IMHO "Southland" (1.1): Pilot

Editor's Note: This IMHO ran previously. We're reposting today following last night's TNT premiere - discuss away!

Is all of the anticipation over the inclusion of a gay cop character warranted, or is it a big bust? (Get it? Cop - bust ... Ha!)

Check out my spoiler-filled take on the premiere below, and tell me if you agree with my up-arrow...

Why am I giving this show an up arrow? Because the character of John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz) is rude, crude, insensitive, cynical, jaded, loud, and abrasive. And frankly, I love it! He's also the most entertaining and potentially interesting character, and the fact that he's gay but such an Andy Sipowicz is refreshing.

Michael Cudlitz lectures Ben McKenzie

Unfortunately, the show that surrounds him isn't anything we haven't seen before. It has a good cast, including Ben McKenzie (who makes almost no impression at all until his final scene), and the fabulous Regina King, who I've liked ever since her days as a teen on 227.

But like John Cooper, the show is strictly by-the-books. There are no surprises, and most of the plot points are telegraphed well in advance. To be honest, if it wasn't for the gay cop, I probably wouldn't give this show a second viewing.

But I am interested to see what they do with the Cooper character, so I'll definitely be back to see what happens. And the pilot does leave a few lingering questions, which was probably intentional. Did John know the perp (hey, I've got the jargon down!) in the squad car ... the one he later talks to in the bar, or is it just a coincidence? Is he out to all of his colleagues? Is he in a relationship?

Oh, and to all of you who were whining complaining that they didn't make "the hot character" gay, you are so wrong. They most certainly did make the hot character gay.

So what did you think about the pilot? Love it? Hate it? Will you be back to see what they do with the potentially fascinating character of John Cooper?