A legal drama series, set in New York.

Each season focuses on a single civil suit case, pursued by the Hewes & Associates law firm. Glenn Close plays the part of Patty Hewes - a brilliant, powerful lawyer intent on winning her cases, no matter the cost. Ellen Parsons (played by Rose Byrne) is a young hotshot attorney, hired by the firm in the beginning of first season.

Despite being a legal drama, there are no court proceedings to be found in the show; Instead, the series focuses on behind-the-scenes stuff: investigation, shady deals, maneuvering, negotiations. Along with the firm's point of view, the targets' side is fully explored. There is no "faceless evil" to be found - everyone is human, flawed, corrupted.

Some things I love about it; the acting is top-notch. The narrative is brilliantly woven, mostly linear, with some flash-forwards to stimulate your curiosity. It's seriously dark - there are no moments of catharsis to be found - no humor either.

As mentioned before, there are no archetypes. Not one character is a good or bad guy - there is only power, and those too weak to seek it (quote fits 100%).

Despite how interesting the legal aspects are, I find the most alluring part of the series (and it's true focus, in my opinion) to be the relationship between Patty and Ellen. Mentor and protégé are always engaged in a dance of manipulation. Most of the time their goals coincide, but when they don't, no punches are pulled.

Season four finished a week or so ago. Found it a tiny bit weaker than earlier ones - still some of the best TV I've ever watched.

Heartily recommended to anyone that enjoys quality television.

 

Meh. There are too many legal dramas for me to give a shit about a new one, no matter how good it might be.

 

I saw the first episode of this on Netflix a while ago, but never continued it. The thing that really stood out for me was the acting. It was really good, surprisingly. The plot never really drew me in though. I found that it fell a little flat, made me wonder why I should care. I'll go watch the second episode now to see if it draws me in a bit more, since it's hard to judge a show on the first episode.

Btw, to anyone trying to find this show, IIRC it can only be found on Netflix and a DirectTV channel.