Critic Reviews

Tonight's opening episode of The Guardian is as well-crafted as any of this fall's series pilots. The hour plays like a tidy little TV movie. And therein lies its potential problem. Where the series can go from here-go, that is, without losing credibility and the dramatic tensions that make it distinctive-is difficult to fathom. [25 Sept 2001, p.B27]

The character and the show sneak up on you in clever, unexpected ways and prove a gratifying surprise. [25 Sept 2001, p.C01]

If The Guardian becomes a hit, credit [Baker's] cool smugness. [25 Sept 2001, p.E-3]

It's an engaging set-up for what will likely be a hit, since it was obviously designed to complement the social-service minded "Judging Amy." [25 Sept 2001, p.E1]

The Guardian is a show with promise, and it may well develop into a high-quality program in the coming weeks. But it's not a warm, fuzzy, easy-to-love show like, say, "Judging Amy." It's rough and tumble, a challenge to watch. [25 Sept 2001, p.C-1]

It's definitely not sunshine and lollipops, but series creator David Hollander manages to push the right emotional buttons. [25 Sept 2001, p.33]

What emerges is a drama that is solid, though not spectacular, and a star more charismatic than complicated. [24 Sept 2001]

Mr. Baker has charisma to burn. The dialogue and storytelling in The Guardian are sharp without being overly slick. [25 Sept 2001, p.10C]

The Guardian is manipulative, sad and a little strange. But it does put a new face on the old lawyer series, and as its new star, Baker could live up to his advance billing as a breakout. [25 Sept 2001, p.6]

The Guardian is a chilling, state-of-America show, pointedly devoted to the question, "What is a meaningful life?" Simon Baker is galvanizing as the hero, intense and hard to read. This is what he's meant to be, but as to whether The Guardian and this tortured angel of a corporate lawyer will be a hit with viewers, it is impossible to say in these days of war and retribution. [25 Sept 2001, p.R2]