Leverage (2008–2012) User Reviews (153)

Fun

[FreakierThanThou · 8/10 · 2 February 2009]

"Leverage" is an entertaining, fun show. The cast is stellar, the writing snappy, and the characters are likable. It's nice to see a show that doesn't focus too heavily on the "dark side" of everything and can exist without a message.

That's not to say that there aren't poignant moments. (Nate in "The Snow Job" and Parker in "The Stork Job" are particularly memorable.) But they aren't in the majority. Although not every episode is brilliant, none have failed yet to make me laugh at least once.

The show follows a group of thieves who take on corporate villains who have too much power for their victims to defend themselves under normal means. Timely? Oh, yeah.

Timothy Hutton is the much-advertised Oscar-winning face of the team's leader, ex-insurance investigator Nathan Ford. At first, I was incredibly underwhelmed by Hutton's performance. After a few episodes, however, I started to think that maybe he was deliberately underacting (while the others are overacting) to contrast Nate's "honest man" to the thieves who make up the rest of the cast.

Gina Bellman plays a sympathetic Sophie Deveraux. Sophie is the team's "grifter" who moonlights as an actress. How well does that go? As Nate puts it, "she can act... when it's an act." Although she's hilarious, Bellman isn't the funniest of the cast by any means. Christian Kane, the badass Texan you might remember from "Angel," is even tougher, funnier, and angrier as the team's strangely likable fighter Eliot Spencer. Beth Riesgraf contrasts his deadpan humor perfectly as Parker, the crazy but lovable money-obsessed thief. And Aldis Hodge is hilarious, playing the cool geek of their techie, Alec Hardison.

The group has their conflicts, and in the first season, it looks like their biggest problem might be staying together. But the quirkiness and bickering creates a team of misfits that will have you rooting for them from the beginning.

"Leverage" is a good, escapist show where everything is sexy and exciting and the good guys always win. I can see this show becoming a cult hit, or I can see it failing after only a few seasons. Either way, if nothing else, it's fun!

You'll have a good time watching it!

[Rob1331 · 8/10 · 29 September 2022]

Leverage is just a flat out fun show. Is is realistic? Of course not. But it's an entertaining show where every episode is smartly written and acted with lots of twists and surprises. Each episode is about this group of former criminals who come up with a con to steal from the rich and help out the needy. It has a very Oceans Eleven feel to it. As you can see by reading through the reviews it's a show where most people who saw it had fun watching it. Obviously people liked it because they brought it back for a reboot with the original cast almost a decade after it went off the air (except Noah Wyle replaces Timothy Hutton bc of Huttons legal problems)!

Such a fun show!

[Supermanfan-13 · 8/10 · 16 May 2022]

Leverage is just a flat out fun show. Is is realistic? Of course not. But it's an entertaining show where every episode is smartly written and acted with lots of twists and surprises. Each episode is about this group of former criminals who come up with a con to steal from the rich and help out the needy. It has a very Oceans Eleven feel to it. As you can see by reading through the reviews it's show where most people who saw it had fun watching it. Obviously people liked it because they brought it back for a reboot with the original cast almost a decade after it went off the air (except Noah Wyle replaces Timothy Hutton bc of Huttons legal problems)!

A Very Engaging Set of Capers

[Etrival · 9/10 · 9 January 2009]

After catching the first few episodes of TNT's new series "Leverage" I can honestly say that I'm hooked on the adventures of Nathan Ford (Timothy Hutton) and company.

The series involves Mr. Ford, formerly an insurance investigator, and his crew of felonious recruits: Alec Hardison (Aldis Hodge), a very technologically savvy cyber-criminal. Eliot Spencer (Christian Kane), the muscle man with sincere martial arts training and speed that would make Jet Li envious. Parker (Beth Riesgraf), an expert cat burglar and thief. And Sophie Devereaux (Gina Bellman), a charismatic con-artist with aspirations to the acting world.

I believe Nathan Ford says it best, "I am an honest man leading a team of criminals." And I find that premise to be truly entertaining with Timothy Hutton at the helm.

Each episode Nathan Ford and his team are hired by individuals looking for their own brand of justice. Ford and company provide the means to an end, focusing on gathering a form of leverage to force the villains to pay their due.

All in all, it's a series I would recommend for those who like a bit of comedy with their justice. Or at least comedy with their criminal activity.

Excellent new TV series! Well worth watching!

[Mike_Wiggins · 10/10 · 12 December 2008]

It usually takes me about three episodes of a new series to decide if it's worth continuing to watch. With "Leverage" I was hooked after the first 15 minutes. I think it's because it seemed to be an amalgam of some of my favorite TV shows of the past. This includes "The Equalizer" (righting wrongs using unconventional methods), "Mission Impossible" (the TV series)(putting a great team together to work towards a common goal), and "Banicek" (solving seemingly perfect crimes).

What I really like about it is the team. It is made up of very independent individuals who are master criminals. The key is how they have been enticed to work for Nathan Ford (Timothy Hutton's character). They all contribute to the cause and, because of it, find they are a very powerful force that can get them more of what they are looking for. There is also a camaraderie that I haven't seen in a long, long time.

What I also like about this show is that it is not dark and seedy. While there is violence, it is not gratuitous. And, so far, there have been no plot lines that involve stalkers or other misogynistic individuals. One can only hope it continues that way.

While there are great special effects, great sets, great actors and great acting, etc., I find that it is the writers who deserve the lions share of praise for concocting such an enjoyable storyline.

I am REALLY looking forward to more "Leverage" episodes! 10 out of 10

Ocean's 11 meets the A-Team

[sithlord072000 · 9/10 · 10 December 2008]

Finally there is a show that combines all the charm and intelligence of the Ocean's 11 franchise with the uniquely memorable personalities of the A-Team. Watching the pilot episode of Leverage was really a treat. It's been a long time since I've seen a show at the end of which I found myself truly satisfied.

There is a depth to Nathan Ford's plans that constantly leaves you guessing what will come next which makes every episode so much more than just the two-dimensional plot-lines that we have come to expect with even the "deepest" of today's shows. And the individual members of his team are every bit as interesting. The combination of an arrogant, sociopath of a combat expert, a psychopathic thief, a brilliant improv actress and a savvy tech genius come together to give us a TV family that we can actually get behind.

The concept of a Robin Hood-esquire plot-line seems almost to be grossly overdone in today's culture, but by accomplishing it through the use of some truly colorful anti-heroes, who truly are in it just for the money, we end up with some great House-Like characters. It's never the client who is truly important, they're just the justification.

In short, Leverage is a truly refreshing experience that should attract fans of a number of different prior franchises. The acting is superb, as is the writing. All these factors combine to make a show that is truly original and a joy to watch.

I love and miss leverage

[linzimarieross · 10/10 · 11 May 2015]

I don't remember watching all the TV program of Leverage, but what i did manage to watch i loved.

I since collected all the series on DVD and i can still watch them over and over again, which to me is very rare and a joy and is never boring.

I loved the characters, their interactions and their development and i think the show could have lasted much longer.

I was a bit disappointed that there would be no more leverage, i think that in some ways it may have went under the radar for a lot of people, i know for a fact that some times i missed it on TV and not because i wasn't interested, but sometimes i did not realise it was back on etc.

I hope that leverage could return, whether with TV series or movie idea and i hope that the team will come together again. But in the mean time i will continue to watch the series over and over and i just found out about leverage books today.

I wish all the actors and crew of Leverage well and thank you its been a joy to watch.

Good fun!

[bwdude · 7/10 · 14 December 2009]

I stumbled across this series by accident. It's got Gina Bellman in it, who starred in one of my all-time favorite shows: Coupling So I gave it a try and watched the pilot. Six episodes later, I am sort of hooked.

Sure, it's corny sometimes. Sure, all of the "good guys" have sheer unlimited knowledge of practically everything, including languages from Chinese to Serbian.

Sure, they have one of those "magic" computers that can tap into everything into fractions of a second.

Sure it's absolute BS if you think about it.

And sure, the plot usually has holes to make any swiss cheese proud.

But first I am a sucker for this kind of show and secondly it's just fun to watch anyway. It probably will never get a Globe, but I can't wait to see the next episode nonetheless.

I Want More.

[cookiemadeit · 9/10 · 10 December 2008]

I love all the characters, edgy, sporty, funny, brilliantly written, entertainingly presented and just plain "COOL". I hope this one stays on TV as long as some of my other favorites. (Law & Order, NCIS, CSI and Criminal Minds). I like TV that entertains with a story, twists, turns, doesn't insult my intelligence and keeps me guessing until the very end. Happy Endings are definitely an incentive to keep watching. I can see character development possibilities galore with each team member and I want more back story on each one already. The nostalgic references to old TV Shows is brilliant, this could be the new A-Team, MacGiver, Mission Impossible and does anybody remember the "campy" Charlies Angels? Yes, I will admit to watching all of the above.

If you liked "The Italian Job" you'll love "Leverage"

[patchz · 7/10 · 10 February 2009]

I have been a fan of Tim Hutton for a long time and he is very, very good in this role. I was not familiar with Aldis Hodge but I can't watch him in an episode of Leverage without thinking of Left Ear (Mos Def) (same speech and mannerisms) and Lyle (Seth Green)(same computer and electronics skills) in The Italian Job. This is a good thing. He can entertain you for hours. I was also not familiar with Christian Kane but I am now a fan. He is super cool in this role. Parker (Beth Riesgraf) is just dog nuts. You can never predict what direction she is headed. And Gina Bellman in the role of Sophie Devereaux is perfect. If you liked The Italian Job you can't help but love Leverage. You'll want to root for the team because they are doing all kinds of neat stuff (breaking the law, etc.) to right a wrong, get the bad guys, or just help someone who is really getting the short end of the stick. And they are not perfect, they run into all kinds of snags and you think they may not make it out of this one. But they always come through in the end.

Totally Awesome!!!!!

[jonann2 · 10/10 · 7 December 2008]

When I was a kid, one of my favorite shows was the A-Team. I loved the show because the heroes were themselves criminals who operated outside of the law to help people. Leverage is like a modern A-Team for adults. The actors are also well cast in their roles. Each one of them brings something interesting to the show. I think what I love the most about this show is that it is FUN!! I don't mean fun as in stupid, brainless reality show fun. It's a fun show to watch and you won't loose any brain cells doing it. I sometimes feel like TV nowadays is so ultra serious. There's no fun in TV drama anymore. I feel like adventure caper TV is back, but in a slick, smart format.

Oh, and strictly from a guys perspective-Beth Riesgraf is totally hot! She reminds me of Katee Sackhoff!

Americanized remake of the excellent 'Hu$tle'.

[cobravenom71 · 8 December 2008]

The premier/pilot episode of 'Leverage' fulfilled the standard requirements of all pilots: Introduce the characters, show concept and storyline parameters and try to squeeze in a decent dramatic plot line amidst all the necessary exposition. For the most part, they pulled it off. I think the characters, like all new show's characters, will settle into their more-defined personalities and the interaction between characters will become smoother and more integrated. Five episodes into the series will show the true direction of the show.

Basically, it is just a rehash of the excellent British-made 'Hu$tle', a show that seemed to have a little more humor and style than this effort.

Modern day Mission Impossible

[jtis30 · 7/10 · 8 November 2011]

Five people with mad SKILLS, yo! A clever team thrown together whose living is to fight crime and not get paid. Lol. It's a little cheesy at times,a bit dumbed down on the believability scale, but can also surprise you with some intelligent, interesting twists . It's a lot like Mission Impossible which I used to watch as a kid. What drew me to watch this series was Timothy Hutton. I've been a fan since he played in Taps. The romantic tension between he and Sophie though doesn't play over, in my opinion. I especially love the cute/socially retarded Parker. She's soooo funny at times. I give it an 8 out of 10. I'm a loyal fan of the show despite its weaknesses.

Somewhat entertaining at start, but wears thin quickly

[iowane · 3/10 · 2 February 2011]

I love the premise of this show. Then again, one of my favorite shows of the past decade or so was the all-too-quickly-canceled Firefly, and this show has a bit in common with that thematically speaking. To be specific, it deals with people doing the "right thing" in an extra-legal way, so to speak.

But that is where the similarity ends. The aspects of Firefly that made it (in my opinion) great TV are all turned around here to make this very lackluster TV. For example, the crew of Firefly lived in a morally ambiguous territory. Their goal was to simply stay alive and free. Pursuit of that goal lead them into situations in which they had to make a choice. To get what they wanted, they would be required to take from someone else who needed. That was the overarching moral dilemma in that show: is it alright to take from someone else in need to fulfill your own needs? So in short, Firefly presented everyday reality/morality for most people in a fantasy environment.

On the other hand, the cast of Leverage doesn't really face moral dilemmas. Instead, they are like superheros who only do for others with almost no thought of their own welfare. They aren't in need, they are rich. Being rich and without need, they are boring.

And they are superheros in this show, with all of the teenage fantasy ideas that come along with that. The computer guy has access to anything digital he needs without a bead of sweat; the fighter can dispatch anyone of any size without even getting his hair mussed; the thief can go anywhere she likes without even coming close to being detected; and the grifter, despite being the worst actress anyone has ever seen on the stage, never comes close to being discovered when she is on the con.

All in all, this show seems like a great modern Robin Hood premise that was knocked out by some 13 year-old kids who thought it would be really cool to be high tech superheros and stick it to the man. And it would be kind of cool, admittedly...but it isn't very interesting to watch.

Not to go political...well yes, to go political...this show is really emblematic of U.S. political, moral and philosophical thought. Things are black and white, good and bad. There are those who are powerful and those who are not, and what we are all waiting for is a savior. There is none of the reality of life here--that what we are all faced with is our own limited resources, getting by as best we can. Fantasizing about a savior is fun for a minute or two, but I find it far more interesting to explore real life, even in a fantasy scenario, and the moral/ethical/political/philosophical dilemmas we are faced with in real life.

Unfortunately, this show is none of that. It begins and ends with the savior fantasy. Yawn!

"LEVERAGE" -- A Force of 5 Doing-Gooders against the Badders =

[jimchudnow-1 · 8/10 · 2 December 2008]

At an advance preview in Chicago (where much of the "Nigerian" pilot was shot), stars TIMOTHY HUTTON (as Nathan) and GINA BELLMAN (Sophie) agreed the first entry in their TNT series is somewhat like an updated "The 'A' Team" meets "Mission Impossible". Along with Christian KANE (as Eliot), BETH RIESGRAF (Parker), and ALDIS HODGE (Alec), they use high-tech methods to get back at a white-collar CROOK (& the series is scheduled to continue the "Robin Hood-ish" adventures against criminals and corporate scammers in subsequent episodes). The main characters start out as distrusting of each other, but eventually use their various individual expertises to create a cheeky, fast-moving and enjoyably clever series of retributions against the liars and other baddies in their world. An agreeable and promisingly well-acted start (well shot on HD cameras that allow fast work with much available-light conditions).

Give Me More Leverage

[Mouth_in_Foot · 10/10 · 22 March 2015]

A Foot in Mouth: Brutally Honest Review.

***Contains Spoilers*** Leverage in my mind is an example of how to make an extremely entertaining, engaging and very fun TV shows with some outstanding casting, very well written characters and some of the quirkiest story lines is a beautifully executed ice cream cone of perfection. Yummy! I was really upset when they cancelled this show after season 5, but I really think they should bring it back! The premise of the show is essentially a group of the 4 best highly skilled criminal operatives in the world ranging from a hacker, grafter, cat burglar and a hitter are brought together under the supervision of an ex-insurance investigator to pull a heist that goes slightly wrong, so then they start to help average everyday people get leverage over large corporations, millionaires, the authorities and pretty much anyone who tries to screw over us honest hardworking everyday people.

One of the most important things for me is not only the portrayal of the characters on screen but the chemistry of the characters, if I am invested in the characters and their mates I don't care what the story is I will watch it, examples: Castle, NCIS, NCIS: LA, NCIS: New Orleans, Person of Interest, CSI, Elementary, Death in Paradise The thing that shines throughout these TV shows is not only a phenomenal cast and the writing, but the relationships between the characters.

Leverage has an amazing cast who play some very lovable characters with their physical, emotional and verbal banter with the backing of their dramatic, flawed and charismatic performances, with a teaspoon of deliciously funny and a dollop of whipped quirkiness and not forgetting a chocolate flake this show has everything you want. Except the flake that's mine!

Entertaining depiction of pluses and minuses of team work

[BeneCumb · 8/10 · 9 December 2019]

/refers to all Seasons in a sequence/

Although I have my hesitations regarding how realistic those events and characters are (well, organising such scams and cons in a country of multiple and high-level security organisations), the idea behind is good and the process well explained - whether during a con or later, using flashbacks. When at first, Timothy Hutton seemed to excel his counterparts, then as the episodes progressed, one could see more virtues in others as they appeared more often on screen than Hutton. True, there were moments when some recurring or supporting cast provided stronger and/or funnier elements (e.g. Skerritt, Stormare), but holistically, it made the Series more interesting and intense.

I can´t say that the seasons became weaker or so, but as modern technology enables to watch as much episodes as and when you wish, you seem to "become exhausted" as the main characters become part of your family and daily routines. Luckily, the creators knew when and how to stop - and the very final episode is interesting and resourceful.

Wow!

[dukemunsill94 · 10/10 · 24 July 2009]

"Leverage?!!!" People said when they first saw the name of the television series when it came out in 2008. I asked myself the same question when I saw the preview for it on TNT, but when I saw that Timothy Hutton was in it I wanted to see it no matter what the name might be. We all know the Timothy Hutton from the Nero Wolfe T.V. show, on which he played Archie Goodwin, who was a smart, wisecracking, and handsome assistant to the detective of the same name. How could Timothy Hutton be in a movie that is about bad guys? I asked myself after looking up to him most of my life. "Sometimes bad guys make the best good guys" which is the motto of the television show. Even though I had my suspicions about it being another profane T.V. show it turned out to be a great show that had great messages in all of its episodes. My brother turned to me one day and said to me about Leverage that "all of the episodes would make great movies!" And now after watching all of the first season and part of the second I am convinced of this statement. Is there bad stuff in this show? You are asking yourself at this point and with good cause, but the answer is: no. There are some innuendos in it, but they are very minor. It is basically what you might call a Robin Hood tale of today. The show is worth the watch and should be enjoyed by everyone from 12 and up. Enjoy! -Duke

Response to HUSTLE fans.

[x-ramubay · 18 December 2010]

Just have to say there are a few fans of HUSTLE (or perhaps they're just ex-writers of the show trying to up their residuals...you think???) that are trying to say if you like one you'll like the other. Not true. I sampled HUSTLE when it first came out and hated it. Though its a show about cons and grifters playing robin hood its like comparing two westerns just because they're westerns or comparing two mysteries just because they're mysteries. LEVERAGE advertised themselves as a cross between MISSION IMPOSSIBLE and THE A-TEAM and that description is right no the mark. LEVERAGE is fast-paced action and action-comedy fluff with a bit of high- gadgetry. HUSTLE had a snobbish air to it, sort of like BOSTON LEGAL, strong language and sexual situations that seem to permeate British dramas today (though not as bad as HBO or SHOWTIME). LEVERAGE harks back to family programming before it was hi-jacked by reality television. HUSTLE is just another attempt at trying to compete with R-rated cable shows. There are quite a few great British shows, HUSTLE if not great isn't bad either, and its okay to prefer one over the other, but its nothing like LEVERAGE so don't make that mistake.

Agreeable and fun series about a group of high-tech swindlers robbing to rich crooks and nasty businessmen.

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 2 August 2019]

Thrilling and amusing series about the cases carried out by a crew of high-tech crooks headed by Nathan Ford who try to rob from wealthy criminals and corrupt businessmen , but their professional as well as personal past repeatedly seems to catch up. The ¨Leverage¨ team are civilian specialists for missions requiring their individual skills and often encounter a specific safe, the Glenn-Reider where they join forces and get together , while planning a new masquerade .This is a sympathetic group of former top-criminals led by Nathan Ford/Timothy Hutton as leader of the expert team handling 'unorthodox' cases , they are the following ones : Gina Bellman/Sophie , Christian Kane /Eliot Spencer, Beth Riesgraf/Parker , Aldis Hodge/ Alec Hardison . They carry out their missions that often involve stinging or otherwise scamming criminals , they always get the job well done, sometimes traveling the United States o all around the world to do it . Get ready to get even. The art of the con . Sometimes Bad Guys Make the Best Good Guys

This fantastic team though is altered at times, usually execute faithfully their twisted assignments . Each week there would be a new top-secret mission to pull off , it is a successful TV series about a master team to get their dues through regular channels and legal or illegal procedures . It was well produced , including huge doses of humor , action , technological developing , thrills, twists and turns . This daredevil organization formed by qualified operatives to accomplish specific tasks during the mission-of-the-week . Instead of highly-trained agents, they are expert in a field , such as : one gregarious mastermind who can move , control and tranfer any system with a digital pulse , one peaceful but lethal ex-military retrieval specialist and an envelope-pushing brave gymnast robber . Being starred by a motley , dynamic , complex , and sympathetic bunch of prepared as well as genius expertises . As they trick their marks into handing over whatever they're after willingly. Even actual swindlers , cheaters , tricksters and con people were consultants on some episode to give more and more realism to the series . Furthermore , many of the shady business practices are based on real life events and other actual occurrences . Though some seasons were set in Boston, filming was actually done in Portland, Oregon .

Timothy Hutton as a former insurance claims investigator gives a nice acting as the main and highly skilled member who relies on his gut instinct as much as evidence . He is well accompanied by the always likeable : Gina Bellman , Christian Kane , Beth Riesgraf , Aldis Hodge . And some of them did all of his own stunts . Along with a long plethora of guest stars , such as : Mark Sheppard , Jeri Ryan , Elisabetta Canalis , Leon Rippy , Kari Matchett , Wil Wheaton ,Rick Overton ,Drew Powell , Saul Rubinek , Tony Bill, Goran Visnjic , Richard Kind , the veteran , Richard Chamberlain ,Tom Skerritt , Paul Blackthorne , Alex Carter and many others . Being competently produced by Dean Devlin and compellingly directed by known filmmakers as Marc Roskin , Jonathan Frakes , John Rogers , Jeremiah S. Chechik, Tony Bill , PJ Pesce , Rob Minkoff ,Craig R. Baxley , Rod Hardy and Dean Devlin himself . Rating : 6/10 , acceptabel , passable and decente TV series .

Great show, but Hustle was better.

[viceinvirtue · 8/10 · 2 June 2010]

After watching two seasons of Leverage, it seems appropriate to review it. I enjoyed every moment of watching it and it's not a bad show at all. Some cons were easy to guess, others were not. Interesting characters, but I haven't learnt much about most of them so far. There was some back story to Nathan Ford's character and to Parker too, but very little on the rest. This makes it difficult to relate to them and the impact of the cons less effective on me as a viewer.

I have to admit, I watched the British show Hustle first, and I must agree with another reviewer and say that Hustle is better. So if you like and enjoy Leverage, watching Hustle is a must! In my opinion, the cons in Hustle are much more elaborate/intricate and the narrative is played out really well. I'm sure other reviewers have mentioned how the pauses in Hustle are entertaining and when a character breaks the fourth wall, it's amusing, intriguing and it's like you're being taught how to be a grifter - which is simply fantastic! This also brings out the personalities for each of the characters. I have to say the characters in Hustle are more unique than those in Leverage - especially when it comes to the team leaders. I prefer the cocky Mickey Stone (from Hustle) with a bad past and something to hide than the tragic hero that Nate Ford is. NOT saying that I don't like Nate, but with him already beating the insurance company that hurt his son, it doesn't seem like there could be more development in that area.

Nevertheless, Leverage is a good show and I only hope to find out more about Parker and Eliot in particular. If you enjoy watching the real bad guys go down, and seeing justice served (especially the rich and corrupt), this is definitely something that will brighten up your night.

not so good hustle rip off

[poppekop · 6/10 · 30 October 2010]

It is all too similar to Hustle (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379632/) but it misses finesse and acting. Even the way they film is similar, slow close-ups, reruns of events at the end, the plan B from the pilot, really can they make up nothing for themselves? Besides that the cast is not as good, all a bit shallow, the show doesn't have the UK humor and style, nothing ever goes wrong.

Having said all that, Hustle is an excellent, 10 out of 10 show and concept, so I guess that if you don't know that show, you can find this one entertaining and funny. If you even mildly like this show, be sure to watch Hustle, you will love it. If you think this is the best show on earth, you might not get the finesse and plots in Hustle, but try anyway...

One of the best feel-good television series

[tabuno · 9/10 · 9 April 2021]

Timothy Hutton headlines this superlative action series involving a team of specialists headed by Hutton who seek to help those people hurt by greedy corporations and grifters. With deft use of comedic relief, excellent pacing, and intriguing set-ups every stand-alone episode provides captivating entertainment for the little guy. Never seems to get old, age, and offers up little tidbits each time a scene is revisited. One of the best feel-good series on television (in reruns).

A new idea in TV enjoyable to watch.

[raim-4 · 7/10 · 9 March 2009]

I was pleasantly surprised to see Timothy Hutton and Christian Kane together but I feared this show was another formula American drama. I was wrong. This show discovers a new take by siding with the thieves and exploring their character. I have liked how the show has evolved over the season and was impressed with how it ended.

Leverage has a comedy glow to it but doesn't go far enough to break me out of my dream while watching it. It is less serious than CSI or Without a Trace, and more serious than Monk or Psych. It reminds me of the comedy fashion of Burn Notice. If you are not stern or a jester with your TV this show may be your preference.

Why?

[stretch-armweak-4 · 1/10 · 18 November 2013]

Netflix says this is like Burn Notice, and that it's got 5 seasons. That implies that it's popular. My question is: Why?

The first few minutes of the first episode introduces us to a boring man who's in charge of leading a team of "master criminals:" a girl who killed her parents for a toy, a batman-impersonator who only fights well when the camera isn't looking, and a token black guy who uses "Baby" as punctuation.

Here's a summary of their first heist. If you consider this a spoiler, or if you've already decided you like the show, feel free to move on.

The girl cuts a hole in a window, then throws the hole, along with the tool she used to remove it, onto the populated street below. Batman and TBG amble into a door and use a grocery store scanner to break the door's password. They are surprised by guards, the reason being poor planning. TBG acts as if the scanner works faster if you call it "baby" several times. Batman shows that he is also an excellent fighter against opponents who stand perfectly still. TBG hacks a computer which has a cartoonishly huge red bubble font for empty folders. It is revealed that the aware guards have "reset" the rooftop alarms, which blocks the way they came in, but doesn't alert any other guards or the police. The three "masters" argue over how they will escape. The boring man reminds them that they have disguises in the large bags they've been carrying the entire time. They change clothes in an elevator, with jump-cuts making the process complete before the doors are closed. A few more jump-cuts later and the girl is made to look injured, complete with a leg cast and a cane in the wrong hand. Some bad acting and incomprehensible dialog later, and they've walked past the inept guards who are looking for intruders in the empty, locked building, but ignore the three strangers with large black duffle bags walking out of the also locked elevator. Having taken ten steps away from the large, transparent door, the girl starts marathon-walking on her cast, tosses her cane to TBG, and they all climb into the getaway car.

Mission Accomplished.

A few choice lines in the episode include:

"I cry in my angry place"

"Is anyone else here involved in a bribe?" (from an FBI agent to a crowd of bystanders)

"I could request your underpants" (from the same agent to a suspect)

And a flashback that plays twice in the span of about 45 seconds.

The whole thing seems like a heist show made by someone who doesn't know what a heist is, and it seems to take place in a world where computers are magic, ridiculous plans are brilliant, and competence eludes everyone but the boring protagonist.

It'd be hilarious if it wasn't trying not to be. But apparently, people see this as equivalent to A-Team and Ocean's Eleven. And Burn Notice.

...Why?