NBC's Life: Convict Cop Finds Buddha

Many prisoners find Jesus in prison; some find Allah, a few find Buddha. Charlie Crews found the path to enlightenment in NBCs new fall series, "Life". The police drama with a dose of humor premieres September 26th at 10pm.

Rand Ravich is the Executive Producer/Writer, and Far Shariat and Dan Sackheim are Executive Producers. David Sernel, who directed the "Heroes" pilot, is Director of the pilot.

Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers) is Charlie Crews a policeman recently released from prison after being exonerated of a triple murder. Sentenced to life without parole Charlie spent most of his first years in Pelican Bay in the infirmary. Cops don't do well in prison with every inmate and guard out to get a piece of them. To protect him the warden decided that solitaire was the best solution. Charlie was confined to a 6 x 8 foot cell for 23 hours a day. His only contact with the world was an hour spent in a deserted yard each day.

He reminded him self each day that "I didn't do it". The strain of being alone began to drive him insane and one day he thought, "Did I do it?" Then Karma introduced itself to Charlie. On the ground in the deserted yard he found a book, "The Way of Zen".

The cell became his world, so when his attorney suggested reopening his case, Charlie refused. He had finally accepted his fate. His attorney played by Brooke Langton (Melrose Place) appeals and the conviction is overthrown due to DNA evidence and Charlie Crews is a free man.

His lawyer gets him a huge monetary settlement but Charlie wants more. He wants his job back. Charlie enlists the help of prison friend; Ted Earley played by Adam Arkin. A convicted embezzler, Ted becomes Charlie's personal financial advisor.

Detective Charlie Crews is back on the force. Sarah Shahi (L Word) is his partner, Dani Reese. She is assigned to watch over Charlie as punishment. Dani was a gung-ho undercover drug operative that got too close to the product and the criminals.

Other than the Zen, it is a fairly clear premise. And it would be except Charlie Crews is unbalanced. He tells his partner that he isn't interested in finding the people who framed him. It is in the past. His Zen approach to solving crime confuses his superiors and the criminals. They can't understand how a man that was wrongly imprisoned for twelve years can be so calm. But, Charlie has a secret.

A wall in his home is his case board. Photos, documents, file cards and evidence are slowly being linked together.

"Life" has potential. It presents police procedure like "House" reveals the workings of a hospital. Will the offbeat attitude and actions of Crews enhance or detract from the story? Future episodes will tell the tale. "Life" competes with ABCs new show "Dirty Sexy Money" and CSI: NY on CBS.