Why You Should Watch "Shark"

I love Law and Order. I will watch Law and Order marathons even if I have already viewed the rerun 10-15 times. I mourned when Jerry Orbach died. He was the best. I wish Adam Schiff was still the district attorney-and I can't stand the new D.A., whatever his name is. So, you can see by my almost familial relationship with Law and Order that I could go on and on about each and every character, their shortcomings and liabilities. It is easy to assume, as well, that Law and Order is a program that is story driven. You might like or dislike a certain character but the stories that are created each week hold you spellbound.
"Shark" at least, from this very new point of view is driven by the character of Sebastian Stark-the superstar defense attorney turned prosecutor. Sebastian Stark is played by Oscar-nominated actor, James Woods. He is one of the finest all-around actors in the business. I remember watching James Woods create the role of Bryan de le Beckwith in "The Ghosts of Mississippi." The role of the bigoted, cruel, and remorseless man who had murdered civil rights leader, Medger Evers. I felt as if I were staring into the eyes of pure evil. That's how good James Woods is.

So now, we have the opportunity to sit in our living rooms on Thursday nights at 10pm, turn to CBS, and watch this superlative actor drive a legal suspense program that mixes story, with some reality, and a little bit of family, (Stark has custody of his teenaged daughter). We also have the antagonistic relationship between the female prosecutor, played by veteran actress, Jeri Ryan of O.C., to crunch our teeth on. When Stark gives up his defense practice to become a prosecutor he takes on the role of teaching a group of young attorneys the reality of the justice system. His experience for them is a "once in a lifetime opportunity." Each of the young attorneys seem enthralled by Stark and are taught by a master that the legal system is really not about justice, but more about who gives the best show. The pilot program shows Stark taking these young lawyers to his home for the first time and then showing them his mock jury room that is filled with jury room memorabilia. It is a little unrealistic but it is entertaining -and fun.

You should watch "Shark"- a name Stark hates, by the way. The pilot had great story, fine acting, and a group of interesting characters that have the potential to grow and become interesting to a television audience. I don't know if Spike Lee is going to direct the rest of the "Shark" series, but he directed the pilot and his hands were evident everywhere. I don't know about all of you, but I am really tired of the reality series phenomenon. I want to be entertained, watch good acting, and not be sickened by what I see. This world is full of the horror of reality and I don't need it in my living room. "Shark" is definitely a legal program and of course, will have murders and some of the baser stuff of life put forth. But, at least, there will be story, and good acting, and maybe the chance to escape "reality" for just a little while.