Picket Fences -

Premise:

“Picket Fences” is a quirky and thought-provoking drama series that revolves around the lives of the residents of Rome, a small, fictional town in Wisconsin. The show explores the various moral, ethical, and social issues that arise within the close-knit community of Rome. While on the surface, Rome appears to be an idyllic, picturesque town, it is far from ordinary, as it grapples with bizarre and sometimes supernatural events.

Main Central Characters:

Sheriff Jimmy Brock (Tom Skerritt): Jimmy Brock is the town’s sheriff, a dedicated and principled lawman who often finds himself dealing with unusual cases. He is a loving husband to his wife, Jill, and a devoted father to their children.
Jill Brock (Kathy Baker): Jill is a doctor and the wife of Sheriff Jimmy Brock. She is compassionate and dedicated to her medical practice, often confronting challenging medical cases and ethical dilemmas.
Maxine Stewart (Lauren Holly): Maxine is the outspoken and unconventional attorney in Rome. She often represents clients in bizarre and controversial cases, challenging the town’s moral and legal boundaries.
Kenny Lacos (Costas Mandylor): Kenny is a Deputy Sheriff and Jimmy’s loyal and sometimes unpredictable partner in law enforcement.
Douglas Wambaugh (Fyvush Finkel): Douglas is the eccentric and skilled defense attorney who frequently faces off against Maxine in the courtroom. He often takes on unusual and contentious cases.
Matthew Brock (Justin Shenkarow): Matthew is Jimmy and Jill’s intelligent and curious teenage son, who navigates the challenges of growing up in Rome.

Themes:

“Picket Fences” tackles a wide range of themes, including morality, ethics, family, community, and the complexities of human nature. The series often presents viewers with morally ambiguous situations, challenging them to consider various perspectives on controversial issues. It also incorporates elements of the supernatural, adding a touch of mystery and intrigue to the show’s thematic exploration.

Critical Consensus (Rating: 4/5):

“Picket Fences” received critical acclaim with a rating of 4 out of 5. Critics appreciated the show’s unique blend of drama, humor, and social commentary. It was lauded for its willingness to tackle challenging and controversial topics while maintaining a sense of small-town charm. The ensemble cast’s performances, particularly those of Tom Skerritt and Kathy Baker, were highly praised for their depth and authenticity.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:

“Picket Fences” typically carries a TV-14 rating due to its mature themes, complex moral dilemmas, and occasional depictions of violence and adult situations. It is intended for adult audiences and older teenagers.

Original Network and Run:

“Picket Fences” originally aired on CBS from 1992 to 1996.