Mary Shannon (Mark McCormack), a US Marshal in the witness protection program, spends her time relocating federal witnesses. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mary works with her partner, Marshall Mann (Frederick Weller), to place criminals and innocent witnesses into new lives. When not putting her life on the line to protect federal witnesses, Mary attempts to manage her dysfunctional family, including overly dependent mother, Jinx, and younger sister, Brandi, both of whom live with her.
C**Y
Great story with interesting and believable Characters
It is a shame this was never (as far as I know) released on blu-ray as, it would be worth it. Unlike most of the "Strong independent women" in most recent TV and movies the lead in this is very relatable and realistic (if not that pleasant to be around). The writers did a great job on this show.Still just as strong in season 3
M**S
"I Love It When You Talk to Me in Greeting Card."
Change never goes well with fans of a show, and that was the case with season three of In Plain Sight. Between seasons two and three, there were some major behind the scenes changes, including the creator of the show leaving. That was reflected in what we saw on the screen. Some fans hated the changes, but I actually liked them.For those unfamiliar with the show, it centers around Mary Shannon (Mary McCormack), a marshal in WITSEC, the witness protection program. Along with her partner, Marshall Mann (Frederick Weller), they protect witnesses who have been relocated to Albuquerque under the eye of their boss Stan McQueen (Paul Ben-Victor). In this season, they deal with an informant reluctant to enter the program, a thief trying to go straight, a witness who has just awaken from a three year coma, and a bomb making witness.Meanwhile, Mary's family life is finally going well. Mother Jinx (Lesley Ann Warren) has sobered up and gotten a job. Sister Brandi (Nichole Hiltz) is doing well in college and has a steady boyfriend (Joshua Malina). That's not to say that her private life isn't without drama. Her love life is still in turmoil and there's her half-brother Scott (Aaron Ashmore) who Brandi has managed to track down. What does he want?While I have enjoyed the previous seasons, I was very tired of the family drama. Jinx and Brandi were self-destructive, and Mary enabling them grated on my nerves. I liked the fact that this aspect of things was fairly stable for a change. For some fans, this was the biggest point of contention for the season.On the other hand, they wrote Eleanor Prince (Holly Maples) out of the show. She'd been brought in during season two as a foil for Mary in the office, someone who wasn't cowed by her like the men are. I loved their dynamic and really missed it, but it makes sense Holly would leave the show since she is the wife of the series creator.While these changed generally led to a lighter season than the first two, this is still the most serious show I watch on the USA Network. (I watch all but their Law and Order spin off.) Yes, we've got Mary's wise cracks and tough talking attitude for laughs, but the situations that the witnesses find themselves in are often serious. I mean, this is a show about people uprooting themselves because of crime. That's a serious subject. And watching Mary helping those who need it yet being tough when they need it too is one of my favorite dichotomies of the show.What really makes this show work is the acting. Mary McCormack is able to balance the two sides to Mary's character perfectly. One minute, she's snarky and the next she's compassionate, and I buy every second of it. Frederick Weller is really given a chance to shine this season as well, and his character of Marshall seems more real as a result. The rest of the cast does fine as well, and the guest stars always work well with the series regulars.There were only 13 episodes in season three, but all of them are here in full screen and surround sound on 3 discs. In the way of extras, we get two commentaries by Mary McCormack and Frederick Weller plus deleted scenes and cast interviews.For me, season three of In Plain Sight found the perfect blend of some comedy with the more serious drama the show has always had. I'm hoping this continues in season four.
D**T
The Season When The Show Started To Change.....
When this show first came on, I did not care for it,and did not watch any of the first two seasons.But then I gave it another shot, and looked at it ina different light, as I started to enjoy the "sarcasm",and edgy/dark humor.Then came season 3, and the show started to changewhat got it all those viewers.Mary McCormack, many times looked as if she was boredout of her mind, and wanted the show to be over with.To compensate for that, more cast members were given biggerroles, and the show shifted quite a bit.It managed to keep going, sometimes limping badly, for twomore seasons, before it finally ended.If you own all 5 seasons, you will see the all out attempt to keepthe show on the air, as story lines played themselves out.Still worth watching them all again.Mary McCormack is still one of my favorites.
N**S
Great series
Love this show
P**R
This is a good series
It seems the series learns from it's mistakes and improves with age. It's humorous and well paced.
B**R
Great TV series
This is an older (last 5 to 10 years) but it has staying power. The characters are well written and played. The subject matter about US Marshalls witness protection is facinating. There is drama and humor in the series and several subplots, but they all fit fit with the original plot and make sense. I recommend watching all seasons of the show and the fact that is is 5 or 6 years old does not date the subject matter or character. What a nice break from all of the reality and game shows of today.
A**N
A Knockout Series
I decided to give "In Plain Sight" a preview on Netflix as it seamed interesting. After the first disk I decided it was good enough to at least give it a chance so I watched the nextdisk and I was hooked! This show is amazing, each episode has the snitch of the week that goes into Witness Protection and almost every weekly story is a hit. The real beauty of this show is the ongoing family darama between Mary and her family as well as the shenanigans between her co workers. As a member of AA for 13+ years I can tell you the family problems related to this are very real life and they show much of this with enough humor to make me appreciate the honesty. If you buy Season 1 you will be hooked, I have the first three seasons now and will soon buy 4 and 5 to completye my set. I just can't say enough about this show, IMHO it is remarkable.
J**
Great Entertainment
I was a huge fan of West Wing, I miss all those characters. When I stumbled across this show I was ecstatic. I own every episode, and Thursday is my favorite night of the week, because I can see the new episode. I do not usually watch episode by episode for a TV show, I prefer to wait until the whole season is available, but this show is worth it. Mary is a believable person with a complicated family, and fierce loyalty to the job and her charges. She will lay down her life to protect perfect strangers. This episode is the absolute best one, as it shows her several years back, and how her and her current partner Marshall met, and she decided to become a Witness Protection Marshal instead of a track them down to justice Marshal.
R**E
Great series
Great series to watch
C**K
Falscher Regionalcode sonst gut
Ich schau gerne mal eine Serie in der Originalsprache, aber wenn der Regionlacode nicht stimmt,ist das ärgerlich bis blöd.Nachdem ich über das technische Problem hinweg bin- die Serie ist auch in Staffel 3 inOriginalsprache richtig gut. Immer ein bisschen Schade das die Settings hier Albuquerque mit so wenig Außenaufnahmen dargestellt werden, aber Storys, Hauptdarsteller und auch die vorsichtig leicht übergreifende Story kommen gut voran. Serie ist ja schon älter, und da DVD als medium ja auch mittelfristig sterben wird werde ich nunmehr auch Staffel 4+5 in dieser Version kaufebn
H**Y
brilliant series. have seasons 1 and 2 but 3 ...
brilliant series. have seasons 1 and 2 but 3 and 4 not available in UK. Took ages to get here but well worth it. It plays in original English so no worries there
F**A
encore plus de U.S.Marshals !!
Série toujours aussi bien, les personnages sont drôles et attachants,il y a de l'action et les histoires toujours interessantes.J'adore les deux personnages principaux:Marie est une battante,une fonçeuse, une femme d'action,elle aime contrôler les choses et intériorise tout.Elle s'occupe de sa mère et de sa soeur depuis l'âge de 13 ans ,quand son père est parti.Marshall est plus posé, plus zen,plus sensible et montre plus ce qu'il ressent.C'est aussi le seul qui peut arriver à calmer Marie quand elle pète les plombs.Tous les deux sont marshals et doivent se charger de la protection de témoins en leur créant une nouvelle identité.J'aime beaucoup cette série.
S**B
Great season!
Another great season of in plain sight (definitely under rated) focusing on the life of Mary Shannon, a U.S. Marshall based in New Mexico and specialising in the U.S. witness protection program.
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