"Raising the Bar" Review: Bochco's Back, Baby!

I know you guys are tired of hearing me say this, but it’s just too appropriate here.

A TV pilot—say it with me now—is a very tricky thing. You have to find the perfect balance between sufficiently introducing the characters and story and making the story interesting enough that people will want to come back and watch.

And unfortunately, the pilot of Steven Bochco’s “Raising the Bar” doesn’t find that balance. Fortunately, however, the fine folks at TNT wisely sent the media the first three episodes so we could see how good the show really is.

I just hope viewers give it the same chance…

“Raising the Bar” follows three sides of the justice system—the public defender’s office, the district attorney’s office and a judge’s courtroom. Bochco created the show with David Feige (author of “Indefensible”), a former public defender.

So, it’s no surprise that the emphasis is on the public defender’s office and its heart and soul, Jerry Kellerman (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), who is based on Feige. Jerry is willing to do anything to help his clients, including go to jail. His boss, Roz (Gloria Reuben), offers her support when she can, as does Richard (Teddy Sears), who is often referred to as “Mr. Rich” because of his wealth (He gave up a cushy job in his father’s law firm.). Richard constantly flirts with Roz, but she doesn’t give in because she is his boss. Bobbi (Natalia Cigluiti) joins the PD’s office in episode two as a transfer from Brooklyn who catches Jerry’s eye…

The DA’s office is led by Nick (Currie Graham), a sleazy ladies’ man who is only interested in wins. His sleazy innuendos are often aimed at Michelle (Melissa Sagemiller), an ADA who often cares more about justice than wins. She’s joined in the office by Marcus (J. August Richards).

The main judge in the show is Judge Trudy Kessler (Jane Kaczmarke). She’s as tough as they come and slightly eccentric. Her clerk is Charlie (Jonathan Scarfe), who has some interesting traits of his own…

It’s important to note that although they’re on different sides, Jerry, Teddy, Michelle, Marcus, and Charlie are all friends and help each other when they can.

In the pilot, Jerry defends an innocent man on a rape charge. Knowing the man is innocent, Michelle helps Jerry out, but Judge Kessler will have none of it. Kessler and Jerry clash so much that Jerry ends up in jail and his friends and boss must intervene.

Meanwhile, Richard must defend a man who killed and mutilated his gay lover. Richard’s work is cut out for him because the man does not want to reveal he’s gay.

The pilot is a little too choppy as it tries to give us a quick summary of each character. And it bangs Jerry vs. Judge Kessler over our heads a little too hard. I know they’re trying to drive the point home that Jerry is passionate and Kessler is tough, but we can grasp that fairly quickly without all the unnecessary rhetoric.

There are two interesting twists in the pilot, though. The first you will see coming in the first 10 minutes—especially if you’ve seen any of the promos. The second is actually a double twist. The first part you’ll totally see coming, but the second comes out of left field and is classic Bochco.

In all honesty, the main problem with the pilot is that Jerry is so interesting and Gosselaar is so good that we just don’t care about anyone else—especially Roz since Gloria Reuben comes off as a little miscast.

Fortunately, she—and everyone else—finds her stride in the second episode and by the third, they’re completely rolling.

And since the best moments in the promos didn’t even occur in the first three episodes, I know it’s only going to get better.

It’s great to have Bochco back on TV, and this show is definitely classic Bochco with its mix of the legal and the personal. And Bochco wisely went with his go-to-guy Gosselaar (Yes, I’ll keep calling him that.) to anchor the ensemble. Kaczmarek is also beautifully cast in a role she has some familiarity with (She’s voiced a judge in numerous episodes of “The Simpsons.”). And by the third episode, you’re completely drawn to Teddy Sears.

There’s no question that Bochco is back. Just make sure you give him some time to get there…

“Raising the Bar” premieres Monday, September 1st at 10 p.m. on TNT…

Cast Photo Credit: Art Streiber

Currie Graham and Teddy Sears Photos Credit: Kyle Christy

Jane Kaczmarek Photo Credit: Richard Foreman

Mark-Paul Gosselaar Photo Credit: Karen Neal
Photos provided by TNT