Life Series Review

Life (2007-2009)
Season 1 - 11 episodes (2007)
Season 2 - 21 episodes (2008-09)

Rent Life on Amazon Video (paid link)
Created by: Rand Ravich
Starring: Damian Lewis, Sarah Shahi, Adam Arkin, Brent Sexton, Donal Logue, Robin Weigert
Rated: TV-14
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Plot
Detective Charlie Crews was framed, convicted, and cleared for a crime he didn't commit. Twelve years of hard time have given him a unique philosophy on life and criminal investigation as he readjusts to the world.

Verdict
It's a pretty good procedural, but modern television has departed from that model. The first season is much shorter and it helps. We get an intriguing overarching story while each episode features cops investigating odd cases. The second season's length drags as I want to know the why behind Charlie's conviction. We get some answers, but it's disappointing. The length of the season makes it feel like the show is stalling or teasing. It's fun to watch Charlie work due to his perspective and wealth, but if you want an engrossing story, this isn't that kind of show. Season two is just too typical.
It depends.

Review
Charlie Crews (Damian Lewis) is a cop that was convicted of murder and went to jail. Twelve years later his conviction is overturned. He gets a hefty settlement and his job as a detective back. You wonder why he'd rejoin the police with all his money. Is he hoping to leverage the resources to track down who framed him or does he enjoy the job? He's a bit eccentric, focused on finding his zen now that he's back out. He has a unique appreciation for life. None of the other cops can understand why he'd rejoin the police after the payout, but he is a good detective. He sees the world differently, finding clues others miss. He also does a great job of relating to suspects. He knows what it's like to be in prison, not fit in, or be an outcast. This show seems somewhat like Monk.

Season 1 - Damian Lewis plays Charlie Crews

The episodes are interspersed with interviews from people in Charlie's life as they reflect on what happened to him, providing background on Charlie and how he ended up in prison. Charlie is investigating who framed him. We get bits and pieces each episode, and it's enough to prevent the first season from feeling like just another procedural. Dani Reese (Sara Shahi) is forced to be his partner, but her reluctance subsides as she gets to know Charlie and discovers he's a great cop.

Charlie is rich. He drives a Bentley and lives in a mansion. Ted Earley (Adam Arkin) is a friend Charlie made in prison that's now his financial advisor that lives with him. Other than his house and car, this doesn't really play up Charlie's wealth.

The tension in the first season peaks with Charlie finding the person that committed the crime for which Charlie was convicted. We've seen this zen cop, but what happens when he faces that? It's a decent first season that gives us some resolution, though there is still more to this crime. It's a unique procedural with a larger story to give this an overall drive.

Season 1 - Sara Shahi, Damian Lewis play Dani Reese, Charlie Crews

Season two is longer and it feels like it. It feels like more of a procedural as the answers to the conspiracy surrounding Charlie's conviction are few and far between. It's more of a gimmick this season. If there weren't a number of eccentric cop procedurals I'd like this more. I like Charlie and the broader story, but this is the type of show that gets lost in the shuffle, especially with must see prestige television.

What also feels like filling time is Dani starting a relationship with the Captain. It's not necessary. The weird cases become just another cop show without a compelling overarching narrative. I want more story than a procedural can provide. Later in the season Dani joins an FBI task force, which means Charlie is on his own. The reason for this was Shahi's real life pregnancy. That doesn't help the show's dynamic.

This season does provide some answers at the end, but it's not closure and it feels rushed. I wonder if the writers knew this was the end or feared it was and did their best to provide at least a few answers. Season two dilutes the balance of season one by providing the same amount of answers over twice the number of episodes. Season one is pretty good while season two feels like the overarching story is used just to distinguish the show instead of being an engrossing narrative like season one.