The Firm (2012) User Reviews

A must watch

[sandra-94249 · 10/10 · 14 April 2022]

Contrary to the many reviews on here, I thought this was a terrific thriller. Good story, good acting, and characters that you could connect with. The only thing I have a grievance about is that they left us hanging without a second series.

I highly recommend this series.

I kind of like it.

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 27 January 2012]

I don't remember much about the film "The Firm," and I didn't read the book. This TV series takes up where the film and book left off, with Mitch McDeere (Josh Lucas) deciding to opt out of witness protection after the mobster who wanted him dead dies himself. He and his family, Abby (Molly Parker), their daughter Claire (Natasha Calis), his brother Ray (Callum Keith Rennie), a detective, and Ray's girlfriend Tammy (Juliette Lewis) come home. Mitch opens a private practice, but soon joins forces with a large law firm when he gets a case that could turn into a class action suit.

There's lots going on in this show -- it's told in flashback, and we're shown some very intriguing flash forwards that the story is leading up to. One of Mitch's assigned cases is of a young woman accused of killing a wealthy old lady she had just met; the large firm has some sort of interest in this case, but as yet, we don't know why. And while the mobster is dead, his son has just taken over. Will he want a contract put out on Mitch and his family? We don't know at the time of this writing. And other cases come and go. Plus stuff happening on the family front.

Josh Lucas is very strong as Mitch, and I absolutely love Molly Parker as his wife - a wonderful, graceful presence. Juliette Lewis, as Ray's sexy girlfriend who doesn't look much like a receptionist, is great, as is Rennie as Ray.

I keep reading this show is going to be canceled. Gee, I hope we get to see the whole season.

BRING THIS SERIES BACK!!

[jbsmyr · 10/10 · 8 April 2021]

We're in a pandemic.....we're isolated with our tv's.....and we look for something good.....great if we're lucky......and I found one....this one.... I loved it!

This was a perfect series.....it had a great plot, great acting/cast and a perfect cliff hanger!! Why was this show cut? It deserves to be back!

Top Notch TV

[delhart2001 · 10/10 · 12 January 2012]

Looking at the four reviews that have been posted so far it seems there is a split decision, so i just wanted to make sure that the "good" reviews got the upper hand, so to speak. The writing, directing, acting and plot so far is excellent, i know it is hard to judge something with only seeing the first two episodes, but all i can say is if it continues in this manner then we are in for a really great drama/thriller. For Mr Lucas to jump into the shoes of Tom Cruise and do such a good job, is a credit to his abilities , OK there was a little poetic license applied, but that is expected from any show that is produced, and easy to skip over, it is Television, entertainment for goodness sake, not rocket science. All in all it the opening episodes have set the stage to what could be a really great program, and just for the benefit of the people that will not like it, i have nothing whatsoever to do the the program, and it is a totally unbiased opinion. For those of you that needs to see where this continues from, just grab a copy the the original 1993 film of the same name and give it a spin.

Have a look, make up your own mind

Great series

[amaranth64 · 10/10 · 4 February 2020]

I only found this series in January 2020!!! I love Josh Lucas so would have watched as soon as it was released had I known about it. I loved it - I loved the original film as well - but what a ridiculous ending. It shows great contempt for the paying viewer when shows are cancelled without filming a few extra episodes to round off the story. A couple of extra episodes, as with Timeless, makes all the difference.

Where is the finale?

[catrine-48845 · 10/10 · 10 July 2022]

I loved this series but ,how could they do 22 episodes without a conclusion. It leaves you hanging and I'm so disappointed that it wasn't renewed even for one more episode to tie up all the loose ends. The acting was really good and I really love Josh Lucas. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I watched it in two days even though I knew it did not have an ending. I realize this is from 2012 so there is no hope to find out what happens but overall it was a great show but just know that you'll be disappointed with the last episode.

Great Show, Great characters.

[nicmegara · 10/10 · 24 January 2012]

There is always more to a show than what meets the eye and some critics are either too biased or too old to know what a good show is. I'm not saying i have any experience in that regard but i watch enough TV to know a good show when i see it. The pilot is everything to a new TV show. I believe this show had everything you need in a pilot. Suspense, thrill, curiosity, heart, wit, smarts. etc. etc....The past 4 episodes i've seen haven't failed either. Regardless if you read the stories or saw the movie which i didn't even know existing. I have seen the movie but didn't put the two together. It doesn't matter anyway you will be entertained nonetheless. Great show on a bad network, NBC hasn't been in the loop with good shows. (in my eyes).

Doesn't finish the last case!

[hey_leslie · 30 June 2020]

I hate it when a series doesn't bother to tie up loose ends. They built up all this mystery around the last case, then don't bother to finish it! Otherwise, the series is mostly very edge-of-your-seat entertaining, with interesting characters.

The Firm, not your average crime drama.

[Valithanithizum · 10/10 · 8 January 2012]

The Firm brings to the table an action thriller crime drama that establishes itself as one of the premiere shows on television. Josh Lucas plays the roll of Mitch McDeere, who is a criminal defense lawyer.

Displayed at the beginning we first learn of his involvement in a scheme that goes way beyond just his criminal cases. Those reasons lead him to be assailed by not only the Mob, but crossed and entrapped into his own firm.

Rewinding the time table we journey back 6 weeks before to see exactly how all this played out. Thus begins the gripping tale of The Firm full of honesty, and deceit. Justice, crime, love, and violence, the firm incorporates very strong lead acting by Josh Lucas which carries the show beautifully. A wonderful witty script, and excellent content make this so far an excellent show and one that will most likely draw in quite a large amount of viewers as we are engrossed with how the story unfolds.

Plenty of riveting action, strong acting, meaningful content, and highly entertaining. I think The Firm establishes itself as something else besides just another TV show.

If only they knew the law

[momsipadonly · 4/10 · 13 October 2022]

The film has multiple instances of lawyers acting way outside the law and behaving in ways no lawyer would. Ray and Tammy are much more engaging characters then then Mitch and his wife. The back and forth of time lines gets a little annoying. Mitch acts reckless with the safety of his family in ways that make no logical sense for any parent. His ignoring or warnings from the Marshalls. The whole premise of him Jointing another large firm is ridiculous after why he needed up in witness protection to begin with and then to have it be another group of lawyers committing illegal acts is beyond the place of believability.

One of the best shows. I wish there was another season.

[rhondaml77 · 10/10 · 12 August 2019]

I just heard about this show last week. I binge watched all 22 episodes this weekend. That's how good it was. Every single episode is action packed. You are never disappointed. Until the season ends and you find out there is not a season 2. Every episode keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is not predictable at all. It does flash forward a few times. And that's the way it tells the story. If done correctly, like this show, it works nicely. It is very well done. I love it. I never saw the movie so I have nothing to compare it to, in that aspect.

Vey Good for TV

[Pocketplayer · 8/10 · 31 May 2015]

Yes, cable TV has raised the bar for dramas so high no network show can come close. The Blacklist is good, but falls short. This show is as good and possibly better. If you've watched Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Six Feet Under, The Wire, well the character development and writing is clearly for network TV. This isn't the fault of the actors. Juliette Lewis was a stretch for me playing the same role she always does, but hey, so does De Niro right?

I really liked the show and Josh Lucas is money...excellent lead. He carries the show well. Where this show blew it is character development. The wife as a school teacher who seems always free to get involved in the cases. Really? They did not need this angle. The daughter is an excellent actress. Believable from scene one. This show could have been really good, but network TV wants to fail. This is classic pride before the fall. They will not give up their power and control to make a really good TV show and settle for mediocrity. This ain't 1985 anymore. They cannot get away with the A-Team type shows...we have reality TV for that now!

Enjoyable

[simonwaite-571-655853 · 9/10 · 30 August 2021]

Only just found during the Covid lockdown really enjoyed it courtroom drama lots of twists. But after invest in so much time and effort can't believe it the powers that be and TV world cancel that after the first season especially after reading most of reviews they all enjoyed it Baffles me how some shows get cancelled which are really good and you get season after season of royalty garbage.

Exciting and Thought Provoking

[wnicolow-1 · 10/10 · 8 April 2012]

We have enjoyed this series and find each member of the cast grows on you like a good friend. The only problem we have is with the network and the fact that they keep delaying episodes or changing the broadcast time.

The many little stories going on simultaneously with the cast is great and the director never leaves you without continuity from chapter to chapter. Some viewers may not prefer the on-going investigation of corruption that appears to creep along from episode to episode. But that is what real life is about. This program is similar in format to one of my other favorite series: "Burn Notice".

Watch it and you will be hooked.

One of the best series in the past few years.

[igorok1991 · 10/10 · 13 January 2012]

Though this TV-Series is not based fully on the amazing book by John Grisham, it is still as interesting and captivating to watch, as it was to read the book. It has great cast with Josh Lucas and charming Molly Parker along with other great actors. Interesting plot which will keep you guessing what happens next. I am sure that this is the best new series in the past few years and hopefully this won't be another Flashforward and The Event which lasted only for one season. I really think that this show is here to stay, it has a lot of potential and so many ways which it can go. Also, if you love The Suits as much as I do, then I am sure you will love The Firm too.

I'm Sticking With It -- and Still Hanging in There

[cabluedevil25 · 9/10 · 4 March 2012]

Have watched THE FIRM since it started. The "wet-behind-the-ears" Tom Cruise has returned 10 years later as the mature Josh Lucas in the Mitch McDeere role -- and that's a huge improvement. Lucas carries the show, and is a terrific (albeit hugely idealistic) lead. The brother Ray has caught fire as his best ally in the past 2-3 shows, after a modest start.

I suppose the two biggest reasons I like this show are (1) it's a combination of Perry Mason & The Fugitive, and (2) Tricia Helfer is the most venomous female lead since Jane Badler in "V". She snarls when talking about people behind their backs (all of whom are beneath her), then turns on the charm when they drop into her penthouse office.

There are instances in several episodes where the story lags, but then there's an action scene just around the corner to perk you up. Also, each episode includes a weekly case that must be started and decided within about 38-40 minutes of airtime -- not easy to pull off. The rest of the hour is spent on advancing the overall plot line. But despite this observation, it's still a damn good show -- so I'm in for the duration.

UPDATE -- so now it's nearly three months later in the saga ... NBC has jacked us around by switching it to Saturday nites, then pre-empting it in a heartbeat. But I'm still t'round, and a loyal fan. I have caught the headlines about the upcoming "cancellation" -- but that's something I'm not buying since we're now only 4-5 shows short of the 22 episodes that were originally shot. I suspect with episode 22 will come the resolution of the whole yarn, and I'm good with that. Josh Lucas is still firmly in control as the lead, and does a damn good job. The characters of Ray, Tammy, and Abby have defined themselves as the weeks have gone by. Two weeks ago, after a surprise suicide, I was trying to figure out where they would head next to keep me riveted, but the storywriters have now brought the long smoldering MOB out of the bullpen, and back into the picture, as well as this surprisingly strange behavioral twist in Mrs. McDeere. I think both of these plots will play out nicely in the next month, and THE FIRM will run its course. Again, I think it is entertaining, dynamic, and just feverish enough in its pacing to outrun our chance to say "now wait a minute" when something doesn't ring 100& true. It is a lot like the vastly underrated film "The Parallax View", where Director Alan Pakula gave us a roller-coaster of (somewhat) plausible plot twists, and never let us catch our breath to protest. So the critique here is unwavering -- I've been in the flow for 18+ weeks, I'm good to go for the final 4. I happen to like this show ... and Josh Lucas is THE MAN... !

Great show and keeps you intensely interested.

[elvispress-ley · 9/10 · 11 March 2012]

Over the last 5 days, my wife and I have just watched all the episodes so far. While i see some negative reviews, i feel how we have watched the show have been far more enjoyable. We did like wise with Lost and Prison Break. So maybe we have found a system that works well for us (watch several episodes at once) but i feel with shows i listed above, it may well be essential. This way you can keep up to date and be more clued in to the show and story lines. While i see something that i feel is stupid, i.e. they all discover that the list of numbers on the noble card is now a fake, they never presume that the bag/case may have been altered in some way, LIKE be bugged. Besides which show or movie doesn't have little flaws or errors? Anyway the way this show is written, directed and acted is extremely clever and we so hope it goes beyond one season.

Solid entertainment

[MyContribution · 7/10 · 6 March 2023]

Review

We thoroughly enjoyed watching all 22 episodes. While we wish there had been a second season, there was some sense of conclusion at the end-it wasn't the 'cliffhanger' i feared having consulted imdb. I found all of the actors good. Of course there is some degree of poetic licence taken with realism, but easily overlooked as you care for the characters and their search to set things right. Overall, very enjoyable. The weak point is the overuse of the flasbacks and flashforwards, the scenes labelled 'two weeks earlier/later', but you get used to it. The fact that most reviewers have expressed dismay at there not being a full conclusion is proof of how engaging the storylines and characters are. Well worth the watch.

Dreadful Ending

[dave-goodman-130-352295 · 4/10 · 3 June 2020]

I can't believe I just wasted 22 episodes time of my life for a show that abruptly ends with no conclusion whatsoever and is then cancelled. I saw the original film which was great. This show also had potential however like many network tv shows anything further than 10 episodes spreads it too thin with lots of silly plot twists and turns and this show was no different. Luckly very good actors just about kept it going with the exception of the so called mob and russian actors. I bet the real Mob families are cringing watching this especially the Muralto's which reminded me of the film Bugsy Malone many years ago with children playing all the lead roles. I don't really know what else to say as it didn't even end on a cliff hanger (except for Mitch practicing his Parkour jumps) it went absolutely nowhere in the end. It's no wonder Josh Lucas was extremely dissapointed in this series (quote).

Entertaining but, not sustainable

[MichaelBBBBB · 6/10 · 25 March 2012]

While I am entertained by this show, it suffers from 2 major flaws. First has become the Hollywood standard of showing an exciting scene in the future at the beginning and then going back and building toward that. Shows that do this, such as "Flashpoint" really disappoint me. You know from the beginning that the outcome showed at the beginning is unlikely or out of context. This is simply a way for lousy writers to entice us without the skill of proper storytelling to build suspense. This has become the norm in too many shows now, including CSI and NCIS.

The second problem is that you can't sustain this kind of story line for multiple seasons. "The Net" was one good example. The show will quickly become boring like "Nikita" where none of the major characters die. I get that, for the industry, the actors need a steady paycheck and that we as consumers need our favorite characters but, this story won't be worth watching by season 3.

I hope that this show will finish with a respectable ending before they start beating a dead horse.

moderately interesting, plot too convoluted

[Ted_Parkinson · 4/10 · 16 June 2013]

This show had moments of intrigue and the whole 'conspiracy' thing is pretty interesting. Some episodes managed to build a good story arch that kept me interested for a while. The biggest problem is with the lead character Mitch McDeere. For a supposed smart lawyer he is dumber than a post. Every other episode requires him to get into some situation that everyone knows is very stupid but he "just has to do it" and ignores everyone's advice. And this is really the main plot driver: Mitch's bullheaded stupidity. If this were pulled out every 6th episode they might get away with it, but time after time it wears thin very quickly. The mixing of 'current' cases with the overall conspiracy theme is also awkwardly handled. We are not sure if it's a regular lawyer show, or a conspiracy show. It's BOTH and neither really work. The attraction and tension between Mitch and his wife is also pretty artificial. I was happy when this was canceled.

Good show, definitely worth watching.

[mendo49 · 10/10 · 18 March 2012]

I enjoy this program. It's refreshing to have a show that is intelligent and entertaining. I like the difference of the characters, the two brothers are as different as night and day, as well as the two women - a nice compliment. I did not read the book or see the movie, so I am not familiar with the storyline but it's interesting, nice twists and turns. A bit of an adjustment in showing the end of the story and then to the beginning, it keeps the show interesting.

Unlike this show, so much of the programming on TV these days isn't worth watching - too stupid, too much sex, too many breasts, canned laughter, lame characters, spoiled children - young and old, idiot story lines, etc.

Good show. I feel that this show is worth the time it took to register for this site and hopefully, it will encourage other people to watch this program, I hope it will not be canceled.

Watched it all , root canals are more enjoyable

[rosebailey2524 · 2/10 · 26 August 2023]

I love mystery shows but this writing just pisses me off. Over 12 episodes and he never thought to check his bag that he just randomly got back for bugs. I get not wanting not to know but this is ridiculous. This story could have been wrapped up in a two hour movie. It shouldn't have been strung out into 22 episode show. I wish they wouldn't have continued to flash back and forward. It would have been a much better show if they would have stayed with the main story and focused more on the drama bits like the love life. Also everyone is show is stuck up or just plain stupid. The rules mcdear plays by are also inconsistent and overly annoying.

Less flashy didn't get the ratings

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 16 September 2013]

This follows the events of the John Grisham's novel "The Firm" 10 years later. Mitchell McDeere (Josh Lucas) had brought down the Chicago mob's Memphis law firm of Bendini, Lambert & Locke. The McDeeres had stayed in the Federal Witness Protection Program and left. Now they are reemerging to start a new law firm.

Callum Keith Rennie plays his brother Ray. Molly Parker plays his wife Abby. Juliette Lewis plays his brash secretary Tammy. They are all great actors doing a good job. Juliette Lewis is able to add a bit of flashiness. If there is a problem, it's probably the lower budget Toronto production. It's just not up to snuff. I do appreciate the less flashy production values, but I doubt the general public liked it. The low ratings would indicate they didn't.

Decent Lawyer, Spy story

[aurasbob · 8/10 · 24 January 2019]

I enjoyed the move it had many good parts to it but it wa too long & drawn out there episode than it should have The acting was very good & were enjoyable. A new director might make it a solid 8.