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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Tom Selleck's trademark rumpled charisma continues to pay huge dividends in this eighth adaptation of Robert Parker's mystery series, focusing on the beleaguered small-town police chief Jesse Stone. Picking up where the previous installment Innocents Lost left off, the story begins with the forcibly retired Stone spinning his wheels in the Massachusetts town of Paradise, pursuing a tentative relationship with an aspiring singer (Gloria Reuben) while trying to resist his old self-destructive tendencies. When his replacement on the force meets an explosive end, however, Stone finds himself back in the game. Selleck, who wrote the script with Michael Brandman, wears this role like a just-right shoe, portraying his character's stubbornness and reluctant heroism in a fashion that does full justice to the late Parker's literary blueprint. His charm, combined with the presence of old pros such as Saul Rubinek, Kathy Baker, and Stephen McHattie, make for an enjoyable reminder of the pleasures of a long-running detective series, where the resolution of the mystery isn't half as important as the interactions between the people tasked to solve it. On the debit side, the familiarity between the characters can sometimes feel a little too comfortable, with a meandering middle act that occasionally succumbs to a case of the cutes. (Even the biggest dog lovers in the world may find their patience tried by the number of reaction shots given to Jesse's trusty pooch.) Fortunately, the whodunit aspect finishes strong, with series director Robert Harmon (who also helmed the splattery '80s horror classic The Hitcher) wringing a surprising amount of tension out of the cat-and-mouse climax set on an abandoned ship. By the time Benefit of the Doubt comes to a close, it's difficult not to wish for further obstacles to be placed in Stone's path, as soon as possible. There's nothing wrong with a formula, provided it's a good one. --Andrew Wright
Product Description
Jesse Stone's involuntary retirement ends when the young sheriff who replaced him is blown up in the town police car. The loyal staffers who worked for Jesse have abandoned the department and Jesse must try to solve the case on his own.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
308 of 313 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
More Melancholy Mystery As Selleck Returns In His Eighth Outing As Jesse Stone
May 24, 2012
Format:DVD
Tom Selleck is back in the role he was born to play for this eighth outing in the popular Jesse Stone series. Stone must surely be one of the most laid back heroes to ever grace the small screen and Selleck has perfected the minimalism necessary to make this character stand out. I don't know who author Robert B. Parker might have envisioned inhabiting his iconic small town police chief, but Selleck has certainly owned and perfected the role over the course of these last seven years of TV movies. Starting in 2005, these movies have proven that there is still an adult audience looking for thoughtful drama. I do think each chapter thus far has enough to recommend it on its own merits. You'll appreciate the films to varying degrees as with any serialization--some you may love, some just like. Here's a run down before I comment of "Benefit of the Doubt."
2005: Stone Cold
2006: Night Passage
2006: Death In Paradise
2007: Sea Change
2009: Thin Ice
2010: No Remorse
2011: Innocents lost
2012: Benefit Of The Doubt
"Benefit of the Doubt" starts out with a literal bang. An explosion rocks the Paradise police force and Jesse come out of his forced retirement to piece together what happened. Is it corruption? Drugs? Jesse, even more than usual, is a one man show (although he shares jurisdiction with state agencies). His former friends and co-workers (Kathy Baker and Kohl Sudduth) have abandoned the department, so Jesse's primary allies are his bottomless cup of coffee and faithful dog (not to mention a tryst with a local chanteuse, Gloria Rueben). This case affects Paradise in a major way, so the local bigwigs (including the reliable Saul Rubinek reprising Hastings Hathaway) are under much pressure to get things squared away. With quiet and precision, Jesse sees through what things were meant to look like to find the more nefarious truths underneath. While not the most compelling mystery of the series, it fits comfortably into the increasingly aloof vibe. In truth, the screenplay (Selleck shares a writing credit) may be a little too open-ended and laconic for some but that's progressively become the world that Jesse lives in. In the end, almost everything is left hanging and very little explanation is given for the rather large plot twists. In fact, for my taste, the vague resolution and lack of answers that fit into the context of the series left me wanting (and I'd rate this chapter at 3 1/2 stars for that reason).
For me, the Stone sereis has been more defined by its subtle characterizations than by its independent mysteries. Selleck is so world weary and introspective. I don't know that there has ever been a serialized crime drama that is so reliant on quiet moments and character contemplation. And, in truth, it is this moody thoughtfulness that has really made this series of movies strikingly unique in the modern television landscape. Lacking hysterics and over-the-top action set pieces, the Jesse Stone series is a quietly compelling throw-back to when stories and people mattered more than special effects. And, as always, the icing on the cake is the pitch perfect Tom Selleck who paints Jesse as both lovable and excruciatingly frustrating. I, personally, think that Stone is Selleck's best role--it is no wonder that he has revived him eight times. KGHarris, 5/12.
2005: Stone Cold
2006: Night Passage
2006: Death In Paradise
2007: Sea Change
2009: Thin Ice
2010: No Remorse
2011: Innocents lost
2012: Benefit Of The Doubt
"Benefit of the Doubt" starts out with a literal bang. An explosion rocks the Paradise police force and Jesse come out of his forced retirement to piece together what happened. Is it corruption? Drugs? Jesse, even more than usual, is a one man show (although he shares jurisdiction with state agencies). His former friends and co-workers (Kathy Baker and Kohl Sudduth) have abandoned the department, so Jesse's primary allies are his bottomless cup of coffee and faithful dog (not to mention a tryst with a local chanteuse, Gloria Rueben). This case affects Paradise in a major way, so the local bigwigs (including the reliable Saul Rubinek reprising Hastings Hathaway) are under much pressure to get things squared away. With quiet and precision, Jesse sees through what things were meant to look like to find the more nefarious truths underneath. While not the most compelling mystery of the series, it fits comfortably into the increasingly aloof vibe. In truth, the screenplay (Selleck shares a writing credit) may be a little too open-ended and laconic for some but that's progressively become the world that Jesse lives in. In the end, almost everything is left hanging and very little explanation is given for the rather large plot twists. In fact, for my taste, the vague resolution and lack of answers that fit into the context of the series left me wanting (and I'd rate this chapter at 3 1/2 stars for that reason).
For me, the Stone sereis has been more defined by its subtle characterizations than by its independent mysteries. Selleck is so world weary and introspective. I don't know that there has ever been a serialized crime drama that is so reliant on quiet moments and character contemplation. And, in truth, it is this moody thoughtfulness that has really made this series of movies strikingly unique in the modern television landscape. Lacking hysterics and over-the-top action set pieces, the Jesse Stone series is a quietly compelling throw-back to when stories and people mattered more than special effects. And, as always, the icing on the cake is the pitch perfect Tom Selleck who paints Jesse as both lovable and excruciatingly frustrating. I, personally, think that Stone is Selleck's best role--it is no wonder that he has revived him eight times. KGHarris, 5/12.
141 of 146 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
"Benefit of the Doubt", the eighth Jesse Stone TV movie, finds the former Paradise police chief back on the job, rehired after a mysterious explosion wipes out his successor. Jesse sets out to solve the mystery, working somewhat at odds with the state homicide squad and an inquisitive town councilman.
Like previous installments of the Jesse Stone franchise, Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone spends a lot of time drinking coffee and contemplating the beautiful seascape of Paradise with his aging dog, when he's not breaking into his own office, stepping on official toes, romancing the secretary at the local car dealership, or reaching out to former employees. Most of the recurring cast of the Jesse Stone movies make appearences, including Kathy Baker, William Devane, and William Sadler. However, this story is mostly about Jesse's refusal to accept the easy answer about the death of the previous chief. His dogged pursuit of justice and his considerable detecting skills lead him down a thin trail of clues to a surprising discovery, and a suspenseful final confrontation aboard a derelict ship.
"Benefit of the Doubt" is an improvement over the last movie, with a plot that moves right along and another opportunity to watch a gifted veteran actor work a role he seems a natural for. Highly recommended to fans of the Jesse Stone franchise.
Like previous installments of the Jesse Stone franchise, Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone spends a lot of time drinking coffee and contemplating the beautiful seascape of Paradise with his aging dog, when he's not breaking into his own office, stepping on official toes, romancing the secretary at the local car dealership, or reaching out to former employees. Most of the recurring cast of the Jesse Stone movies make appearences, including Kathy Baker, William Devane, and William Sadler. However, this story is mostly about Jesse's refusal to accept the easy answer about the death of the previous chief. His dogged pursuit of justice and his considerable detecting skills lead him down a thin trail of clues to a surprising discovery, and a suspenseful final confrontation aboard a derelict ship.
"Benefit of the Doubt" is an improvement over the last movie, with a plot that moves right along and another opportunity to watch a gifted veteran actor work a role he seems a natural for. Highly recommended to fans of the Jesse Stone franchise.
127 of 138 people found the following review helpful
By kevrose
Format:DVD
I thought they might be pushed for an interesting story line, but this one starts it all over again, and leaves the way for a sequel ,so easily.There are surprises right away, that you are not ready for, and pave the way for some interesting dramatics.
The dog is a star again, and surprises everyone.
An interesting twist on the villains, and you are never quite clear about what is going on, and why.
Jessie's love life is interesting, but boy did he blow it, with the secretary for Gino.That would have been too exhausting to cope with;Jessie too.
Seeing "Suitcase" as a fisherman, is hard to deal with, but his later decision, is awesome.
The opening Ocean scenes are fantastic, and well done!
Looking forward to the next "Movie"--
Kevin
The dog is a star again, and surprises everyone.
An interesting twist on the villains, and you are never quite clear about what is going on, and why.
Jessie's love life is interesting, but boy did he blow it, with the secretary for Gino.That would have been too exhausting to cope with;Jessie too.
Seeing "Suitcase" as a fisherman, is hard to deal with, but his later decision, is awesome.
The opening Ocean scenes are fantastic, and well done!
Looking forward to the next "Movie"--
Kevin
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE LOVE Tom Selleck has been such a great actor all these years and...
he has had such a great personallality with interviews not like some ther actors and singers thats why i like>>>>>>>>>>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Published 23 hours ago by Cathey Gajewski
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very good TV movie
I guess I should start by saying that I have collected every Jesse Stone movie that Tom Selleck has made. I wish he would make at least two per year if not more. Read more
Published 23 hours ago by Gordon K
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE BEST TV SERIES WE HAVE EVER WATCHED.
WE HAVE ALL THE DVDS, JUST HOPING FOR AT LEAST 1 MORE TO FINISH THE SERIES. WE OFCOURSE WOULD WANT TO HAVE MORE BUT WE UNDERSTAND HIS ENDING IT.
Published 2 days ago by blue ray happy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Love Jess Stone
We have every Jesse Stone that has been made. This one disappointed us a little bit. They made mention of the title "Benefit of the Doubt" a few too many times. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Patricia. Carey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jesse Stone
I collect all the Jesse Stone movies. Tom Selleck makes Jesse Stone real. Can not wait for any new one he may do.
Published 5 days ago by James R. Henshall
4.0 out of 5 stars
Jesse Stone Number 8
I love the books, the author and Tom Selleck. He took over the writing in this one but I found it a tad less enjoyable than the previous 7. I hope Mr. Read more
Published 8 days ago by Gail Kessler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love these movies
Came in good time, and good condition. We enjoy the Jesse Stone movies and always wait expectantly for the next one to come out.
Published 8 days ago by Jubob
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it
Great series we ave have the whole collection. When you start with a very good and add a great cast it's almost a sure fire winner. Read more
Published 8 days ago by S. P. Shute
5.0 out of 5 stars
Benefit of the Doubt keeps your interest.
Benefit of the Doubt is an excellent written story that keeps the viewers interest. It is entertaining and keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats.
Published 9 days ago by John S. Hilburn
4.0 out of 5 stars
Benefit of the Jesse Stone
My husband and I are quite fond of the quiet and gloomy Jesse Stone movies, but this may well-be the most sedate of the lot. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Karen A. Amrhein
