I have watched every episode so far and rather pleased if this show. Just want to get everybody's opinion about the likes and dislikes.

Love the show.
Kudos to NBC for putting on a show with some depth.

Things I like...
- Charlie's personality, the way he seems to be drinking in every detail of his new freedom.
- The cases that Charlie & his partner have been on have been interesting & compelling.
- The way Charlie tilts his head to the side...when he notices something.
- I like Adam Arkin's character, good comic relief there...and he's doing great with it.
- The ongoing mystery of 'who framed Charlie', this will take a while to figure out.
- Damian Lewis...is great.

Dislikes...
- The bloody scenes are a little brutal, but that's just me...it's a show about crimes, after all.

I've enjoyed the first two episodes so far, and will probably keep watching all season. I only take issue with how the women are portrayed.

The ex-partners wife: not very kind or compassionate
The random hook-ups: all come off as gold diggers
The new partner: I like her, but she's pretty damaged
The LT: she's a hag

Being a female, I wouldn't want to know most of these women. The only woman portrayed kindly was the lawyer, and you barely see her.

Overall, I like the show a lot. i really want to know what he learns about his set-up!

The actress playing the partner does a good job, although if the character doesn't start respecting Crews a bit more soon it's going to look stupid. Or, is every show going to be him outsmarting the obvious and she rolling her eyes at him until his theory proves to correct? If so, I think that will get old very fast.

Crews is slutty, which is getting sort of gross.

The writing is good and Crews is just quirky enough to be loveable (and I don't mean in the slutty way!).

I watched the second episode yesterday and I absolutely loved it. I wish they've had more promotions on TV and elswhere. I don't know what viewing numbers have been so far but I feel like a lot of people are missing out on a great show.

As far as crews being slutty...Come on the guy just got out of jail after 12 years. I KNOW I'd be trying to make up for lost time. Especially if it was falling at my feet from publicity and wealth. After the pool chicks scene I think we can determine that he has his priorities straight. That was one heck of a scene btw.

My favorite part of the show so far was the universe joke. I'm gonna put that as my sig as soon as I go tinker with my profile.

This show rocks. I've never seen anythign on TV with this sheer volume of philsophical depth as it relates to today.

And as for women being portrayed in a positive light. Well they just don't fit into the story except as case charecters. Which there are plenty of. Take the sister that spoke in the second episode for example.

Great Metaplot as well. With the classic figures of any mystery that all have just a twinge of suspect. I'll save my comments on that for the personal theory board though.

I hope this show goes far. I'm hooked and I HATE TV.

This is probably one of my favorite new shows, but you make a good point. I hope the writers do some character adjustment to portray women in a more realistic way.

It's a fun show. Witty and clever.

I love this show. I think it's well written and I love the style and how we get a bit of Charlie's past with the documentary crew (I think it's great how they called out that retired cop in telling him that Charlie is innocent and asking him about his drinking problem). I am also very relieved that the second episode was as good as the first. I also watch Reaper and I was a little disappointed with their second episode. It's such a disappointment when the pilot is good and the rest sucks.

I really like his partner, I think the two of them have great chemistry. I think it's funny the way she gets irritated with him. ( The part with the hotel apple had me cracking up) I dont' think she's trying to make his life difficult, she's got a lot riding on their partnership. Despite her bravado I think she does like him.

I love Ted. I can't wait to see the history of their relationship and how they survived prison together.

I felt sorry for his old partner at the BBQ. Deep down he seems sad. His wife is another story...
At first I was freaking out when he took him into the garage, but after he gave Charlie his old badge I do think Charlie will have an ally down the road.

I can't wait to see what happens between Charlie and the Lt. as the series continues. I wonder what her part was in all this. I'm sure this will affect his partner since the Lt. is her dad's old partner too. Talk about a recipe for drama!

Keep up the good work NBC!

I agree.
I think she is starting to like Charlie, in spite of herself.

What a cool screen-name, Got_Fruit.

I love that.
Which reminds me....I wonder what Charlie's thing is with fruit.
Maybe because he had a fruit-deprived life in prison?

I agree, there isn't a character from any other show such as Charlie. The concept of show was very well developed and put together. Perhaps it was meant for a more mature audience, hence, it isn't advetised as much as other shows??

the show it good...i like it alot....

Life is a great show and has already raced to the top of my viewing list I can't wait for the next episode to air and Damian Lewis is a Hottie!

I love what the networks are doing on computers. I’m a simple kinda guy but my time is valued so I am unable to catch certain tv show as they air on the small tv screen. Now I have a chance to see anything I’ve missed whenever I can ( I’ve introduced my wife to this as well). Anyway I’ve been a fan of Damian Lewis ever since he did the outstanding job as commander Winters in the “BoB” series. He played that part in a very believable way. Now his role in “Life” is a bit of a stretch, but so far so good. I like it. Going from playing a part of someone in very much control to someone that is somewhat wacky will test Mr. Lewis’ skills. He’s pulling it off I would say. Seems I’ve noticed the fellow who plays “Bull” from “BoB” in one eps too. The dad of the murdered child. Revenge is sweet is all I can say about that eps (mine is an evil laugh). I’m looking forward to watching this show as much as I can (if Zen is with me) and seeing Olivia a lot more ( Christina Hendricks-Saffron/FF) is a major reason I tuned in.
Mr. Crews’ partner, lady boss, lawyer and house guests have all been hotties. What a tragic life he has. I would say not bad for a fellow that has had every bone in his body broken and has lived through the riggers of WW2. I’ve enjoyed the show.

Z

I would post the text of their article, but I'm concerned that copyright issues would prevent me from doing that. Suffice to say, the Wall Street Journal loves 'Life' and calls it the one show from the new crop that they are most eager to see again. I'm quite pleased that they do have this opinion, because viewers like it when their choices are also the choices of esteemed institutions like the WSJ.

Normally, I put shows on my DVR for simple time-shifting purposes. Once I watch 'em, to the trash bin they go. But I'm saving all my episodes of 'Life' because I think I might want to revisit them later.

Three cheers for 'Life!' I hope the ratings echo what I feel, because--sadly--that's where the focus always lies.

Adam's character Ted Early is like the favorite dressing on a salad. He's there among the 'main' characters but not nearly as frequently. Yet, his presence is comforting in the face of constant confusion and mis-direction with respect to the case-du-jour and Charlie's attempt to make sense and sensibility of his own 'past.'

I like Arkin's 'Ted' and feel he adds more than we really can feel at present.

I absolutely love this show. I recorded episode #1 on my DVR and didn't watch it for nearly a week. Had no clue what it was about or who was in it. I just had heard and read good reports. But I cued it up and started watching. The first scene had a dead boy, a dug-up finger, and a bullet in a dog. Must-see-TV, indeed.

So while I was tempted to stop right there, I stuck with it. And I'll tell you what HOOKED me solid: The scene near the end of that first episode where you see, for the first time, that 'Conspiracy Wall.' WHOAH! You saw that Charlie--the man who munches on wierd fruit--has his wheels spinning.

Now, what I want to see develop is this: Let's say Dani develops a liking for Charlie. And let's say Dani comes to pay him a visit at his mansion. And let's say that Dani either sees a lovely lady leaving his place, or evidence of lovely ladies being there. Do you think Ms. 'I-pick-up-married-men-in-bars' would have any cause to give Charlie a 'You're-a-weasel' look?

I don't think so.

She'd be wise to just zip it.

Love the show. Damien Lewis is hot! He's kind of got that Hugh Laurie Brit-playing-American hotness I dig. Great chemistry with his partner. Keep it coming, NBC!

Overall opinion: I find this the best offering of NBC's fall lineup, and feel it holds its own right now in its night and time slot - as much as I do love Belzer and Ice-T, I frequently forget to watch them, and I'm starting to tire of Sinise...

Likes:
-Damian Lewis does great work with his role - his accent work is meticulous (the Laurie comparisons are pretty fair), his delivery is near flawless - he probably deserves a comparison to Vincent D'Onofrio's work with L&O:CI, and he can carry off the rather extreme range of his character - clever detective, tortured soul, sexual icon of sorts - without becoming a caricature.
-The production is clever and well executed so far - the interplay of the documentary with the procedural drama with the underlying murder mystery really hangs well together.
-The music - so far, the selections have been smart.
-There are some very strong supporting cast. Adam Arkin as Ted Early is, so far, a good foil to Crews, and his subplot has my interest. His former partner Stark also has my interest piqued. Dani Reese is, thus far, also engaging, although a little formulaic.
-So far, I don't feel totally beaten over the head with any message/theme... The show doesn't dwell on or sulk over or soapbox anything yet...

Dislikes:
-I've read the TV Guide plot summaries for the next few episodes, and I guess I'm not looking forward to the unraveling of Constance, Charlie's lawyer/best friend/whatnot... Although I tried to become invested in Charlie's soulful speech about what the two of them had "come through," I don't find her character particularly engaging, the teasers aren't hooking me in, and when contrasted with a guy who spent the first 6 years of prison in the infirmary, every bone in his body broken at one point or another, and the next 6 in the hole, well, is Constance's ordeal really on a par with that? It's too late for me to call "don't go there" - they're already in the can...
-If NBC wants me to theorize over what's going on in Life, and really embrace the show a la The Office online, well, give me more to play with. The Conspiracy Wall is kinda trailing the show, and I think we could all handle a little more complexity.

I love it! And I agree with all the "likes" that you mentioned. I look forward to watching again tonight.

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Best new show. Unfortunately only 2 shows that I love right off have made it, Heroes being one of them. I hope this one can pull through. Me loving a show is usually the kiss of death.
Love how he's trying to figure out all the new things that have come about while he was in prison.
Love the underlining story of figuring out the who committed the crime he was put away for.
Love Love this show.

I'm hooked! I love this show so far! I like the twists and how everything is very connected. I also love the way that Crews has his own interpretation of Zen! I like the chemistry between him and his partner as well! I hope that the show continues to do well and I can't wait until next Weds!!

love Damien Lews (sp?) i am so happy to see that he is in this great show, i am huge fan!

Yes, example how he was fascinated by the cell phone vibrating off the table. It's a good small touch to his character.

I really liked this show when I watched the pilot episode, but after the episode last night....I absolutely LOVE it!!! Of all the new programs this season, this one is my favorite!

[i] I just love this show! It's interesting, fun, and holds my attention. I don't like that he brings home one night stands. He seems like a smart, kind, honest, and deep person. In jail for a long time or not, I thought he would want something more real and meaningful in a relationship.

I really like the show, having already seen another few movies with Damian Lewis ("Band of Brothers", and "Keane") I was very happy to see that Damian would be in this new show. I think he puts a really cool perspective onto the character and really uses his own acting ability to add a lot of depth to the character. Not to mention that the plot of wanting to know who set him-Charlie up and why is very intrigiung too. I think that NBC has a hit on their hands!!

God and peace
Vanessa

I love this show. Its the first NBC show that has hooked me in over 5 years. Up till now I had moved almost 100% to cable shows and movies. I watched it because a friend wanted to see it and because I loved Band of Brothers. Now I can't get enough of this show.

I had no intensions of watching the show after seeing the promotional for it; however someone who was watching the show gave great reviews. After catching the first two episodes online I can't imagine missing another episode. The show is great.

I love Charlie's one liners. Example being the exchange between him and the clerk in "Let Her Go". Fast come backs keep me on my toes, or rather my ears wide open! Also, Damian Lewis is a master at showing emotion with the smallest of facial expressions. Clever actor that one!

Loving this show. Charlie Crews is just a wonderful character. He's not perfect but he wants to get to bottom of it. But I see one flaw that could happen. We have a broader story of Who framed Charlie but how long and how deep is that story line going to be able to go. Of course he can't solve it in a season and think back to shows like Quantum Leap, Sam spent 7 seasons trying to get home and never really did. Will Charlie solve the crime that was stealing his life.

Damien Lewis' performance in Band of Brothers was my first exposure to his work. Love the man, love the actor and love the show. I hate cop shows. Life however, is original, witty, simple and simply perfect. Zen philosophy aside I was captured by his understated performance. I will look forward to every episode. Good to see others enjoy this show as well. Maybe it will escape the NBC axe.

I love this show too. I saw the adds and thought I would give it a try. Not very opomistic with and NBC crime show. It suprised me and now is one of the high points of my week. I hope NBC keeps it! I think Crews is a compination of House and Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder).

This is the first time I've written to any network. I need to thank you NBC for bringing this marvelous show out. Thanks for signing Damian Lewis and giving American viewers a taste of what exceptional acting looks like. I watch this show feeling honored that Damian, so beautifully trained in the classics, so talented, and so clearly happy in his new role, is turning up weekly in our living rooms.

Crews and Reese have subtley and skillfully grown together in partnership in just 4 episodes, and it's fun and interesting to watch. Sarah Shahi is coming alive in a kind of tender and sweet way - her stiff bearing from the first episodes has melted and what seems to be a naturally affectionate and fun person has emerged. Her expressions and body language are very unusual for the detective characters we usually see, and are so refreshing.

Crews and Reese are (thanks to the writers as well as the actors) developing this eclectic relationship that's creative and pleasurable to watch. In profile against the sad, confusing, private needs of each, one can imagine a depthy and trusted friendship developing - maybe, kinda, on again off again? Adam Arkin, Brooke Langton and Robin Weigert are good old favorites in the American scene and add the stability and romance to the spice and mystery.

On the sparkling Damian again, I heard someone say that Damian Lewis has chemistry with everyone. I think that's dead on. He's such a leader in this show that any acting decision he makes seems to provide a fresh path of reactions from each of the cast. Whether he's being quirky or funny or curious or very troubled, he's completely believable.

Well done, NBC. This one's a leap ahead. I was so tired of the old formulas. Don't let it slip in the ratings - promote it well for those of us who need the breath of fresh air to last.

Yes! I love the brother/sister relationship Charlie and Dani have. It was so sweet when Charlie said to Dani, "You called me your partner." "No, I didn't." "Yes you did."

I laughed when they were in the car with Easley (homeless man from episode 4), and Easley and Charlie kept complaining about being hungry. Dani is yelling, "We are not stopping." as if they were 2 little kids.

But then we see them slowly learning to trust each other, in a world where they trust no one. And then having them gel as an investigative team with the 2 suspects was brilliant.

Really, really like this show. Its a plot within a plot. Never would have watched it, but someone told me about it and now I am hooked!! I also feel that the show needs more promo. Its too great of a series to let the ratings slide.

So far it's my favorite show on TV. I seemed to like the first 2 episodes better than episodes 3 , and 4. Crews in my opinion seems less "zen-ish" but overall I love the show.
I'm not a big fan of crime-dramas but I like this one obviously because it hasn't seemed to be too "crime-drama-ish" at first.
I record it on dvr while I watch it, then I watch it a few more times throughout the week before the next episode.

Let's see, a cross between:

Law and Order -solving the crimes
The Fugitive - trying to solve the crime he was accused of
Monk - wonderful neurotic tendencies

Love it Love it Love it

Excellent writing & acting interspersed with edgy modern music makes this show soar over most of the stagnant waste of time on TV. Damian Lewis & Sarah Shahi are perfect together in every way. The other characters & the "plot within a plot" also contribute to the overall dynamic. If NBC cancels this show I will be furious!

I think, and I say this as a self-confessed "Reality TV Junkie" over, ohhh, the past 6 years.... this show ushers in the "OK, GIVE US GOOD DRAMAS BACK" wave that even the die hard reality fans are edging closer towards.
The dialog, the subtle nuances, the three fold plot each week, really have me hooked.
I'm curious what the networks are doing as far as looking to the future. I mean, REALLY, are they going to pass or fail a show based on air time viewers? I'll bet, if you quizzed 1,000 viewers, more than half didn't watch it Wednesday night at 10.
Well, I did, this time, 'cause I couldn't wait to see what happened.
But in the long run, it seems to me the networks better wake up or they'll be playing catch up, just like the music and video industries have had to do.
Kepp this show, NBC. Leave it, promote it, nurture it. You have a true gem with this one.
Providing your writers can keep up the pace!!!

I'm loving this show so far. Excellent writing...excellent acting...excellent plots and stories. Bravo!!

Totally agree with you on the likes

Saw lots of previews for the show before the season started. Wasn't going to watch it. I watched Bionic Woman and was about to turn the tube off when I noticed that the Crews is Damian Lewis, my fav actor from Band of Brothers. So, decided to give the show a chance.

Glad that I did! This is really great show! Writing is good, the acting is great and the story line has dragged me in. Def kudos to NBC for placing this show on the tv!

I hope you will not cancel this show. It is a great show that is new and has not been promoted very well. Please do more to let everyone know it is there and is a good show to watch.

I absolutely LOVE this show. So does my husband. It is one of the few shows we sit down TOGETHER to watch! We love love love Damien Lewis - especially from his BoB role.

The writing and acting is excellent!

I hope to God they dont cancel this show. Seems like that would be our luck. NBC - listen to us!!

I love this show! It's interesting and entertaining. I will continue to watch and enjoy![code][/code]

This show is one of the best i've seen in a long long time: Great acting, funny and Crews is just the coolest.

Last nights episode was, again, great fun to watch. I hope this great show will stay for a while.

I love this show i haven't missed an episode yet.

I love the show. There are so many directions they can take this show that I hope it's on for 7 years.

I would walk a mile, no, wait 10 miles to watch even a repeat of this show. If it goes off the air, I will go into mourning. :-(

I am really enjoying this show. I think it is great to see a character who is interested in his good name and honor, he didn't just take the money and run. The characters are interesting and have many layers and along with the real world they have areas they are struggling in. The main character also continues to look inside himself and to learn and grow with life's lessons. Terrifc show, I was disappointed in the negative comments by Victor Balta of MSN. He and I have very different outlooks.