Copper

Copper has much to recommend it: action, passion and great performances arising from an exploration of classic American themes.

Filmed with a muddy palette, the premiere hums with menace. There's lots of low-down action, with brass knuckles applied.

Copper doesn't open as confidently as I had hoped (or as its pedigree might lead one to expect), but given the classic themes, rich time period and great acting, I trust it will keep my interest.

Intriguing cop show in Civil War New York--though neither the cop part nor Civil War part are entirely convincing.

Everything about the show feels just a bit off: underfunded, insufficiently cast and flatly written.

The first two episodes are so full of clunky explanations that it's impossible to forget for a moment you're watching a TV show.

It's missing exactly the elements that make you want to watch those British shows on BBC America: energy, irreverence, a sense of humor and, crucially, consistently good performances.