Every once in a while, a new series is created that will use the classic idea of a police drama and add something new and interesting. And the end result in this case was a series called simply Life. It’s a real pity that series lasted only two seasons, but at least they managed to wrap the main storyline. There was a rumor about some other television will pick up the series after cancellation by NBC, but so far that is not happening.

Main story

Charlie Crews is a police detective wrongfully accused for triple murder, and sentenced to prison for life. After 12 years in maximum security jail he was released and returns to his police job, and gets 50 million dollars settlement. Damian Lewis is excellent in the role of Charlie, and he has proven again that he is excellent actor. His partner on the force is young detective Dani Reese, played by wonderful Sarah Shahi. And while they are working on cases, he also investigates people that set him up in the first place. That main storyline is very complicated, with many people implicated in the cover up, and it will take a lot of time before Charlie discovers the truth.

Characters

During the first season we get to know the way Charlie is changed by the prison. Most of that is wrapped by the short narrated Zen-Buddhism quotes. Characters are great, and not only Charlie and Dani. Charlie’s lawyer, his accountant and jail buddy, Charlie’s former partner. Some parts of every episode are filmed as a documentary and his friends, his ex wife and few other people are talking about Charlie. Humor is also a big part of the show, and Charlie is often puzzled by the new technology invented while he was in jail.

Life season 1 cast

Production

Show is basically the police drama, and for the most part looks like any other similar shows. But, it’s not very important because the story and characters is what the series about. Music is excellent, and mixed with narrations are very important for driving the story.

Conclusion

I really recommend Life. Catch the reruns or get the DVD’s, because it’s really worth watching. Season 2 review coming soon.