series with ratings that fell short of its critical acclaim, fans will appreciate the fact that Life goes on (at least for a second season). DVD extras include audio commentaries, a behind-the-scenes featurette, cast interviews, deleted scenes, and a blooper reel. Recommended. (D. Liebenson)
Life: Season One
Universal, 3 discs, 476 min., not rated, DVD: $29.98 Volume 24, Issue 1
Life: Season One
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