Murder One

There's not a shred of a doubt in my mind, however, that Murder One is twice the drama "ER" is and that viewers who climb aboard the latest effort from Steven Bochco and company are in for a hell of a ride. [18 Sept 1995, p.68]

Instead of trying to run on the fumes of style and attitude, a la "Twin Peaks," Murder One, at least in its premiere, has high octane in its tank. Boasting a tough, savvy script and the cast to handle it, the episode moves at a relentless pace from the discovery of the murder to Cross being charged with it. Along the way it establishes--or at least whets the viewer's appetite for more of--an intriguing assemblage of themes and characters. [19 Sept 1995, p.1C]

Calling Steven Bochco's Murder One the best new series of the season is too easy and over-understated. The episode airing tonight on ABC is one of the classiest, best-written and most assured dramatic pilots ever seen on television, and next week's installment, "Chapter Two," is nearly as good. This is super-gripping, diamond-bright, edge-of-your-couch TV.

In theory and practice, Murder One is everything that's best about TV. [19 Sept 1995, p.1D]

TV's most magnetic, compelling new leading actor in years, Benzali is unusual in the medium because he knows that understatement can carry more impact than shouting and scenery chewing. [19 Sept 1995, p.E-1]

Murder One is shrewdly constructed, quickly absorbing and absolutely first-rate - the best new show of fall...Terrifically scripted and perfectly cast, the show gets its biggest lift from the shaven-headed Benzali, whose brilliant performance as the principled, supremely confident Hoffman could be the best advertisement for defense attorneys since Clarence Darrow. [19 Sept 1995, p.9E]

After so many iffy premises and shoddy pilots, what a joy to relax in the hands of a master...Two seasons ago, Steven Bochco created the best drama on TV, ABC's ''NYPD Blue.'' This season, he gives ABC -- and us -- a show that could challenge for that title, the seamlessly superlative Murder One. [19 Sept 1995, p.D1]

Murder One is a giant step above the other new fall attractions and proof again that Bochco is America's most experienced chef when it comes to cooking up irresistible adult drama. [19 Sept 1995, p.1D]

Murder One is, hands down, the season's best new series. Others may be scarier or funnier, but tonight's pilot demonstrates that Murder One is an intense expression of television art.

Adult, hard-hitting and tough-talking, Murder One represents the apex of TV series production. Everything is first-rate, from the writing and acting to the photography and music.

If its premiere epitomizes what's ahead, Steven Bochco's intense legal drama Murder One will be the best new series of the fall season. Period. Case closed. Jury dismissed with thanks...With "Hill Street Blues," "L.A. Law" and "NYPD Blue" already heading his resume, Murder One is quintessential Bochco, a well-acted, smartly written, meticulously presented hour that turns the law inside out while telling a good story that makes you feel like you're spying on these people through a peephole. Created by Bochco, Charles H. Eglee and Channing Gibson, it has that irresistible thing that identifies a series as a creative success: You can't wait for it to return.

Murder One is by far the best new drama of the season, a sensational and intelligent combination of grit, mystery and conflict. [19 Sept 1995, p.E1]

I've seen only the first hour and I'm hooked...Murder One looks vastly entertaining. [19 Sept 1995]

Steven Bochco's daring legal serial is the most exciting and innovative new drama since "ER." It's a fictional variation of the O. J. Simpson trial.

None of the fall's 41 other rookies looks capable of playing in the same league...The premiere episode is a knockout. [19 Sept 1995, p.1C]

Daniel Benzali is terrific as Theodore Hoffman, the big L.A. defense lawyer, and he's backed by a fine ensemble, including the young hungries of his firm...If you want to see TV series drama as good as it gets this year, this is it. [19 Sept 1995, p.1]

As with all Bochco series, the writing and intricacy of the characters sets apart Murder One. The show deals in shades of gray that ultimately may work to the series' detriment commercially but nevertheless are dramatically riveting. [19 Sept 1995]

By far the best new drama of the TV season...Murder One is profound, brilliant, mesmerizing and scary. [19 Sept 1995, p.1E]

Murder One succeeds because it doesn't pander to you, nor does it demean you. The issues illuminated by the show challenge and entertain you. [19 Sept 1995, p.37]

The first case in this innovative series is terrific. [18 Sep 1995]

Stylish and well-acted, this is the rare show in which commercials hit with a jolt, awakening you from the program's potent spell.

There's a lot to love about Murder One, bless its parodically sleazy, shrewdly opportunistic, talent-engorged heart.

If you appreciate challenging, intellectually stimulating drama, this is it...My advice: Watch, absorb, and don't panic if you don't catch every nuance. You'll have time - 23 episodes. [19 Sept 1995, p.6D]