I don't really like the show, and with all the other shows I have to watch on Tuesdays, I probably won't be reviewing it each week. I know there's plenty of critical acclaim for the show, but Southland simply isn't interesting. The focus of the show is on the characters, and with the ensemble cast, all the characters must work. Unfortunately, none of the characters have much in terms of backstory or personality. The crimes aren't enough to carry the show. The result is a show with style over substance.
There were two main plots this week. With Russ shot (the jump from him lying listlessly after being shot to being in the hospital was disappointing), Lydia's new partner is Rene Cordero, an annoying guy played by Amaury Nolasco of Prison Break. They track down a missing man. The investigation leads to Alan Gaylord who is caught after a foot chase, but the old man is dead.
Chickie is assigned a new partner after the video of Dewey driving crazily leaked to the media. They get in trouble after her new partner almost shoots a driver. They are mobbed by a bunch of blacks, and are rescued by Ben and Cooper. Meanwhile, Ben is in Phase 3 of his training. Yay...
Score: 8.8/10
