Common Law is USA’s latest clean cut show on the network. The recipe is the same as hits like Psych, Suits, and White Collar, so the question is; what can go wrong? In Common Law’s place plenty can go wrong.
When I first look at a pilot episode of a show I’m always thinking, “OK. IS this show really worth an hour of my time each week?” After watching 90 minutes of Common Law I think the answer is no. One of the most important things I look for when making that decision is uniqueness. Common Law is in no way, shape, or form unique. The show is highly predictable. The case that they solved in the pilot was so boring and simple that I solved it 20 minutes into the pilot. I also didn't like the constant bickering between the two title characters. It wasn't funny, it was just plain annoying.
The third thing I found I didn’t like about the pilot was the ridiculousness of the situation. I know what you’re thinking… “But Brandon you just said you watch Suits and White Collar above!” True. They’re the epitome of a show that bends the rules and is beyond unrealistic. However, the writing is good enough in Suits and White Collar that I can actually be entertained and see past the ridiculousness of the situation. I could get past the idea of partners in law enforcement going to marriage counseling (barely), but when they added in the fact that the two pulled guns on each other and one later pushed the other out a window right in front of their boss is where I just shut the TV off. The number of things that they did that would get them fired (and arrested) in the pilot was just ridiculously fake.
The fact that the writing is so boring and bland is unfortunate because Common Law has some very talented actors. Sadly, they were given a dull, unrealistic, and predictable comedy to work with. Now after all of that I will probably give the show a second chance. I am incredibly merciful when it comes to watching a pilot’s second show. But if the show does what it did in the pilot again I won’t be watching it regularly.
Grade: C+
Common Law premieres Friday May 11 @ 10/9c on USA Network.
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