Life (2007)

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 26, 2007
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 253 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 206 out of 253
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 253
  3. Negative: 41 out of 253
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User Reviews

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  1. HollyS.
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    Don't just make the easy comparison most of the critics seem to be making of Damian Lewis to Hugh Laurie - "Uh, he's British and uses a pretty meticulous American accent, and he's kinda out there... Hugh Laurie knock-off!" This series gives those who are inclined to think for themselves a fair amount to cogitate over. This is Prison Break if Prison Break weren't Don't just make the easy comparison most of the critics seem to be making of Damian Lewis to Hugh Laurie - "Uh, he's British and uses a pretty meticulous American accent, and he's kinda out there... Hugh Laurie knock-off!" This series gives those who are inclined to think for themselves a fair amount to cogitate over. This is Prison Break if Prison Break weren't completely wrapped up in, well, breaking into and out of prison. Charlie Crews is not just pointlessly weird - he's a man broken physically and mentally in prison who put himself back together as best he could with a self-help book -- well, a philosophy book about Zen to be precise. Having used the great American justice system to put him back on his feet financially, and back on the force, he's still a long way from being, well, all back together. If this were a show about a cop who was, say, a war vet recovering from severe PTSD, I'm not sure "quirky" is the word people would reach for. The writing is admittedly slightly scattered. The first two episodes were straight procedurals with relatively little black humor, almost all of it focused on Charlie. The third episode kind of digressed plotwise and mood-wise, using supporting characters for somewhat inappropriate comic relief. Hopefully the writing team will refocus. Lewis' performances are truly outstanding, and enough really can't be said that if we have the chance to keep him on prime time American TV, we should try to. Sarah Shahi is doing the best possible with her character, although it is not as strong as Crews. The remaining supporting cast standouts are Arkin and Sexton who are both good at their role and their roles are good.… Expand
  2. MarisaV.
    Oct 20, 2007
    9
    Cute, funny I like it.
  3. GraemeS.
    Oct 25, 2007
    9
    First viewing last night. I'm certainly going to watch next week.
  4. PhilS.
    Oct 26, 2007
    9
    Interesting, quirky show. Good characters. GREAT music.
  5. [Anonymous]
    Oct 4, 2007
    9
    love it. the best new show out. totally ready to toss CSI to watch this,
  6. emily
    Oct 4, 2007
    9
    I accidentally taped this show as the title Life didn't catch me.....sure glad I did!! Love the characters....I watched again last night....all sort of questions...I wonder where his daughter is?????
  7. EricaR
    Oct 8, 2007
    9
    An excellent pilot that has the best spin on a procedural I've seen in years. Truly chilling moments combine with smart humor to make this one of the most interesting things on television.
  8. Hamiltonl.
    Oct 8, 2007
    9
    It has a good plot with twists and turns. The subplot is also entertaining. The detective is quirky and fun.
  9. PaulL.
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    I usually don't watch police shows, but this is the exception...great character development and interaction takes precedent over procedural story telling.
  10. CL
    Sep 27, 2007
    9
    This show has a great plot with an intriguing lead character, wonderful acting, and an ongoing mystery (who framed him?) that will definitely keep me watching!
  11. KristianH.
    Sep 27, 2007
    9
    This show was extremely well written and very entertaining. Lewis is fantastic. Still love him from the Band of Brothers series. He's wonderful and quirky and mysterious all at the same time. Not to mention that there are very attractive female leads in the show as well. I was very pleased and will continue to watch as long as it's on.
  12. MarkC.
    Sep 27, 2007
    9
    I don't watch much TV ,but have been impressed previously by Lewis' ability to employ a flawless American accent, so I watched it. Interesting story line, good cast. .... Well written and delivered, especially the line following the shooting when he tells the mortally wounded fellow to go back to sleep, that it was a bad dream..
  13. hayleighg
    Sep 29, 2007
    9
    Damian Lewis was the reason I gave the pilot a look....and I am glad I did.
  14. Matt
    Nov 1, 2007
    9
    Best new show!
  15. WilliamT.
    Nov 12, 2007
    9
    I am surprised how many expert reviews jumped from 60 - 37. I wonder if they have followed the show since the pilot. No doubt, the pundants will have it canceled during the writer strike. I hope it stays for a while. I'd like to see how his story pans out.
  16. anonymous,too
    Oct 12, 2007
    9
    Only new show this season that I watch. The nay-sayers are way off base. They can have the cloying whimsy of "Pushing Daisies" and be gone!
  17. Ashp
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    One of the best new shows of the season--both smart and fun! Damian Lewis is sensational in the lead role and I'm already caught up in the mystery of who framed his character.
  18. JohnB.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    Great show! Definitely different approach to the cop show/police procedural.
  19. RobertG.
    Oct 19, 2007
    9
    GREAT new show. The lead actor is excellent as a cop who's been changed by being locked up in jail for years and then freed and awarded millions of dollars in compensation once he's proven innocent. Both he and the actress who plays his partner have charisma to spare and the balance of humor and drama really works. Each show has gotten better as the viewer learns more about the GREAT new show. The lead actor is excellent as a cop who's been changed by being locked up in jail for years and then freed and awarded millions of dollars in compensation once he's proven innocent. Both he and the actress who plays his partner have charisma to spare and the balance of humor and drama really works. Each show has gotten better as the viewer learns more about the injustice done to this cop and his mission to find out who really killed his partner.… Expand
  20. AnnaN.
    Dec 22, 2007
    9
    Intriguing series -- a detective show within a detective show with a new perspective. I love the character development and the interaction between individuals with past scars coming together in unusual ways.
  21. HawthorneA.
    Dec 6, 2007
    9
    Original story line, great characters, just right pacing. What's not to like?
  22. C.B.
    Sep 29, 2007
    9
    Damian Lewis is great. I'm excited about this show.
  23. Joan
    Sep 30, 2007
    8
    I think this is one of the better shows of the new fall season offerings. Quirky, well-written with appealing and interesting characters. Hope this is one that they don't cancel without giving it a chance.
  24. PatrickS
    Nov 9, 2007
    8
    Great show. One of the few new fall shows worth watching
  25. J
    Oct 5, 2007
    8
    I would give it an 81/2 if given the option. I think this show has a great deal of potential and could be a 10 if the character development includes giving the female actors in it a heart. With the exception of his lawyer I have found them to be either rude, cruel, or ding-batty. While it is always nice to see people portrayed w/ flaws I would like to at least see his partner trust him a I would give it an 81/2 if given the option. I think this show has a great deal of potential and could be a 10 if the character development includes giving the female actors in it a heart. With the exception of his lawyer I have found them to be either rude, cruel, or ding-batty. While it is always nice to see people portrayed w/ flaws I would like to at least see his partner trust him a bit more. Mr. Lewis is an outstanding actor and I am so pleased to be able to see him on TV once a week.… Expand
  26. RobertM.
    Sep 26, 2007
    8
    Pretty good pilot. Lewis looks completely made for this role and the supporting cast is refreshingly not annoying! The case is weakt, but to anyone complaining about that, is missing the point of the show, well, for this episode at least.
  27. halb
    Sep 26, 2007
    8
    Lewis is terrific as Charlie Crews, the backstory is compelling and the overall plot structure is promising. Here's hoping the rest of the series can match the pilot.
  28. Dy
    Oct 11, 2007
    8
    Pilot was wonderful, the way it incorporated Zen and the unique perspectives of one who was in prison for 12 years doing the investigating. However, the shows since then have been less original, and I'm afraid that the mystery behind Crews' framing will be an unsolvable 'Gilligan's Island Syndrome' everyone should avoid.
  29. AndrewH
    Sep 27, 2007
    8
    I loved the pilot, and while at first Crews' quirky demeanor seemed like the lame overdone wit used so much in the past two years, his personality actually has meaning behind it, rather than just something to sound 'edgy'. The supporting cast is all right, but Lewis is definitely the highlight of the show.
  30. MartinS.
    Nov 28, 2007
    7
    I was predisposed to hate this show. Franklly I couldn't see Damian Lewis as an ex-con or an ex-cop but it seems to work.
  31. JosephG.
    Nov 15, 2007
    7
    It's.... good. Not as good as many think but good! I love the writing for the main character, but I despised the writing for the the rest of the characters as their reactions did not seem appropriate. the main character just felt out of place like he was placed in as an after thought.
  32. HappyGilmore
    Sep 27, 2007
    6
    I agree with Kevin L's review except that I've only seen the first episode. I wasn't a huge fan of the first episode, although I do believe that the lead character was interesting and the actor played him well.
  33. KevinL.
    Sep 26, 2007
    6
    Great Television Series! The pilot of "life" was not so glamourous. It wasn't so well paced and pulled together. The premise is quite interesting with a intruging and talented lead actor. The performances are somewhat strong. The pilot wasn't so entertaining, but it picks up very much after the second episode.
  34. JeffreyP.
    Sep 27, 2007
    5
    Loved the supporting cast (Sarah Shahi), but couldn't get past how odd the main character was. He wasn't funny strange but more like I really think that he has a problem strange. It made it impossible to enjoy the show...
  35. JenniferR.
    Oct 6, 2007
    4
    Lost my interest quick. The dialog needs work and I am bored with the main character. Had potential but I couldn't bring myself back to watch a second episode.
  36. WestonT.
    Oct 6, 2007
    4
    Remember Hunter? Yeah, like that with more personal issues. The acting is better than normal, the potential for a good story is there... I just hope the writers can deliver (not too optimistic though... the new age self-help-ery is pretty annoying to get through.) If they stopped trying to be obscure without being condescending, it would help the show greatly.
  37. ScooterM.
    Sep 26, 2007
    3
    Characters just didn't draw me in, decided that about 1/3 of the way through the show, that there had to be something more interesting on. BORING... Real disappointed in this one, was hoping for more in the first 20 minutes that what this brought, had high hopes and was let down.
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Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best TV Season of 2007
7
#7 Most Discussed TV Season of 2007
26
#26 Most Shared TV Season of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 4 out of 21
  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Laura Fries
    80
    Crews quirky mannerisms don't overwhelm the plot, and the show does strikes a nice balance between whimsy and its much darker backstory.
    Read full review
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Barry Garron
    80
    It's an entirely different vibe, further enhanced by a charismatic and quirky central character who is both unpredictable and impossible to pigeonhole. Given a chance to develop, Detective Charlie Crews could someday take a place with the likes of Kojak, Columbo and Monk.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    60
    Mildly satisfying, but pretty formulaic.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »