Southland -

Synopsis:

“Southland” dives into the high-stakes world of the Los Angeles Police Department, presenting an authentic, raw look at the officers and detectives on the front lines of metropolitan crime. Filmed on location in the streets and neighborhoods of Los Angeles, the show breaks away from the conventional police procedural by embracing a documentary-style approach, which results in an unfiltered look at the lives and challenges of the LAPD.

Main Characters:

Officer John Cooper (played by Michael Cudlitz): A seasoned training officer battling his personal demons, including addiction and the strain of being a closeted gay man in the force.
Officer Ben Sherman (portrayed by Ben McKenzie): A rookie cop assigned to Cooper, learning the ropes and complexities of police work.
Detective Lydia Adams (played by Regina King): A deeply committed and skilled detective, she deals with the challenges of her career while managing her personal life as a single mother.
Officer Sammy Bryant (portrayed by Shawn Hatosy): A cop with a tumultuous personal life, which often blends with his demanding job.
Detective Daniel “Sal” Salinger (played by Michael McGrady): A firm and dedicated squad leader, striving to balance work with fatherhood.

Themes:

“Southland” touches on the themes of morality, the blurred lines between right and wrong, and the personal sacrifices made by those in law enforcement. It delves deeply into the psychological and emotional toll of the job and the struggle to maintain personal relationships amidst the chaos of the streets.

Rating:

4.6/5 – Critics largely applauded “Southland” for its gritty realism, compelling characters, and the show’s ability to effectively weave personal drama with crime-fighting. Some, however, felt it occasionally veered into excessive melodrama and that its documentary-style approach wasn’t always effectively executed.