Fairly Legal S1-S2

This series has lots of energy mostly via its lead Kate (Sarah Shahi) and Leonardo (Baron Vaughn) as a "fairly legal" mediation team. The concept and the character backgrounds is made interesting in the first episode with plenty of room for development. I do like the "affectionate" exchanges between Kate and her former legal "professionals" personified in Kate's brazen disregard for protocol. Kate's character is immediately given speed and license to turn human disputes around whichever which way she can. If the rest of the series lives up to episode one then it'll have my attention. My one reservation is the apparent lack of chemistry between Kate and co-star Justin (Michael Trucco) which is apparent through the kind of characters they play as well as an on screen indifference. Still promising though.

Fairly Legal is witty and entertaining both visually and mentally and the premise is fresh and new. It helps that I absolutely love Sarah Shahi, one of the most attractive and engaging women in TV, and was heartbroken when my favorite old series 'Life' was canceled. I love the whole 'USA...characters are welcome' slogan because thats exactly what they provide. Crazy messed up flawed funny likable characters. Sarah plays Kate who is clearly as obsessed as I with Christian Louboutin shoes (the extra high ones), yet she still has a sense of tomboy about her. One of her 'character' traits is wanting to flee when she feels anxious or nervous about going face to face over a particular issues. Of course that also makes her chronically late. She gets this deer in the headlights look and...RUNS. It's hilarious. The 'mediator' premise which lends itself to lots of conceptual dialog about the difference between the law and justice is thought provoking as well as her point of view that in court someone wins and someone loses but in mediation its 'WIN WIN!'. Add to that the complicated relationship with her step mother Lauren, whom she tells to her face that she hates, but I'm certain that over time we will see these 2 woman gravitate towards each other (kicking and screaming the whole way). The underlying premise of this show is need for Kate to make peace with her dead father and it will be an interesting ride. If you haven't started watching yet get caught up either on the internet or through your cable on demand and get on this fun ride.

Sarah Shahi is a delight. When I learned of her background I was blown away by her sophisticated style. I just do not expect a cheerleader to have her poise with complex dialog. Even though there are an number of somewhat far-fetched situations and solutions--what show doesn't? I really enjoy a show which deals with conflict resolution through consensus rather than conflict. Shifting between ultimate confidence in dealing with powerful people and self-doubt about her private life, Sarah segues between them with the ease of a true actor. I believe Mz Shahi has a wonderful career ahead of her.

This is one awful show. I can't imagine anyone that knows anything about law liking poorly written and acted show. The show misses on so many other marks as well and really seems juvenile. Why is the writing so cliché'? I would give a zero but seems its not an option. She is a mediator not a defense attorney not a prosecutor so why does she take sides. The first season was really bad but I watched it just so I could laugh at the writing and acting with my sister. This second season is too terrible and painful for us to watch. We now watch Psych to laugh. I'd rather watch a black and white, silent movie staring Nicholas Cage and Kevin Costner, zzzzzz.

You know how just before a new TV series airs the female star will hit the talk show circuit and gush about her character? "I was immediately drawn to (character name) because she's smart, and strong, and sexy, and (character name) believes in truth and fairness, and (character name) has the courage to stand behind her convictions and is't afraid to be herself in a man's world!" And you cringe because you've heard that same tripe again and again and again from every crappy show that's doomed to fail after 3 episodes. Add Fairly Legal to that crap heap. Sarah Shahi as Kate Reed is always right, everyone else is always wrong, and every conflict or solution must be her way or the highway. Seriously, it's 20 freaking' 12 and writers still equate "ball buster" with "strong woman" and "self-absorbed" with "determined"? Seriously? Women deserve better. Viewers deserve better.

The problem Kate faces in each episode is nothing that really makes for exciting television--there is nothing about the plot that makes me need to see the next episode. The writing is cliché and gimmicky, but it's not terrible and every episode manages to have a good one liner. This sitcom is entertaining because Sarah Shahi is so incredibly talented-- she really brings Kate to life and is amazing to watch. She's the only reason I watch fairly legal every week. Regarding the supporting cast: Michael Trucco is a good actor but he's on for two seconds before he has to go attend to something or another-- it's a bit annoying because it would be great to see a bit more of him. Baron Vaughn is likable but I feel like he should be funnier--not sure if its his acting or the writing. Virginia Williams looks beautiful but she is a pretty one dimensional actor -- she can't really hold her own with Sarah Shahi and doesn't give her much to work with. Sarah needs a better show!!!

Finally a show that is new, fresh and more unpredictable than anything on TV. Our legal system is not about truth or even justice it is all about the law and which lawyers best spin it to their advantage. This show produces fair and just settlements that benefit all and at the least cost, not the pompous arrogant people TV portrays lawyers to be. (I know one show says that attorneys MAKE the laws.) I know there are times it gets to be a little sappy but I am tired of shows with all the blood, guts and bodies. It even gives sappiness a fresh spin. The characters have real personality, but that is USA network's motto. To top this all off Sarah Shahi is super-hot. I hope this show runs for many seasons and not just 10 episodes so far......

I liked Fairly Legal at the beginning, but after a few episodes, Sarah's character started to annoy me. She is bossy, slightly rude, thinks she's seen it all, knows it all and has an answer to everything, and patronising at times also. "I can solve everything and listen to me, shut up, do this, don't do that, etc" and her own life is a mess with conflicts with everyone in her life... Also, I find some plots uninteresting and the humour at times really falls flat. The idea of the show is quite good, and it started well but went downhill I think, mainly because her character is not likable enough and plots are not very well thought or covered. Shame.

Sarah Shahi is likely the reason most guys will watch the show, which verges on chick-flicky at times, with dialogue that's a tad cloying. However, the plot lines are quirky and interesting (and, in the pilot, rather funny). Shahi is an extremely personable and cute actress. As seems to be the vogue in contemporary culture, references to the Wonderful World of Oz abound. Atypical of most female leads, Shahi's character lives on a yacht. And the setting, in San Francisco, is a departure from U.S. legal dramas that always seem to be set in New York, or L.A. There are lots of location shots of SF landmarks and icons. However, Canadian viewers should note the signs of two Canadian financial institutions in one of the scenes.

TV shows come; TV shows go. Until a very few years ago, only the "real" networks could produce quality programs. In case you haven't been paying attention, cable networks are now out-shining the "big 4". And now comes USA with "Fairly Legal." It's a lawyer show -- and it isn't. It's a cop show -- and it isn't. It has a hot star as a lead. And, her character is REAL!!! None of the writing is nearly as contrived as most shows' writing seems to be today. The plotting is real, and the episodes conclude with a heart-warming flourish. I hope this show builds an audience, and the ratings keep it on the air. It was a real nice touch to end the pilot with a tribute to Michelle, who died in November of 2010 from cancer.