gabeuhr

Overall, solid performances top to bottom and good characters, some style (see a conversation between a drunk and a heroin addict for a great example), and a little dark humor, but wish the Mickey character (James Gandolfini) had more of a pay-off.

Also, enjoyed the soundtrack and the backdrop of the 2008 Wall St. Fraud.

The location felt vague to me and I never knew where this was taking place. I know it was filmed in Louisiana. Felt vaguely like it could have been Pittsburgh. Other comments lead me to believe the intended setting was New England, but I missed the references and not enough of the accents lined up to give me that feeling as I watched.

Gritty crime is a tough genre and Killing Them Softly is a better than average attempt.

Firstly, anyone who criticizes multi-camera sitcoms for having "fake laughs" knows nothing about how television gets made. Mystery Girls is taped in front of a studio audience. Real laughs from real people. If you think laughter is "fake," then you're probably the kind of joyless person who watches a lot of television by yourself with your hand down your pants.

On to the show, if you're open minded, pop-culture obsessed, and you enjoy multi-cam sitcoms, you will probably enjoy MG. If you're all of those things AND a 90210 fan from the 90s, this show is made for you. It's comfort television. Turn off your brain for 30 minutes and relax - you're in good hands. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how dirty and fun this show can be (definitely not for kids) - Miguel Pinzon is genuinely hysterical as the fan turned assistant.

While the premise of a "TV" detective turned detective isn't entirely original (see Conan O'Brien and Robert Smigel's hilarious one-and-done Lookwell pilot starring Adam West from 1991, on YouTube), the execution and style of MG is completely its own.

And finally, watch with real friends. TV is meant to be shared.