Contrary to what people are saying, I actually liked this. Even though the acting isn't amazing, I usually can't spot bad acting just because I'm focused on the story. Yes, it is predictable and uses a lot of cliché plot points, but it make for good entertainment. Clichés aren't always bad, and the predictability doesn't extend too far into possible major plot points. I'm looking forward to the next episodes, but not with edge-of-my-seat excitement. And I don't think that's writers intended. It's a comedy-drama not a drama-comedy. It's wasn't written to be thrilling. It was written to be fun and entertaining. This is just my opinion. I may not even watch the next episodes. I may just read the online recaps. I may not even do that. But what I can say is that I enjoyed the first episode, and am hoping it doesn't disappoint me in the future.
Add a Review
-
nmgtheo27 June 2014
-
robbenn692 July 2014Firstly, I have not seen the pilot for this show yet. I only watched the second episode of it because it came on after America's Got Talent and I was too lazy to change the channel. I enjoyed the show but have the following problems with it:
1. NYC taxis have a plastic divider between the front seats and rear seats. This cab doesn't have one for obvious reasons of all shows set in NYC, to see the passengers in the back. But it's still wrong.
2. NYC taxis are in no way as "souped up" as this taxicab is. It's insane, the stunts this guy does with his cab are impossible for the average driver to do in a standard taxicab with standard suspension, engine, transmission, and tires.
3. There is no explanation for why he is such a skillful driver or why he is as observant as Sherlock Holmes in finding clues and analyzing them.
a. Perhaps they could come up with a back-story that he was a detective in his native country (France) who raced cars as a hobby.
4. Why is Chyler Leigh's character such a c--t? She is thoroughly unlikable despite being a sexy bitch.
5. While the cab driver is always complaining about losing fares giving the female detective rides, he seems to spend as much time investigating as she does. Why doesn't he just drop her off and then split; to pick up fares which is his living?
This show has much promise with good chemistry between the main characters, good plot lines, and lots of great action scenes. The producers just need to work on filling in the loose ends. If you're looking for a more realistic cop show, watch Law & Order this is just for escapist entertainment on par with "Knight Rider" and "The A-Team". -
Leo Romba (Jacky Ido) is a french NY taxi cab driver. He spent 4 years in a French prison for being the wheel man in a bank robbery. It wasn't an easy imprisonment since the money belonged to some bad guys. NYPD Detective Cat Sullivan (Chyler Leigh) is investigating his father's murder. It's stuck in IA and they're stonewalling her. She's meeting a secret informer but she's disrupted by a bank robbery. The bank robber had hijacked Leo's cab. After crashing her car once again, she's banned from driving by her superior and forced to walk the beat. Instead she continues to investigate both the bank robbery and his father's death by getting Leo to drive her in his cab.
The premise looks really stupid and I couldn't believe the silly promo ads. So I had to check out the show. In that sense, this doesn't disappoint. It's a mess. This is supposed to be funny but the comedy is clunky. It's got bad annoying musical cues. I don't even know why they try to be funny. The only one marginally funny is Ally Walker as the wacky mother. In general, they should abandon any attempt to be funny.
The pilot is just jam packed with too much story. There is an intense bank robbery caper. Then everybody has a crazy backstory. Cat has daddy issues. A federal agent comes to pick up Leo and it turns out to be Cat's ex. Leo has a family back in France and I'm sure the bad guys are coming for him. At least they got a few car chases in. I always like real stunt driving. However it's so chaotic that I couldn't really enjoy them.
The acting is problematic. I like Chyler Leigh but she just doesn't fit as a cop. They try so hard to tomboy her up but the stylish pixie cut is just so cute. I don't remember french actor Jacky Ido other than in 'Inglourious Basterds'. I like him but I don't really know much about him. It's nice to see Jennifer Esposito back after her illness. I don't know how much input Luc Besson has in this. My best guess is that he had a general outline and other people crammed all kinds of junk into this. It's just a mess.
EDIT (after 7 episodes): The show improved in a few areas while problems still remain. First, the earthquake stopped. The shaky camera was half the problem. Second, the story is simplified more into a procedural. Thankfully the ex-husband is sidelined. Although it's a shame that Ally Walker and Jennifer Esposito seem to have also been reduced in their roles. Third, Chyler Leigh got a makeover. However she has gone too far the other way dressing like a fashionista. The taxi thing is still too convoluted. How Leo can still be in post 9/11 America considering he's an ex-con is beyond me. A guy like that couldn't possibly even get a visitor Visa in the real world. It's silly at best and uncomfortably stupid at its worst. -
Mmarts-40-75028128 June 2014You know how hard it is to hire good help nowadays? Well there just isn't any talent behind the camera anymore either. Shakes and hyper cutaways doesn't portray REAL action... we AREN'T IN the dang show....WE ARE WATCHING. Mosaic views with a vibrating screenplay is not fun, not effective, not action, not innovative. Stop. Or the show fails. Most Americans have a lot of TV watching experience. Try holding a scene longer than 3 seconds like in the old days when the actors had talent and directors gave us credit for having the capability of following a plot and appreciating the SHOWING of a story. Please refrain from being gory, I don't need a pool of blood to understand the plot when you shoot someone.
-
michaelwesten28 August 2014Yes the show is cheesy, the plots are paper thin, the acting is far from grate, and the script is full of clichés.
And still its fun to watch, its sorta bad like the old A-team, only this is for grown ups you know noting is even a tiny bit realistic, and still you watch what more BS they can think to get away with.
Because how can anything be more sleazy then with dialog like this: Dr. Monica Pena: Come Cat the Captain is shot, he wants to talk to you. - Detective Caitlyn: How bad is he hot Monica??? - Captain: Hey cat i want you to your mother something if i die. - Detective Caitlyn: Your not gone die. - Captain: Shut up and listen, If i die i want you to tell your mother, that i had the best sex ever with her. - Detective Caitlyn: Shut up i don't wane hear this! - Captain: And tell hear i am sorry i came prematurely sometimes.
Like WTF! o_0 LOL For me a fun B production, who says something real bad, cant be fun. ^_^ Its a series you like or hate, but for me a 7 out of 10, for first time entertainment value, tho spare me any of the re-runs. ;-) -
cameronsamuelsfa21 June 2015This show was great!!! As I kept watching I was hooked! I really hope the rumors about canceling the show are false. Give us a season 2. PLZ !! I would love for this show to continue. The storyline was excellent an was good enough to keep me interested. One season will not do this TV series justice. The chemistry amongst the actors is very impressive. Some of the acting by the characters could've been slightly better but the storyline makes up for that... Besides I could say the same about many other shows (that some of the actors are not that good) and there storyline is mediocre. AND many of them have more than one season. this show deserves to have a second season. its that good in my opinion. I hope there are others who will watch or have already watched it and feel the same. Please express your desire for them to continue and we may just get what we want. I hope all of this wishful thinking pays off... The fact I took the time to do this should speak volumes of how good I think this show is. With all that being said, I HOPE THERE WILL BE A SECOND SEASON!!!! PLEASE! I hope somehow or some way it helps in the efforts to launch a season 2!!
-
cyclinggiirl9 July 2014I agree with "Good not Great".
I happened upon this show and because it looked like it was shot on location, I decided to tune in. I recognized the lead female (Leigh) but I didn't know where (now I know it was Grey's). The black guy (Ido) got my attention so I had enough to go forward.
I can't quite put my finger on why I "like" this show other than the pace and the fact that for an hour, it feels like I'm in NY. I've seen one episode and I'm going to continue to tune in.
And the taxi driver/savvy kinda guy with fast driving skills is kinda unique. So if you like a good pace, and NY for an hour, tune in. You just MIGHT get hooked! -
temporaldisturbance26 June 2014This show is horrific on every level. I've never seen anything as comprehensively, thoroughly traumatizing. It's almost as if it has been deliberately engineered as a weapon of psychological warfare, escaped the lab, and has been unleashed on the average American citizen.
Without a doubt, calls are pouring into 911 centers about people stricken with sudden nausea, vomiting and a deep, paralyzing sense of despair.
No, seriously, it's the worst thing I've ever seen on TV. It's the "Transformers 2" of the small screen. Here's why:
1) The camera shaking doesn't stop. During action sequences it's amplified by ultra-rapidly changing cuts at jumpy angles which cannot be reconstructed by human brain into a continuous "happening". Very "Transformers 2". During normal sequences, it doesn't merely pan in different directions to indicate aliveness, but it shifts with erratic unease. Even when you're supposed to read text messages.
2) The dialogue is filled with forced exposition and awkward lines similar to the famous "I don't like sand" Anakin Skywalker monologue from "Attack Of The Clones". ALL of it is like this.
3) The actress is completely miscast, and, like everyone else, seems to realize her career is taking a blow with this. Everyone in this show has this "I don't want to be here" vibe. The hot detective they dumped from "Blue Bloods" a few seasons ago is here, too, and she's soldiering on better than the lead. Others don't fare as well, as you can see them struggle to contort their mouths into produce the terrible lines as they contemplate the downfall of their careers.
4) The "humor" alone will make your head hurt. I will not go into "spoilers", but every single "humorous", "hey guys there's humor here" moment in this show is... oh dear god.
CONCLUSION: this is baby's first TV show. It's worse than many student film projects. It's worse than the "Phantom Menace" and "Ultraviolet". It's about as bad as "Transformers 2". Minus the CGI. So there's nothing left to even look at. -
ecnketah15 June 2015I'm thankful that I saw this TV Series (Taxi Brooklyn) before seeing these reviews because some of them would've discouraged me from ever seeing the show. Taxi: Brooklyn is a great TV series, with high potential. The only/key reason you may review this show as 'not good' is if you're not paying attention to the details of the characters, yet expecting them to be similar to other cop/TV shows you've seen before. Yes, the actors/actresses in this series are new and a little nervous at first, but like all good things, it takes time--the more you watch, their chemistry gets a lot better and you start to like the show. Also, the plot is like any other cop shows--a cop with personal and career issues, trying to balance/even out the good and the bad...and there're always obstacles. I am very disappointed that this show was canceled by NBC--I would very much like it to continue; PLEASE do not leave things the way the last episode ended.
-
alexatahiraj25 August 2014This show had the potential to be pretty decent. The acting is passable; however, I am not sure if this is about the actors or the horrible scripts they have to work with.
Ally Walker is just not suited for this kind of show either. If her character was tamed down and actually acted like a woman of her age it would probably work better. I am not suggesting she needs to act like an old woman. But for a woman of her characters years I would think she would act a bit more maturely and not so air-headed. Although, I also don't think if this is her character that she can pull it off.
I haven't seen Chyler Leigh in any of her previous work. But her attempt at sarcasm seems lost to her or maybe it is the bad script. I think though it might be a bit of both.
Jacky Ido is also new to me. He seems to be the only actor there that is comfortable in his role and he does it well despite the writing. His fear of being in small spaces seems to be hit and miss at times. And for someone with this fear I would think being in a taxi for most of the day would be difficult as well.
Bill Heck doesn't seem to be used in enough scenes. If the show had paired him with Jacky Ido as the two leads I feel the show would have come off better. His character at times does have the more rigidness of a special agent but then he goes too lax in some scenes. I would much rather watch him being an asshole than wishy washy.
The police work on this show is not really the important part. Showing how the characters all blend together I think has been their focus. Trying to add some sarcasm is not a bad idea; however, it needs to be done well. The writers and the actors have to mesh to hit this to gain a laugh here and there.
If the show comes back for a 2nd season I hope they have fired the writers and tweaked some of the characters. Taxi Brooklyn does have the potential to be a more enjoyable show. -
gdump25 June 2014The plot for this disaster is completely ludicrous. I'll freely admit that the only reason I started watching the first episode is the cuteness factor of Chyler Leigh and the complete lack of anything else to watch. Unfortunately, watching her trying to play the tough, won't tow the line cop just made me laugh. I continually expected her to burst into tears over a broken nail.
I only lasted for 30 minutes before I turned off the tube. It appears that CBS coughed up the dough for 12 episodes of this turkey, but I will be extremely surprised if it manages to run for more than 5 episodes before they cancel it. -
kayleecraythorn17 May 2015There is a petition to renew the show for a second season below. Please sign it and we can try to get it renewed for a second season.There are more people that love this show than you think. It was also just torture how the last episode ended on a major cliffhanger and Cat's relationship with Leo would have been interesting to see what it would have progressed into. So once again please sign this petition to renew the show many other people would also love to see this show renewed. All that is needed to sign is your first name and your email address. This is the only petition I could find that is for renewing Taxi Brooklyn.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/KeepTaxiBrook -
cherold15 July 2021I watched one episode of this, and I thought, it's a dumb premise but the cast is likable enough and I like comedic buddy shows so I'll see how the second episode is. Now I've seen the second episode, and I think that's going to be it for me.
This is one of those shows that has a really dumb premise (apparently based on some movie) and spends a lot of time just trying to make it all make sense. Perhaps they'll succeed eventually, or just stop talking about it, but in the beginning it's a drag on the show. The leads are likable, particularly the cab driver (who, after all, is *supposed* to be likable) and it keeps moving, but I feel I've seen everything in it a thousand times before. It's fairly watchable, but that's about it. -
I watched the first 10 minutes of episode one and the camera never stopped moving/shaking and it made the chase scene nearly impossible to follow. I'd hoped the shaking would stop after the action, but no. It persisted. I had to stop watching. I switched channels and felt immediate relief, though continued to have a headache. It seems like a silly premise and I gave it a try on a whim, but I would not recommend this to anyone unless maybe you're blind and just listening to it.
Honestly, don't waste your time. There are so many police shows out there that don't actively strive to confuse, disorient, and dizzy you with the camera work. I guess it was an effort to make the show stand out - well it did. Terrible. -
garycjones-5-89688024 August 2014As a bit of a TV junkie I don't get the horrible reviews. I've enjoyed every episode, especially the last one which had me rolling with laughter. Very well written. Her catching her mother and the captain was a riot.
From the reviews I gather we've seen the last of this refreshing, funny, unique cop drama. I'll miss it, along with Gang Related.
This summer saw a lot of interesting series television, which is normally crap because no one is watching TV, but I enjoyed most of them, the only exception being that dumb Sweden thing. Looks like 19-2 will survive for another season, which is great. -
thebrenthaines13 August 2014I'm trying to like this show. Really I am. The only thing that's good about it so far is the driving.
I would say that the acting is poor, but I don't think even Kevin Spacey could make writing this bad work. Truly horrible. The dialog is one sophomoric appeal to simple-minded, patronized-to and cliché lovers (IOW - Morons) after another. There's even a good bout of fart humor. Fart humor. So the target audience is 6-year-old Hotwheel collectors whose favorite color is yellow.
There is a story arch that is never developed, just sort of pulled out to fill the full 40 minutes. The lead characters emotional state moves around like a AD/D kid on crack cocaine. There is never any feeling at all of any gravity to any of it.
Some of my favorite moments...
1. The detective is interested in the murder of her father. She is a cop. No one will tell her what is going on? Why, I can't tell you for sure, but I guess it is intended to feel her isolation. Mostly though, it just seems stupid.
2. The detective is not allowed to drive, because she is reckless. So let's let her keep her gun and ride around in a cab instead. Makes sense to me. Seriously, this is the premise to the whole thing, and it is such a leap that only good writing will make it work, so...
3. Political humor about... evil Republicans. The gag is such a stupid and ham-handed cliché; the villain is "Bush's dirty deeds guy" who is old, homophobic, racist, paranoid and senile. So, when you're trying to make a new hit show, you should isolate half of the country who voted for the man. Smart? No. Out of touch. Most of us don't really buy into the political extremes and would rather be entertained by real ideas artfully portrayed.
4. The cabby's roommate is a flaming dude who is soooo over the top I have to cringe every time he's on. It is, again, a ham-handed attempt at including diversity that is more for shock value and humor at the expense of said diversity than it is about inclusion. This would be like having he Cabby's character played by a white man in black face. It is offensive to anyone who is truly concerned about gay rights.
That's as complicated as it gets. Motives are weak. Characters are empty. Plots are vapid, clichéd and stupidly simple-minded. We ride around with the cabby and the cop for awhile, and they shoot things, drive crazy, shout at everyone and themselves and finish the day with a hug, a pat on the back and roll credits. Meanwhile the good cop shows like "Life" get canceled. -
belediye201129 June 2014Plot can have similarity with other cop shows, but I think actors are quite successful with their genuine performances. Action, investigation, revenge, romance, emotions and humor are all inclusive. I think it deserves more ratings.
Sullivan and Romba have interesting backgrounds. We can learn more about their past, as the series progress I hope. Sullivan is a beautiful cop, yet she does not thrust and get close to anyone easily. Romba, on the other hand, has some numbers of tricks, he is very clever, honest and charming taxi driver who becomes sort of an assistant detective.
In the pilot other characters include a captain, a special agent, a mom, and a child who spice up the show altogether. Captain is a father figure and protective. Special agent is obsessive and jealous about his work, Romba and Caitlyn. Mom is supportive and child is a good son.
There is no offensive language. It is suitable for families. Lastly, I think the series should continue so I rate it 9/10 to support the effort of these talented crew. -
NEUF31 July 2014I wasn't sure about this show when it first started because the whole idea of a cop being driven around by a random taxi driver seemed very "out there" for me, but I gave it a chance.
Now a few episodes in and I just can't get into this show because...- I don't think there is any chemistry (not in a romantic way) between the leads. Every scene feels awkward.
- It annoys me to no end that Leo is always participating in her cases, like that would ever happen in real life, and seems to be the star of the show. Cat gets into situations and you want her to at least do something and here he comes to steal the spotlight. She's the cop so let her be one!
- This recent episode with her re-living a traumatic experience from her past kept me waiting for some sort of flashback or explanation as to what had happened but they never showed anything. What??? How can you expect the audience to get to know her and feel for her if you don't give us anything? She also mentions in another episode that she's been shot twice. When was that? How did that happen? Which leads me to...
- I want to know why she's always so angry. Is it her past? Is it her father's murder? What is it? Like my reason above, they're not giving us anything to go on so she's very one dimensional.
- Dialogue. Who writes this stuff?? The scene when the Italian woman comes into the station and they have a cat fight, no pun intended. Seriously?? Not only was the writing horrible but so was the acting. Cat went from passive to aggressive in the blink of an eye. Awkward.
I could go on and on and I'm not sure why I'm still watching. I guess I keep hoping that we'll see more of Cat and less of Leo. Can't we get one episode where he goes on vacation or something and she can just rent a car? I don't know how much longer I can last and I will be very surprised if this survives for another season. -
mendameister28 June 2014After reading reviews here i was hesitant to watch the show, but with lack of anything else to do, i continued onto it anyway, and all the reviews are just haters. The first episode got a 7.7/10 and the story- line behind Cat is actually something i WILL definitely continue to watch the show for.
Responding to complaints from the others, Yes, The camera is a little shaky, but it's not the kind of pirated recorded on CAM shaky, it's the visual effects, following the character around shaky, and i didn't even notice it until i read a review that claimed it. You'll only be bothered by things like this if you have a weak attention span, or you aren't paying any attention to the show.
I didn't really see any problems when it comes to the characters or the execution of the plot, I really enjoyed the storyline, and will continue to look forward to the following episodes. Just saying, if you're someone who watches TV shows for the actual story, and not someone who watches them just to kill time, you'll enjoy this show. (It's not like the Simpsons or such that you can enjoy it without paying attention) -
kevin-48-7049578 July 2014Why is a show with such great talent on the screen so bad? If this is supposed to be a comedy, hen make it funny! Otherwise, stop with the too oft-used comedic cop show stereotypes.
Chyler Leigh is robotic seemingly being forced to play a b!tchy cop character who is b!tchy for no reason. Who wrote her character? She doesn't have the physical stature to pull off 'angry all the time'. She's cute and petite so the prison-matron attitude simple doesn't work. Vulnerable and a little mental would be believable. Maybe develop a thing where she goes to her dead father's barber every couple episodes to keep her pixie looking edgy and fresh. That really short haircut works because she's cute but why the baggy shirts and flannel? Her idiot boss? C'mon... the mean boss, "I'm bustin' you down to foot patrol", "gimme your shield and gun" thing again? I didn't notice, does he eat a lot of donuts and constantly have a cup of coffee too?
"Riggs, Mertaw! Get in here!"
"You damn right, wise ass! The mayor called the Chief, the Chief called the Deputy Chief, the Deputy Chief just chewed my ass out! You see I don't have any bit of it left, don't you?"
Her FBI ex-husband serves no useful purpose in the show. The FBI vs NYPD rivalry thing is already old after two episodes. Give us a break.
This show could be saved if either the writers would throw away this stupid formula and do a little writing. Or... you all just went with it and made it a farcical comedy and develop the characters as such. Ally Walker's character could be a real hoot! -
qponsncash10 September 2014I don't get people who give bad reviews. A series is meant to give us a break from thinking about crap at work or school, etc. It's when we laugh at the craziness or root for a good outcome while trying to figure out who did it before the end. There have been pretty good shows lose out because the only people to say anything are usually the haters while for some strange reason shows that really suck are still around like the so called reality shows, Keeping up with the Kardashians, and their off shoots.
This show is fun, funny, sweet and entertaining. There were only a couple of actors that could have stepped up their game, otherwise it's a good series and I'd like to see more. -
There is hope for this show, but the main actress and others need major help. Cabbie is good, but the rest of the cast is horrible and make this very cheesy and unbelievable. I don't like to write bad reviews, but I am hoping they will help them and turn this show around instead of canceling it. The dialogue delivery is weak with strained pauses. the "reactions" are delayed. People also don't stay in character and their acting is very emotionless. E.G. if you are supposed to have a broken foot, limp don't strut around in the boot like it is just your second shoe and if you are going to get mad at someone, be angry when you throw wine at them. This was another scene that was literally painful to watch. It is hard to watch this potentially good show because of this.
-
sneak373 July 2014Whats with all the negative nanny's who didn't even watch the show right through and started complaining from the get go, your reading to much into and show which is only meant for entertainment, your all a bunch of, oops better not go there . I am looking forward to watching this show every week., OK story reminds me of castle , but I like that show also. I am required to write at-least 10 lines to get this review red by you all. I never write more than 2 lines to say I like or dislike a show. If I had to say one thing is, where is Queen Latifah. I like the shaky cam thing sometimes it make me feel like I am in the cab . My attention span is like 3 minutes max for a new show to make me want to watch it and this show had me hooked from the beginning .
-
This show couldn't seem to decide between being a serious police procedural or a comedy. Sadly, it failed miserably at both. Very surprised that it lasted 12 episodes. It is completely ridiculous beyond belief!
-
greatwolf-524434 June 2015This show needs to continue.The characters were well played. Chyler's character was very believable. Jacky reminds me of a few cab drivers that I have worked with. Apparently the critic before me has no sense of what is a good show or not. I chalk it up to him having no balls and a royal twit. We have to look outside the box to realize that police officers are people too. Being part of a family of Police Officers that can relate to the situations at hand. I have to give the writer of this show kudos. It was well written.I would like to see more about the relationship of the cab driver and his son. What the mob family has to do with all of this. So when is season two coming out?