Critic Reviews

The writers and directors do a sometimes routine, sometimes solid job of making something as atypical as an imprisoned innocent seem believable in the world of fictional network television.

The chemistry among the leads isn't fully there, and the trail of clues, at least in the opening two episodes, relies on a lot of serendipity and improbable deductive work. But "In Justice" is a watchable show.

The acting is quite good, despite the fact that everyone is the same age, not particularly interesting, or even odd, and are all startlingly good-looking. The writing is good, if you can get past some cheesy dialogue.

Though reminiscent of other TV fare, though standard in dialogue, plotting and performances, "In Justice" does boast a touch of originality by examining not only investigators, victims and criminals, but innocent bystanders ensnared in the crime web as well.

If anything, "In Justice" tries too hard.

The show's shifts in tone can seem ungainly; the comedy, of which there is more than usual in such shows, sometimes rubs uncomfortably against the premise.... Yet the show is best when it's funniest.

The regular characters are generic, and the plots are filled with holes. But as a mindless TV distraction bent on reminding us that the justice system is not perfect, ''In Justice" will do.

So MacLachlan's enjoyable. The supporting cast is OK. And the unconventional premise is rather promising. Now it's up to the producers to give "In Justice" a more distinctive dramatic zing.

Perfectly adequate.

Rote as this seems, it's difficult to judge the series too harshly. It has the barest basics in its favor -- the cast works and the writing is acceptable.