Underground

The solid cast, compelling overall storyline and deft twists (Rosalee’s mother is full of surprises) add up to an engrossing, enlightening drama.

Based on the four episodes I've watched, Underground seems to have hit the sweet spot between quality and commercial potential, and between being respectful of the time it's depicting while finding a way to function as ongoing entertainment.

Underground celebrates the small, exceptional group of black and white heroes who risked it all for the sake of freedom. And it’s that story, the amazing cast and the historically accurate writing behind the drama that make this series worth the investment.

Underground rises to the challenge with urgent storytelling and a heavy dose of contemporary edge.

The plot is filled with what might be considered melodramatic cliches.... But a funny thing happens after the first episode or two: "Underground" ... loses its melodramatic patina. That’s almost entirely because of the performances.

Against all convention, Underground could even be flashier. A tighter vision, though, is what will make its flash burn brighter.

The result is so-so as both history and drama, a series with moments of power, but also occasional lapses into Civil War-era cliches. Progressing along a serialized path, the WGN drama contains enough suspense to pull viewers through four previewed episodes, without yet demonstrating whether it can stay on track through a 10-episode run.