L.A. Law

So rousingly well done that it seems to come from a different solar system than most contemporary episodic television shows, and yet too many rapturous panegyrics could spoil some of the fun. The two-hour pilot for the series...is so terribly and industriously entertaining that you hate to see the program lumped in with things that are supposedly "good for you." This isn't a John Chancellor commentary. This is living, breathing matter -- clever, thoughtful, ribald and hard-boiled. [15 Sept 1986, p.B1]

Looks like the best new TV series of the fall season, filled with fascinating people, ingenious turns of plot, strong, offbeat drama, an unmistakable air of realism and some delicious bits of black comedy. [15 Sept 1986, p.C-1]

It's high-pitched, unforgettable, knockout, electrifying TV...There should be a law requiring more series like NBC's new L.A. Law. [15 Sept 1986, p.C1]

A sharp, intelligent, splendidly entertaining venture that deftly draws upon a world of callousness and commitment, long hours and short fuses. [15 Sept 1986, p.5]

L.A. Law still has some of its earlier problems ... but that Law is once again worth fretting over is a measure of its startling renewal.

Overpopulation is now L.A. Law's biggest problem. Talking to fans and reading reviews, I seem to be in the minority on this, but I continue to think that Law made a strategic mistake in pushing these new characters at us so soon after the introduction of the lawyers played by Amanda Donohoe, John Spencer, and Cecil Hoffmann last season.

After watching the rest of what is a very promising pilot, we are left with the unpleasant aftertaste of saccharin. A passing miscalulation, or a harbinger of episodes to come? Bring on the series. [15 Sept 1986, p.C14]