World Famous Comics: Murder One - The Complete Second Season
Murder One - The Complete Second Season
Directed By: Lesli Linka Glatter, James Hayman, Nancy Savoca, Joe Ann Fogle, Elodie Keene Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: DVD Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Full Screen, Subtitled, NTSC Label: 20th Century Fox Number of Items: 5 Region Code: 1 Release Date: November 15, 2005 Running Time: 810 minutes Theatrical Release Date: September 19, 1995
Description: Earning overwhelming critical acclaim and numerous honors during its debut season -- including a 1996 People's Choice Award and a Golden Globe nomination for Outstanding Drama Series -- MURDER ONE returns for a second season of compelling courtroom drama. Co-created and executive produced by Steven Bochco, MURDER ONE will follow three riveting cases, beginning with an explosive political assassination that will have a major impact on the personal and professional of high-powered attorney James Wyler (portrayed by Anthony LaPaglia in his television series debut).
Amazon.com: Despite declining ratings and the constant threat of cancellation, the second season of Murder One was every bit as good as the first. With the addition of Anthony LaPaglia as a well-chosen replacement for departing series star Daniel Benzali (whose character, Teddy Hoffman, presumably retired from practicing law), the Los Angeles firm of Hoffman & Associates found itself with an able strategist in three compelling murder cases, unfolding over the course of 18 memorable episodes. LaPaglia (who would later star in Without a Trace) plays Jimmy Wyler, a former Deputy District Attorney whose defense methods (a combination of ethical conviction and legal manipulation) are challenged when he defends a young woman (Missy Crider) suspected of killing L.A.'s philandering mayor on the eve of reelection. With episodes (or "Chapters") 5 through 7, the season smoothly transitions to Wyler's defense of an NBA superstar (Rick Worthy) suspected of killing his team's owner. The third case begins with Chapter 13, when Wyler defends a bright but unstable serial killer (convincingly played by Pruitt Taylor Vince) nicknamed "The Street Sweeper" for self-righteously "executing" 17 ex-convicts who'd committed heinous crimes.
Superior production values, direction, and especially writing (much of it by series cocreators Steven Bochco and Charles Eglee) were seamlessly carried over from season 1, in addition to most of Murder One's excellent supporting cast. Along with temporarily replaced law-firm receptionist Louis Hines (John Fleck), Barbara Bosson returns as prosecutor Miriam Grasso, whose courtroom sparring with LaPaglia is consistently lively, smart, and strategically intriguing. Romance blossoms slowly but sensibly between Wyler and associate Justine Appleton (Mary McCormack), and the addition of new associate Aaron Mosely (D.B. Woodside, who later played the President's brother on 24) inspires a competitive edge between himself and fellow associates Chris Docknovich (Michael Hayden) and the smarmy, underachieving Arnold Spivak (played to perfection by J.C. MacKenzie). Clayton Rohner and Jack Kehler round out the cast as (respectively) L.A. Detective Vince Baggio and private investigator Frank Szymanski, who dig for facts that may, or may not, strengthen Wyler's defense. Throughout the season, guest stars like Ralph Waite (as a wealthy, threatening power broker), Ron Canada (a no-nonsense judge), Gregory Itzin (as L.A.'s scheming new mayor) and John Pleshette (as the comically sleazy Hollywood producer Gary Blondo) make vital contributions to the unfolding plots, with mysteries that are cleverly maintained for maximum viewer involvement.
Unfortunately, excellence did not translate into ratings. The morally complex Murder One was dealt a fatal blow when an extended hiatus was imposed after Chapter 12 was broadcast on January 23, 1997. Only the most loyal viewers saw the final six episodes of this truncated season, broadcast back-to-back over three nights the following May. By that time, the series' fate was sealed. Appropriately, the "Final Verdict: Season Two" featurette (the only bonus on these DVDs) functions as a bittersweet eulogy, with director Randy Zisk, producer/director Marc Buckland, and primary cast members (not including LaPaglia) praising all aspects of the show, and expressing fond memories for a series that brought out the best from everyone involved. --Jeff Shannon
Sad their was not a season three Murder One was a well written show. It did take some time to get use to the changes in season two, but I did and very much enjoyed the season. The second season was very good in its own right.
No Benzali...Completely Different Show Season One was Brilliant. While the supporting cast remained the same, the show was never close to the original.
A real disappoint in comparison. Not bad but it's like comparing a tricycle to a BMW. I guess they'll both get you there but there is a real difference in the ride.
Buy Season One.
Murder One - Season Two Excellent! The first two fast-paced cases keep your heart racing. The second half of Murder One season Two draws you in and forces you to ponder and contemplate - could I have done what this man did? Would I have repeated and repeated and justified my murders as he did? The touch of wry comedy with the elderly lady and her young spouse-to-be provided a rest for your over-worked heartbeat. If you enjoy twists and turns; law and order; murder and sanctity, you will enjoy Murder One season Two.
No Benzali, No Murder One I remember originally watching season one and thinking "this is the most inspired television ever written." It was also perfectly cast. Daniel Benzali in Season One is pure magic as Ted Hoffman, as is the ever-perfect Stanley Tucci. Season One is like a perfectly choreographed ballet. Season two just couldn't pull it off. At the time, many of us abandoned ship the minute Daniel Benzali was "replaced." Buy Season One and forget Season two. It is indeed, forgettable.
Season 2 Needs More Seasoning I have to say I'm quite surprised at the accolades over season 2. Anthony LaPaglia is a fine enough actor in his own right but Benzali he ain't!!! The understated Benzali in my opinion WAS season one. Check out the Special Features of the season one DVD and watch DB get misty over the character...priceless!
Although I was hoping I'd get caught up in the follow on, I wasn't. I respect those who are enjoying the next chapter, it just wasn't for me.
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Megaton Man
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