31 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
`24' Fans Take Note! Arguably The Best TV Drama Ever!, August 15, 2005
Thank you for setting me straight `Murder One' writer & producer Douglas Palau. I have since edited my review.
When I say that the second season of `Murder One' is arguably the best season of drama in the history of television I say it as a qualified expert. A long time veteran of pretty much EVERY courtroom drama in the last 25 years, `LA Law', `Law & Order', `The Practice', exedra, I can say that `Murder One' stands alone in a whole different universe of suspense.
`Murder One' is so original that I can only compare it as a prelude to `24'. It is the only show I've ever seen that even comes close to `Murder One'.
Like `24' the production quality is like that of a major motion picture, not a weekly prime time drama. The acting also really stands out. To have a great leading actor like Anthony LaPaglia is good. To have an ENTIRE supporting cast as talented as LaPaglia is truly phenomenal!
The other production talents also deserve credit. From the photography, editing, costumes, and set direction everything is perfect.
Again like `24' there are truly stunning narrative hooks.
LaPaglia stars as Jimmy Wilder, a sleazy LA Deputy District Attorney. Sleazy lawyers are the main stay of TV dramas, we've seen them 1000 times before. NOT LIKE JIMMY WILDER YOU HAVEN'T!
Jimmy is denied a promotion to prosecute headlining crimes by the DA running for governor of California. The disgruntled Jimmy boasts, "If you're elected governor I'll kiss your ass in a Macy's window." Imagine Jimmy's shock when he hears on the news the next morning that the current governor has been assassinated. When he arrives for work he discovers that the assassin was caught fleeing the crime scene leaving her roommate's smoking gun behind. An angry lone nut whom had a brief affair with the late governor. No doubt she's guilty, she openly admits it.
Jimmy is determined to be a part of this case that he was denied as prosecutor. So he agrees to represent the defendant for free, In spite of the overwhelming evidence! Jimmy uses every slime ball tactic he can't to free the assassin. But as the trial progresses he discovers a darker Oliver Stone size conspiracy behind the assassination. When witnesses approach him to sell testimony about the "real killers" he blows them off. That is until they start dropping dead, some right in the courtroom.
`Murder One' originally began as a counter attack by ABC to the phenomenal success of NBC's `ER'. But unfortunately it fizzled and star Daniel Benzali left the show. It was resurrected for a second season where it also fizzled and was canceled. This is why few people heard of--and fewer saw `Murder One' when if first aired. A&E did rerun both seasons one summer after it lost the rights to `Law & Order.' Hopefully now on DVD `Murder One' will get the respect it deserves like `24'.
Another `24' similarity is that first season was "worth watching". But second season was truly the best television I've ever seen. The major flaw first season was that one murder trial was dragged out for the entire season. LaPaglia battles several murder cases and each trial is the perfect length. Nothing dragged out and nothing rushed.
As pointed out by `Murder One' writer & producer Douglas Palau, here on Amazon, there is the erroneous rumor spreading that `Murder One' and `24' were made my the same people. After thoroughly researching the entire crews of both shows I failed to find any matching names. And yes Steven Bochco is credited with writing most episodes.
Amazon error. FYI, Daniel Benzali does NOT appear second season. In fact his character is dismissed with only two sentences, "When are we going to face it? Ted's not coming back." and, "The only reason Neil Avedon got off was because Ted Hoffman pulled out a video tape at the last minute." (or words to that effect)
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Murder One - Season Two, February 19, 2007
Excellent! The first two fast-paced cases keep your heart racing. The second half of Murder One season Two draws you in and forces you to ponder and contemplate - could I have done what this man did? Would I have repeated and repeated and justified my murders as he did? The touch of wry comedy with the elderly lady and her young spouse-to-be provided a rest for your over-worked heartbeat.
If you enjoy twists and turns; law and order; murder and sanctity, you will enjoy Murder One season Two.
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18 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
No Benzali, No Murder One, April 2, 2006
I remember originally watching season one and thinking "this is the most inspired television ever written." It was also perfectly cast. Daniel Benzali in Season One is pure magic as Ted Hoffman, as is the ever-perfect Stanley Tucci. Season One is like a perfectly choreographed ballet. Season two just couldn't pull it off. At the time, many of us abandoned ship the minute Daniel Benzali was "replaced." Buy Season One and forget Season two. It is indeed, forgettable.
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