Murder in the First

:

Season 1
  • Network: TNT
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 9, 2014
Season #: 3, 2, 1
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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Critic Reviews

  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Jun 9, 2014
    60
    The characters may be shallow, but that doesn’t keep the show from giving the easy pleasures of reading a quickie mystery novel. And a few of the actors are entertaining despite the limitations of the script.
  2. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    Jun 9, 2014
    50
    Little about Murder in the First feels fresh, much less first.
  3. The Detroit News
    Reviewed by: Tom Long
    Jun 6, 2014
    50
    Murder in the First” isn’t outright bad. It’s just an extremely derivative police procedural.
  5. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Jun 5, 2014
    50
    Viewers who crave a nostalgic kick for single-case crime dramas of the late 1990s might find something to like here but for viewers seeking a more contemporary style of storytelling, there are no TV firsts in Murder in the First.
  6. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Jun 9, 2014
    42
    It hasn’t yet realized that what was once groundbreaking is now wheezy and clichéd.
  7. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: John Anderson
    Jun 11, 2014
    40
    That no one acts in a manner remotely plausible during Murder in the First, regarding either the law or human life, will have viewers feeling like they're just being moved through the system.

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best TV Season of 2014
99
#99 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
57
#57 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 51
  3. Negative: 12 out of 51
  1. jadeo
    Jul 29, 2014
    10
    Taye Diggs has never been better, but the entire cast shines.The plot takes some unexpected twists and thankfully does not fall into formulaicTaye Diggs has never been better, but the entire cast shines.The plot takes some unexpected twists and thankfully does not fall into formulaic traps of a CSI or SVU. Much as we love those shows, who can't predict what will happen next.. Let's hope TNT renews this one.… Full Review »
  2. hamchuck
    Jul 20, 2014
    7
    I love shows like Criminal Minds, Law & Order, NCIS and I was hoping to put this show in that category in my file cabinet. So far, I amI love shows like Criminal Minds, Law & Order, NCIS and I was hoping to put this show in that category in my file cabinet. So far, I am leaning toward the kind-of-like level on this show. I do agree with Xyled777 that shows try to push the limits of nudity, so much so, that I am sick and tire of it. I would prefer they use the air time to work more on the case, than parading around scantily clad. The concept of the show is not new or innovating, but it does keep you on your feet. Bring this show to a rousing finale and you will see these red ratings rise up into the green.… Full Review »
  3. Susiesmommy
    Jul 9, 2014
    3
    I have grown to love CBS crime shows because they wrap up in one episode--often with one, longer running story throughout many episodes (thinkI have grown to love CBS crime shows because they wrap up in one episode--often with one, longer running story throughout many episodes (think The Mentalist)--but Murder in the First is quite the opposite of CBS crime dramas! I was very much looking forward to another Bochco drama but am sorely disappointed that it comes off as almost a bit "soap opera like." I am already saying to myself, "enough already--solve the case--enough enough with the birthday parties, the home lives of the actors, etc. I want a good whodunit, and Murder...certainly isn't that!" I was a great fan of The Closer and never miss Major Crimes. I know Steven Bochco can do better! Even if Erich Blunt didn't do it, does anybody really care enough about the egotistical narcissist to care if he's convicted? And the show's hung its hat solely on us caring about justice for him? LOL… Full Review »
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