The District

The District's success rests strictly on the shoulders of Nelson's Mannion, and in this opener, he comes on like gangbusters. But will bigger-than-life bluster and arrogance wear well? We'll see. [7 Oct 2000]

Mannion, played by the formerly lovable "Coach," Craig T. Nelson, is the heart, the soul, the brains --- you name it --- of "The District," and he handles the burden well in the series premiere. [6 Oct 2000, p.22]

If issues don't get in the way, CBS' The District is a good show - may be one of the TV season's most watchable new dramas. [7 Oct 2000, p.1E]

Thigpen is terrific as Ella, and she and Nelson have immediate buddy-buddy chemistry. The District could be just the ticket for Saturday night stay-at-homes looking for something upbeat, but be forewarned that the show tunes and peppy speeches are interspersed with bursts of violence so extreme as to make "Walker, Texas Ranger" look like "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch." [6 Oct 2000, p.D7]

It's hard not to believe Craig T. Nelson. He's one of the most versatile actors anywhere, equally at home as the perpetually flummoxed Hayden Fox in the ABC sitcom "Coach," or in any number of dramatic roles in made-for-TV and theatrical films. [7 Oct 2000, p.E-8]

[This] energized combination of wish fulfillment and streamlined storytelling set for is eminently watchable -- and it will continue to be so long as the troubling, too-literal white knight vs. black hats motif in the opener goes away in later episodes. [6 Oct 2000, p.55]

Though it's far from perfect -- and Nelson's flamboyant, over-the-top performance is bound to irritate some viewers -- "The District" explores racial polarization and urban political attitudes in sometimes compelling fashion. And there's an interesting, racially diverse cast of players, with veteran character actress Lynne Thigpen ("Shaft"), a real standout as Mannion's crime stats wizard Ella Farmer. [6 Oct 2000, p.12D]