Kojak

I like it, not exaggerated or vulgar or boring like other series... and Rosslyn Sanchez adds the latina spice, love it... hopefully they'll bring some more episodes..

The first episode of this show doesn't air until March 25th, but I managed to get my hands on the press kit, which contains (along with the press releases and the extremely creative promotional lolly-pops) the DVD of the 2-hour pilot, and if the subsequent shows are as well-written and absorbing as this initial offering, I will most certainly make damn sure I don't miss any of them.

I've always enjoyed Ving Rhames' work; he manages to bring humanity and substance to any role he undertakes, whether he's portraying a good guy, a bad guy, or anything in-between. Here, as the infamous Kojak, he's perfectly on the mark, managing to be tough without making it an ego thing, genuinely sensitive when it's called for, and thoroughly able to do what needs to be done (even if it's in conflict with the 'rules'). The part is tailor-made for him, and I would go so far as to say that if you'd never seen the original show, with Telly S. in the title role, you would swear the part was created FOR Rhames.

The pilot episode starts out good, gets better and better and still better, and by the time it was over, I was ready to sign up (in fact, I did - went to the USA Network's site and submitted my email so I could get the weekly newsletter). The plot has many traditional elements of the genre, of course, but it's the WAY it's done, the WAY it's written and executed that elevate it above the fray. I only hope the rest of the episodes live up to this initial offering. I have a feeling they will.

It's happened before here at IMDb that I've been the first person to post a comment on a movie or a show, but this is the first time that I've actually gotten to be one of the first 5 voters. It's an honor to be able to cast one of these first 5 votes for such a promising and inspired new venture.

Ving Rhames as Kojak? Seriously?

What kind of PC nonsense was that? Might as well cast Charlie Sheen as MLK. Or Samuel Jackson as Gandhi. Or some Swede as Geronimo.

Look, Kojak was an ethnic Greek in a way that was integral to his character. It's just not believable. And the acting was sub par.

This was yet another example of franchise poaching, whereby junk scripts are piled up until a time when the title and character names on one of them can be altered and it be pushed out there.

I watched the new Kojak premiere and the second episode, hoping that I would get a good feel for how the series was. Its a great show that follows most of the cop rules. Tough lead role, Check. Cohorts of fellow cops who admire the lead, check. Interesting but guessable plot, check. Iconic captain figure who provides little help, Check. Nevertheless, Its a really great show. Ving Rhames is one of the great actors of our time. The show also features Michael Kelly, who stared with Ving in Dawn of the Dead. It's Good to see them together again, as they had a great dynamic in the movie.

Sadly I think this series has a limited future. It just doesn't add enough new to the cop genre to keep it interesting and different. However, I hope most people are just like me. You watch it, Enjoy it for what it is, and hope to see more.

I don't have a lot to say except, I can't wait for the new episodes each week! I am a big fan of sarcastic humor, in addition to smooth characters. Ving Rhames pulls off the role with his ability to make anyone understand how situations can be handled versus how you would actually want it handled. I hope the series makes it through for several more seasons. I am kind of itching for Kojak's love life to become more a part of the show, but I guess as people say, patience is a virtue. I think the Kojak/Carmen combination is right on point. There is a definite chemistry with all of the characters/actors of the show. Outside of the late hour, I wouldn't change a thing. And because of Tivo, the hour really isn't an issue. I applaud TNT and Mr. Rhames for the spin they've put on Kojak. Even my husband can't wait for the next week. Thumbs up for Kojak!