Southland Worth Another Look

I recently finished viewing the second season of TNT's Southland series (you can obtain free online episodes at TNT).  Originally broadcast on NBC, it was picked up by TNT when NBC was too dumb to know what it had (this seems to be pretty common with the dinosaur networks - large stumbling beasts with tiny brains).  The first season consists of seven episodes, followed by six episodes in the second season.  Technically, this is not even enough shows for a full season (which is usually 15-25 episodes), but this is what they decided to do.  Nonetheless, I have enjoyed each and every show.

The two leads on the show, rookie Ben McKenzie (officer Ben Sherman) and his partner Michael Cudlitz (officer John Cooper) make a great centerpiece to the show, being the present day Adam 12 team.  Ben McKenzie is a great fit as the "spoiled rich kid" who took to the streets, the modern day version of Platoon.  It's a nice role for McKenzie, who we last saw playing to down-and-out, adopted toughie on The O.C.  The rest of the cast, most as plain-clothed detectives, round out the show and provide the depth we come to expect from such law and order programs.  However, interestingly enough, there has been no courtroom order on this program.  You see what the cops see and that is all.  The only other competing interest is the public relations team, always sure to reroute resources too keep the taxpaying, connected well-to-dos happy.

I was surprised to see C. Thomas Howell in the series.  I did not recognize him at first given the amount he has aged. While he is only about 43 in the show, he looks about 60.  I don't know what has happened to him over the years,* but he gives a great performance as an annoying alcoholic who almost kills his partner.  While I thought he was only going to appear on the pilot, he has been a continuing character.

The last I read, TNT ordered 10 new episodes for season three, which is slated to start in January 2011.   The TNT website advertises a start date of January 4.  I look forward to seeing the cast of characters again for another season.  At least TNT seems to realize what they have here.

* Note:  According to comments in IMDB.com, C. Thomas Howell suffered problems back in 2003:

In 2003 he was hospitalized for 4 weeks because of a ruptured appendix, a very serious illness, fatal if not treated on time. He lost 45 pounds and surgeons had to take out 3 feet of his intestine among other things in order to save his life. That's the real reason behind his gaunt look in all his movies between 2003 and 2005. As of today he has fully recovered. He's currently working out with a trainer and he has already gained 12 pounds of muscles and his face has filled back. He's also following a strict protein and carbohydrate diet.