[Television]
1. There are only 43 episodes
I know how daunting it is to start a new series, especially one that has five seasons. "I ain't got time for that" you may think but when you break Southland down, there aren't more than 10 episodes in a season. If you watched one episode a night it would take you just over a month to watch the complete show. That's not too hard, right?
2. It has Ben McKenzie in it
If you're like me, you grew up watching Buffy and then when that ended you started watching The OC. If you're like me, Adam Brody would have taken your eye first because Seth was amazing but as The OC grew it became more and more the Ryan Atwood show. Still with me? Good. Ryan moved to LA, changed his name to Ben and became a Police Officer. True story.
3. It's fast paced and raw
Southland isn't a show that gets scared. Also isn't a show that drags anything out. Storylines are pacey and hard hitting. A fact that perhaps worked against it in the first season, it takes a bit of concentrating to keep up with the who, the what and the where but the show does find it's feet and it's cast. If you do find yourself struggling through the first season, keep with it because it does calm down. The fake documentary style camera work really works in this shows favour and gives you a great snapshot of life in LA without being too far fetched. It's perhaps a slow process but this show gets under your skin until you realise it's the best damn show ever*
4. It's funny
As hard hitting as it can be, it's also really quite funny at times. Again, giving you a great snapshot of the lives of Detective/Beat Cops. The dramatic and the absurd all mixed into one. I mean, there's one scene about Chicken Nuggets. Who wouldn't find that funny?
5. It's a pretty show
It's dark but it's pretty. The camera work is fantastic. If you're into how shots look and how things are framed, this show is one for you. It's technically very well done.
6. John Cooper
He is a beast. Michael Cudlitz does amazing work. He's one character that has stayed grounded and consistent throughout the entire run, he's had his own struggles and demons but he just gets stronger. If you're someone who looks for someone to root for, this is your man.
7. Ensemble Cast
While there are a couple of stand outs, this really is an ensemble show. There are a lot of characters to get attached to with this one and it keeps evolving. Lucy Liu appeared for one season. My heart of the show is Cooper but that may be different for different people. There really is someone for everybody or just a whole load of people to hate. Your choice.
8. It's just a good show
Period. Not having watched The Wire or Breaking Bad I can only compare in in terms of publicity and Southland really should be up there with them. The quality is fantastic and the acting is consistent and incredible throughout. There really isn't any reason why you shouldn't give this show a chance. The only thing wrong with it is, it will leave you wanting more.
* may or may not be the best show ever but it's pretty damn good.