Shark (2006–2008) User Reviews (40)

Let James Woods be James Woods!

[ancatdoh · 8/10 · 29 September 2006]

I've seen the first two episodes, and within the confines of a one hour network TV lawyer drama, Shark is very good, and for James Woods fans, lots of great James Woods moments. Dialogue sounds like it was written for him, and we get that great Woods sarcasm and slashing style.

I had long since abandoned network TV, but this one had a pretty good premise and James Woods is perfectly cast.

Some great chemistry with all these egos (DA, LAPD brass, defense lawyers), and the daughter adds some depth and a human side his character tries hard to hide.

Sure, there's overlap with his character in the McMartin Pre-School movie, but still worth putting down the remote for an hour on Thursday nights.

A must see for James Woods fans, and this show could earn him some new ones.

This is canceled, Kardashians live on.

[temeriti-951-424550 · 8/10 · 12 August 2022]

I'm legitimately distressed by the fact that shows like this and Boston Legal get canceled but the Kardashians are on, like, their 87th spin-off. I officially have no faith in humanity.

Great character, great setup... great show?

[Grinand · 7/10 · 17 August 2006]

The pilot for "Shark" was directed by Spike Lee. I honestly couldn't tell. There's nothing about it that is particularly cinematic or edgy.

But the premise is pretty neat. A highly paid, highly successful defense lawyer - James Woods - is forced into service on the other side of the barrister. He is now a district attorney for the state of California. Plus, he's asked to go after the same celebrities he used to defend.

So the episode plots of "Shark" could have it both ways - indulge in the scintillating glitz and seedy glamour of Hollywood while simultaneously bringing those sinners down every week. All with a great, snarky, brash anti-hero.

Unfortunately, the last third of the pilot started to get a little sappy and predictable (the main character begins to soften a little too quickly for my taste, no doubt helped by his unrealistically wise and aware daughter), but I still have hope.

Woods sets it apart

[glennsouthall · 9/10 · 9 December 2007]

Shark is a classy, although formulaic investigative/courtroom drama series joining a host of similar efforts coming out of the States, such as CSI, Boston Legal, Law and Order and so on. The premise is nice....former top defence lawyer turned champion of the people for self-redemption...and the performances, scripts, production etc is of the high standard one would expect in this well proved line. But what sets it apart and propels it to a different level is James Woods. Better casting for the part of the sharp, supremely confident and wise-cracking ("Don't shoot, this is a new suit")lawyer is impossible to imagine. In fact it is because he is so good that I rate the series as a 9 and not a 10. How does that work? Well, without Wood's brilliance the few scenes in which he does not appear seem unduly flat and tame by comparison. Unfair, I know, but Woods is that good.

Sadly, the series is a one trick pony (crime-suspect-twist-shark prevails) which means it can't run forever, so get it while you can and immerse yourself in witnessing a true master of his craft revelling in a vehicle tailor made for his talents.

Season 1 is a Good Show

[zombiemockingbird · 7/10 · 30 January 2020]

I love James Woods, and I really like this show. Is it realistic? Probably not, but no TV shows are. A lot of negative reviews compare it to Boston Legal, another good show with another actor (James Spader) who I absolutely love. Other than being about law, the shows are nothing alike; it's like comparing South Park to The Wonder Years. Shark has interesting story lines, and James Woods does his usual good job, with a fairly good supporting cast. The only glaring mistake is his daughter; poor acting and poor writing of her character. She's an over the top annoying spoiled brat, and anyone who is that moronically stupid, would never have lived this long. There are a few really bad stories, like the genius serial killer who they wasted three shows on; he was ridiculous and his story was tiresome and tedious.Other than that I'm sorry they cancelled it after two seasons; it had the potential to be a great show. Edit: I originally gave this a 9, but after getting further into season 2, I changed it to a 7. Season 2 has too much Jeri Ryan and not enough James Woods. It also focuses way too much on the daughter, who is about as interesting as a wart. She's so incredibly stupid, it's painfully embarrassing to watch. This girl and the way her parents let her do whatever she wants, is exactly what is wrong with our society. Pathetic. I don't know who the actress is playing her part but she's not going to win any awards anytime soon.

So far so good.....

[ceche · 10/10 · 20 October 2006]

It's really quite early to tell (series 1, episode 5), but so far this show is excellent. James Woods simply rules the show with his overly sarcastic and yet compassionate character, he should be considered for an Emmy. However, his co-stars are also very good, each one of the young lawyers working alongside Stark represents an aspect of the Shark himself and the actors are very good at conveying that. I strongly recommend this show to "Cold Case" fans, as there are some similar elements: flashbacks showing the play out of the crime, gripping turns of events and especially a lot of charisma from the main character & co. The script is very effective in guiding the viewers through the legal (or not) ramifications of each case, managing to keep them stuck to their seats without the aid of distracting tricks. Everything revolves around Stark's natural habitat, the courtroom, however the underlining story lines are not suffocated by it, nor do they distract the viewers from the main focus. Finally, last but not least, the humour is fantastic, the jokes are always original and witty, not to mention delivered in a perfectly clever way, through the truly masterful performance of James Woods. I don't watch a lot of TV, but I thought this was worth the effort, I hope you will as well.

Woods is great but that's about all

[slapdab · 7/10 · 28 May 2007]

This is an excellent vehicle to show how good an actor James Woods is. He carries it and when he is on screen you don't look at anyone else.

Jeri Ryan, Danielle Panabaker and Henry Simmons are OK. Unfortunately, the actors playing his young assistants appear to have been chosen for their looks rather than their acting skills. They are generally bland and uninteresting. Sarah Carter is the worst - you would think she is on a catwalk. She always seems to be trying to show off her looks and dare not have a expression on her face unless it cracks. Is she a shop window dummy or something?

However, I would like to make a special mention for Alexis Cruz: he is inexperienced but he makes an effort. I wish him well.

Unique, well scripted show

[familyguyrocks-1 · 10/10 · 7 December 2006]

I love this show for many reasons. One, I love James Woods. He's a great actor and does a terrific job playing the role of a determined ex-defense attorney becoming exactly what he used to defend his clients against. Two, I love the story lines and how fast paced this show is. From the beginning, each episode leaves you on the edge of your seat waiting for more. There are so many emotional elements in each episode that'll make you laugh, cry, become upset, and become anxious all within 10 minutes of one another. Lastly, this show offers what most crime/law dramas don't offer: The personal lives of the main characters (Danielle Panabaker does a terrific job with her role also). You will not be disappointed with this show, it is one of the best dramas out there right now. I really hope CBS will hold on to this show for at least 5 seasons or more.

Great Show, so let's make sure we cancel it. OK?

[Launchd-II · 30 December 2010]

Oops! Guess they DID cancel it!

I am so worn out on this treatment of intelligent, enticing, involving TV. Being a tad biased regarding the Great James Woods, I really enjoyed him in a weekly outing with a great cast. Even Jeri Ryan did great, totally shedding the bloat-image "Seven of Nine" boring image. Every time I see people from Shark on other series I still head over to IMDb to see what they went off to since departing one of the more fun and well done series in the past 20 years. ...love to see the TV gods fold Shark's characters into occasional appearances on the new "The Defenders". Yeah that's it- that could be the ticket!

Happy 2011 to all.

BP

I watch this for James Woods

[chrichtonsworld · 7/10 · 18 February 2007]

What can I say about "Shark"! First I was really excited because James Woods would be the main character! The pilot episode was great in which you could see how talented he is! Only I couldn't see him working with a team! He does work with these people,but honestly I don't really care about the other team members! Since they don't add something extra to the show! One exception was episode "Wrath of Kahn" in which Cruz dies at the end. It was very dramatic and unexpected! To me it gave a boost to the show,so I couldn't wait for next episode! I was hoping for a funeral, a tribute or something! Nothing happened concerning Cruz! They just went on, only one moment they mentioned his name. Come on,in real life you at least talk about it. What about grieve! They supposed to be a close team! Also the episodes aren't that interesting! There is nothing new,it all has been done before by other shows! The only reason I still watch this show is because of James Woods. It is to bad they don't develop his character a bit more! Maybe in the future episodes things will change!

Obnoxious 'Good Guy' Doesn't Work

[ccthemovieman-1 · 5/10 · 24 January 2009]

My guess is that one of the big reasons this show got canceled was that, in the long run, people are not going to relate to a "hero" - the supposed "good guy" - when he's not a good guy.

It's nice to see a super-smart lawyer help put away the bad guys, but "Shark" is so unlikable, so devoid of any principles, so arrogant and hyper - eventually people tune out.

Hey, James Woods is a great actor, a super-intelligent guy in "real life," and always interesting....but his role here is just way too obnoxious. His young group of assistants are all PC-sickening people. "Shark"s incredibly beautiful daughter, played blandly by Danielle Panabaker, is also a Hollywood stereotype: a kid smarter than her parents. The fact that her father is an extremely successful lawyer makes it all the more ludicrous when the daughter wins every argument.

I go could go on and on, but what's the point? The show is history, and that's no surprise. Watching the first two episodes back-to-back for two hours the other night was enough for me. The writers of this show outsmarted themselves.

Why are all of the good shows cancelled?

[madeitbygrace · 9/10 · 12 November 2020]

I so wish someone would pick this up for a reboot! James Woods is so awesome in this series, and along with the rest of the cast! Someone please, please bring this back!!!

all about James Woods

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 10 September 2013]

Sebastian Stark (James Woods) is a hot-shot defense attorney. Only, his latest successful client got off to kill again. He is devastated and joins the prosecution vowing to put away the guilty. Danielle Panabaker plays his daughter. Sophina Brown and Sarah Carter play his minions. Jeri Ryan plays the D.A.

James Woods creates a great character. He drives the show simply by the powers of his personality. In fact, his manic energy overpowers everything else on the screen. It works for the first season. His energy literally powers the whole show. However, it never developed enough support from the other characters. The second season just deteriorated. Without more support, Woods' act gets tiring.

not at all like real court

[swatjester-1 · 4/10 · 7 February 2008]

Tries for the wit and speed of Boston Legal and fails. While another commentator tries to say "this is what real prosecutors do", he obviously has no clue. Real trial work, especially criminal, is slow, tedious, and boring. 90% of cases don't go to trial, and the ones that do never look anything like TV.

It's not a bad show, but it's not as good as Boston Legal, not by far. The acting is OK, the camera work is mediocre, and the writing is average. Ho hum. Another average court show. If I wanted to watch that I'd watch one of the dozens of law and order knockoffs. There's no real catch to this show.

One man domination.

[haildevilman · 10/10 · 2 October 2007]

James Woods has played everything from cops to serial killers to politicians. His intensity makes him one to watch. Thanks to 'Shark" I can watch him weekly.

Woods owns this show from beginning to end. NO one else could make this work anywhere near as well. And the best part is his supporting cast doesn't seems to mind just following along.

That said, his support does a great job. And is it just me, or does Henry "Isaac" Simmons resemble WWE's "The Rock?" Woods' snarky attitude combined with the character's never-say-die motif make every scene he's in a joy to watch. And the trial scenes are a blast.

Welcome to TV James. Keep the greatness going.

Beginning of Shark

[writer997-1 · 10/10 · 29 October 2006]

James Wood plays that quick, no nonsense type of personality that gives credence to what real Prosecutors are like. Dig deep, get every tidbit of information you can before you go after the person being accused. That is what the real team does..they go to every person that the one accuse of doing the crime has had contact with and follow every lead until they are exhausted. No clue left unturned. I do believe this is going to an exciting series if given the chance. I realize there are many law and order type films out there, but this one seems to be more realistic. It not only goes into the court room, it goes into the life of the Prosecutor with his family and the problems that his profession has caused. Too many hours working, missing too many special occasions etc; I will continue to watch it unfold and see where it leads us.

Shark is Seasoned ***1/2

[edwagreen · 9/10 · 23 October 2007]

James Woods, a fabulous actor, has a major hit on his hands with the television show "Shark." He is just magnificent as a fast-talking, brilliant former defense attorney, who had a change of heart when he got a client off only for the latter to subsequently kill his wife.

As a divorced man, with a very precocious daughter, Woods is engaging as he gets his staff to battle crime literally. He is a forever driving force with his group. Nonetheless, his actions pay off.

Danielle Pannabaker co-stars as his daughter, very bright but not that perceptive. At the end of each show, the stories generally focus about her. The girl knows how to get in trouble. I hope that tragedy will not ensue.

Each week we are presented with a murder case. The obvious always doesn't pan out.

Where was an Emmy nomination for Woods last season?

riding the short bus to the courthouse

[pancake_repairman · 4/10 · 6 August 2007]

A hackneyed subpar written show in every aspect. You have the middle-aged hotshot lawyer who is blatantly sexist, a characteristic I doubt this show would have dared use if Boston Legal hadn't already taken the chance on not being PC and proved it to be acceptable. Beyond that the difference is in Boston Legal the sexual comments are funny and unique, here it's just ignorant coattail riding. "Have him make a sexual comment about the woman, it'll be funny". It isn't. Then you have the antagonism with the tough chick lawyer nemesis, a character who is utterly humourless and naively overzealous in her moralizing without offering a unique perspective on anything. So their dynamic is the classic cliché of the free and easy man and the uptight woman. Gee, do you think they'll have a breakthrough moment where he gets her to lighten up? I wonder. Even the opening part where the star's lawyer skills are supposedly demonstrated is amazingly dumb. He gets his client acquitted of an attempted murder charge by pointing out that he called an ambulance and stopped his victim bleeding to death, which he obviously wouldn't do if he wanted them dead. Wow, awesome deducting Sherlock. The overanimated panache with which James Woods plays the scene only serves to emphasize the banality of the writing by being so at odds with it. Not to compliment his acting though. His character is apparently unable to speak without becoming a bobble-head. Then he gives a speech about why he wins all his cases which he dubs his "Cutthroat Manifesto" which consists of a bunch of nonsensical hot air that has no apparent practical application. "Rule number one, trial is war, second place is death." OK, I guess if you can view a case as your life depending on it it would motivate you harder, but... that's just moronic. Then "truth is relative, find one that works". Uh huh, isn't that the principle all defense lawyers operate under by default? This isn't even a second rate Boston Legal, it's a bunion on the foot of that far superior show both dramatically and comedically. The redemptive family values in the home aspect of the star's life has marginally more appeal but is a lighter retread of what you've seen in every popular cable drama of the past five years.

Shark

[peaslyz · 10/10 · 13 May 2007]

This is the sort of thing i've been waiting to see for a long time..

Recently crime and/or drama series have started to become repetitive. They seem to have lost some of their edge. 'Shark' was obviously made to blow out the cobwebs.. very refreshing..!

James Woods is excellent as 'Shark'.. very believable as the 'dad'.. It will be interesting to see how he balances that with his work.. However i hope the series WON'T be concentrating too much on that..

I like the way the story progresses towards a huge ending.. you know its going to be exciting..! The courtroom scenes are really believable, very intense..

Extremely gripping stuff.. About time too..

Better Without Daughter

[lynnbar0320 · 4/10 · 22 January 2022]

Watching this show for the first time. Not bad. But what will probably cause me to stop watching it soon (I'm on the 11th episode of the 1st season) is his daughter. I cannot stand her.

Someone in a previous review said that she was 'a poor actress, the writing for her was poor, and the she was an over the top, annoying spoiled brat'. I'm gonna add whining, boring, irritating, etc.. Well, I think the message is understood.

I did not like her AT ALL. Every time the plot line was getting pretty interesting, here she would come with some stupid 'problem/situation' - at his office, even, interrupting him while he was working, I wish his wife would have gotten full custody of her in the show. Every time she appears (usually out of nowhere - 'poof' and there she is sitting in his chair in office, or where ever...) I fast forward the online video

I would have given it a higher rating had she not been in the show. It would have been a better 'grown-up show' without her.

You dont get any better than this, James Woods is electrifying in this role.

[michaelt-41415 · 10/10 · 19 February 2019]

Ive just seen the pilot, and it was top notch. James Woods as an actor could sell a bald man a hair brush, and in this series he is totally brilliant doing just that figuratively speaking of course.

Fast paced intelligent super dialogue should keep James Woods fans hooked when he goes after the bad guys.

Why there are only two series beats the hell out of me ? particularly considering James Woods is up there with America's finest actors.

Shark is brilliant. sharp concise quick witted scripts. There should be 10 series.

American drama writers are the best in their field intellectually, and philosophically. Whether the series is about a hospital, a fire station, or a police department.. The writing is always of high intellect, streetwise, and philosophical.. P.S. I'm an Englishman, living in England..

Shark in my opinion is Perry Mason with an edge.

Just sit back with your popcorn watch and enjoy..

Shark

[ivankaIMDB · 8/10 · 14 April 2012]

I enjoy the show. Sebastian Stark (James Woods) goes from defending the bad guys to prosecuting them. And he goes with style. Yes, there are better & worse episodes, but every episode so far has been watchable, enjoyable and funny. The "little helpers" from his office might appear to be too good looking for their job but once Woods is on the scene there are all forgotten. Also, Jeri Ryan, who plays Stark's boss, for some reason shows her thin waist in every episode (at least so far). This does not really go with the position she should have but I guess it was a desire of the people who created the show. In addition, she walks like on a catwalk and it looks rather comical. Also, it was probably thought that the show will be more interesting if Shark and his team do not only take on law but also do the police work. Like in Law & Order there are at first the cops who investigate crimes and then there are the lawyers; the creators of Shark decided that Stark will do everything. That's where the show is not entirely believable. With that said I have to add that I don't mind too much, I just sit and watch :)

James Woods is awesome

[johncus-14510 · 10/10 · 20 February 2022]

James Woods adds so much energy to all that he does. A rarity among actors of today. He has comedy, seriousness, brains, and a flair with the women as he busts bad guys in court. There is no other like James Woods. He has a passion in all that he does. Watch this. The only thing that sucks is that there are only 2 seasons!

No widespread appeal

[laragi · 4/10 · 7 September 2021]

I'm a James Woods fan. It's the only I watched this but overall he was drab, the other characters were drab and the episodes had not real grit, not even the sensational ones. I'm surprised it made 2 seasons. The whole daughter sub plot was so boring. It general the entire show is a bore.

Like I said, love Woods. True Patriot!

Great Show

[kaiserkarl31 · 9/10 · 10 August 2010]

This was a great show---good characters, good acting, good writing. I didn't like Julie's character in the pilot, but she settled in well for the rest of the series (though she was obnoxious at times, she WAS a sixteen year old girl living in luxury in LA...). The strong central characters---both Stark and Devlin---provided a good foundation on which to build the entire show, and the rest of the cast supported them well.

The strike really did this show in, as it did many others, but I really think this one gets added to the long, long list of really good shows that got canceled before their times.