*Update 1*
- Minor update to 'Comment Summary'. - Minor update to 'Main character' segment. (paragraph 2) - Minor update to 'Secondary character' segment. (paragraph 2) - Major update to 'Pacing' segment. (paragraph 3, 4) - Minor update to 'Conclusion'. (paragraph 5)
(The following comment covers the first 5 episodes of season 1, and is therefore prior to change as the season continues. Updates will be minor in nature, and a major update should be expected at the end of Season 1.)
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Justice is a legal drama which revolves around the law firm TNT & G. This law firm contains a group of four brilliant lawyers: Ron Trott, Tom Nicholson, Alden Tuller and Luther Graves, who seemingly make a formidable group in the courtroom. TNT & G are only interested in defending clients who, in some form, are involved with controversial and high profile cases, which will make headline news.
Acting is indeed very interesting to watch. Victor Garber (Ron Trott) is the head of TNT & G, and he is a very skilled lawyer, whose highly confident persona exudes from his aggressive and winning at all costs orientation. Kerr Smith (Tom Nicholson) is a trial lawyer, and only defends clients he believes to be innocent. Rebecca Mader (Alden Tuller) is in charge of the collection of physical evidence. Eamonn Walker (Luthur Graves) is a former D.A who is well versed in predicting TNT & G's opposition in a case. Of course, all four actors are not only conformable with their respective characters, but are confident enough to make the show seem very much alive and active, albeit the rare instances where they don't quite seem in character; a rare number of dialogue lines proving to be oddly placed . The only downside to the acting comes in form of the victims who are being tried. While some do prove worthy, the majority don't seem to share the same power emphasized by the main cast.
Justice is stylish in its filming department, with some good camera work and very slick editing. This becomes apparent in the shows fast pacing, and it never allows for slow moments. This can hurt the show later on as slower moments ,as expressed in episode 5 can help create added realism, and for the best, some very good characterisation. From executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who is responsible for the likes of CSI and Without a Trace, it is obvious that production values will be great, and Justice does do justice to this claim. In fact, many will see similarities between Justice and CSI, like the high tech gear used to recreate crimes, but these are technicalities at best. Potentially, the shows real weakness is that it all seems somewhat glamorized to the point where the viewer can pick up on it; acting alone can't stop this.
Coupled with this reality check, is the credibility of the story has as a whole. Many actions taken don't seem all too lawyer-like, but they're not enough to jeopardize Justice as a legal courtroom representation. However the plot for each episode are thus far entertaining as they unfold, and its great to see the tricks that lawyers can use to their advantage. Justice also follows a set formula for every episode, with its segmented stages of advancement. This goes from evidence gathering to witness preparation, mock trials to the actual trials with each side's conclusive arguments. It all works rather well, but as episodes go on, this formula might seem too predictable. Episode 4 and 5 have proved to change proceedings, so here's hoping for the same sort of differentiation as the season progresses, and hopefully some 2 episode story arcs as well. One great addition to the show is the final scene in every episode: once the verdict is given, we are shown the actual crime or accidents take place as it did, without any speculation. This for one shows us the true events that took place, and also helps the viewer determine whether the victim was truly innocent, or not.
Justice is by no means the greatest show to grace televisions, for it does require some ironing of certain problems, and indeed many of these problems are being addressed. Containing great acting, stylish cinematography, high production values, and some interesting plots, Justice makes for enjoyable viewing. The show is perhaps better viewed by casual viewers, as hardcore viewers might find Justice, initially, to not be able to deliver in all aspects of its execution.