Life (there's nothing like it)

[inmyriadbits]

Katie and I just finished doing a full re-watch of Life. Goddamn, but that was a good show. *sheds a tear for the cancellation* I can't believe I'd forgotten the way they opened the series finale by shooting the documentary filmmaker they used as an exposition device throughout the show. BRILLIANT! And just the tiniest bit meta, due to cancellation. :) The finale in general kicks ass on every level. I've had favorite pilot episodes before (namely Alias), favorite first-seasons (Veronica Mars), and even favorite season openers ("In The Shadow of Two Gunmen," The West Wing S2), but before Life, I don't think I've ever had a favorite series finale. Series generally end terribly, in car wrecks or dissatisfaction. Granted, Life knew their end was coming, but still, they knocked it out of the park. I still wish I could have more show, but damn, that is some good writing.

Damian Lewis is stellar throughout. Life is one of those cases where you're blessed not only with a very unique, fascinating character, but with an actor putting on such a great performance that you just can't imagine anyone else in their place. And Sarah Shahi! With someone like Damian Lewis playing a character like Charlie Crews, it would be very easy for the co-star/partner to fall by the wayside -- but then again, Dani Reese is in no way easy. I love the way they interact, the way they argue, the way they both don't understand each other and understand each other better than anyone else in the world.

The writing was always solid, but I do think the cases started consistently reaching "excellent" by S2. One thing they always did well was characterization; they always had these really bizarre cases that on a show like CSI would be gratuitous weirdness, but on Life, it was just in the spirit that life is weird, rather than standing to one side and pointing and staring at the weirdos. Charlie and Dani (and Ted and Rachel and everyone else) are all weird, and broken, but they're still around, and still living, and not really all that different from the people they're arresting or interviewing or burying. I really loved that.

Comments

[ignipes.livejournal.com]

BEST SHOW EVER. I miss it. :(

[inmyriadbits.livejournal.com]

It was really brilliant (and not just because Sarah Shahi is a gorgeous woman or because Damian Lewis wears suit pants like nobody's business ;D). I'm forever grateful that, if they had to end, they ended on a truly fantastic note.

[gingerwall.livejournal.com]

I've had favorite pilot episodes before (namely Alias)

I think my favorite one word of television acting is still that moment when Sydney is in the parking garage and says "Daddy?" So perfect.

Our neighbor got us Season 1 of Life for Christmas last year, but I haven't had the chance to steal it from my parents' house yet. I'll to make sure that actually happens.

[spatz.livejournal.com]

I have Season 2, when you need it ;)

I need to come visit you! When is a good time?

[gingerwall.livejournal.com]

Ummm... Monday/Tuesday are my days off. I'm going to Vegas on the 18th-21st so maybe not right after that. 15th-16th has potential. So does March 29th and 30th, though I might still be hungover from Jeff and Liz's epic birthday pub crawl on the 27th.

Oooh. And if you come on the 15th-16th, then I can wear the white boots in Vegas. But you really shouldn't plan your trip around my footwear. :)

[inmyriadbits.livejournal.com]

But you really shouldn't plan your trip around my footwear.

We have planned trips based on worse things. But SXSW starts on the 12th, so...

[spatz.livejournal.com]

What if we came up on the 8th-9th? It's before SXSW, and right before our birthday, and we can give you those boots pre-Vegas. Kinda short notice for you, though?

[gingerwall.livejournal.com]

That should be fine for me. I can take you out, big D style. I forsee awesomeness.

[spatz.livejournal.com]

Lindsey and I will be there with bells on :)

[inmyriadbits.livejournal.com]

Ha, that's a great moment. Nine years later, my ringtone remains the Nokia standard solely on the basis of that parking garage scene. :)

Katie owns both seasons! It's most excellent television; I think you'd love it. Also, both seasons are free on Hulu. *pimps*