jeffmedia Reviews

The Good Policeman (1993 TV Movie)

Unsold pilot redux: Ron Silver shined as NYC Cmmish

[5/10 · 7 January 2024]

Fox passed, and we all lost out on a standard police drama that, at it's worst, would've been yet another character-driven mid-90's one-season casualty, but at its best, might've left us with what television never did: A series of standard issue, character-driven 90's television movies (similar to Richard Crenna's JANEK and Brian Dennehy's successful 'Jack Reed' series of TVM's) helmed by a Ron Silver character. Silver was one of the finest, most entertaining and dynamic actors of his generation who's charisma would've easily carried the right series, and who deserves praise for this try-out. This uneven adaptation of a popular novel emerged in an era of television which saw many of our finest actors helm one-season wonders that lacked the gravitas of their star. As the saying so aptly applies: Many are called, few are chosen (to be optioned for the coveted two-season order). Silver's quirky commish never even had the opportunity to see one season. As it is, Ron Silver left us with many memorable performances that often elevated the project he was in. 'The Good Policeman', while no cracking, ground-breaking telefilm, leaves us with something worth cherishing: a one-off TVM helmed by a great actor and supported by a who's-who of the strongest television and film actors of the age. And that's worth celebrating. - @thejeffgram.

Family (1976–1980)

An hour with the Lawrences made for TV time well spent

[10/10 · 23 August 2005]

I first caught this show in re-runs on Lifetime and WOR 9 from New York in the late 80's, and I taped as many episodes as I could manage. I greatly admire the production values and story lines this frequently mawkish, yet unflinchingly progressive piece of late 70's serial TV "dramedy" had to offer in virtually every episode of it's four-year run. All of the key players were exceptional actors, and made for riveting television that has been largely taken for granted. With so much bunk arriving weekly on DVD, Columbia/TrisStar should really pick up the ball on this project and start compiling a comprehensive DVD collection while Sada Thompson and the rest of the crew are still with us, and can offer insightful reminiscence on a long-overdue and much-needed addition to the growing list of good and bad television shows available on DVD.