Southland: Season 1

I was little sad when I got the dvd the case was broken but I didn't want to return it back it took so long to get it back so i got a new case i fix it myself ever I still give it a 5 stars.

Excellent series!

Chance to see Michael Cudlitz, pre-The Walking Dead, and Ben McKenzie, pre-Gotham, in a well-written, acted and directed police show. Ben's character is not quite as pure as his Gotham character. Very much an ensemble cast, with each episode covering story-lines from the various teams of cops, keeping it interesting. Although C. Thomas Howell did not get a starring credit until the 5th Season, he was a recurring "guest star" throughout who was very funny in an old-school sexist cop sort of way. I had never been much of a fan of his until his performance in this show. Lucy Liu likewise "guests" in the same way in Season 4, to very good effect. Particularly at the low price, it is well-worth buying the entire series. I had been unaware this NBC series had continued past the First Season, on TNT, until I saw the Second, Third and Fourth Season box set in a local store, and later the Fifth Season. Very glad I got all of those.

I am so bummed this show is off the air. The later seasons (4 and 5) didn't really do it justice...the real meat is right here. Michael Cudlitz should have won multiple Emmys for his portrayal of LAPD Training Officer John Cooper, (SPOILER AHEAD!!!!!!) a sympathetic picture of a tough cop who happens to be gay and has a painkiller problem. Cudlitz DESTROYED this role...one of the finest on an hour long drama, ever. Yeah I know, Bryan Cranston was awesome in "Breaking Bad", and he was...but Cudlitz really becomes Cooper and takes us on a great ride with a character we end up rooting for. Also, Regina King is outstanding as Lydia Adams, Shawn Hatosy's Sammy Bryant is a revelation...his relationship with his wife has to be seen to be believed. But,all in all, NBC made a huge mistake in giving this thoughtful, engaging show the boot.

I would recommend buying this season if you are a a fan of the Southland series. Product is exactly as described; for a comparative review of this season see below.I purchased the first season of Southland since I have recently (last 2 seasons) fell in love with the show. It was useful to watch in order to understand some of the relationship drama currently occurring in the series, however I was rather disappointed that this first season was lacking the same humor and single episode story continuity. This season is much more of a police procedural (though it does not meet this criteria perfectly) than the more reason seasons which focus on the drama of working the streets and interspersing with the inherent humor of dealing with the stupid public.

Tough, unvarnished, complicated, and that's just the Cops when they're NOT at work! This is an awesome show and how a Cop show should be done--like The Shield--complicated people doing an unbeliveable job that most of us wouldn't do, getting shot at and crapped on emotionally by the public . The best character by far is Michael Cudlitz ("Bull" from Band of Brothers)the street Cop who has seen too much, done too much, has no life apart from his job and is spiraling out of control in his personal life. This guy has nailed every role he's had since 'BoB', he is great in my opinion. Regina King is also wonderful as the tough detective with a 'do nothing' partner played by Tom Everet Scott. The stories are really well done and I immediately bought season II half way thru watching this. If you are a fan of The Wire, Law & Order, you will love this show I guarantee it.

Southland is a great show. Make sure you watch all the seasons from the beginning in order. My only complaint is that TNT did not renew this show for a few more seasons. In the very last episode they keep your hanging, wondering what will happen next. At least they should of had a TV movie to wrap up all the loose ends, sadly they did not.

Incredible characters and great storyline

Love the character development as you follow a first year probational officer 'Boot',his harden training officer,several squads of detectives(Gang,Homicide,Vice) and you get to walk in their on duty boots but also their personal lives.

First season is impressive. Awesome cast. A very realistic show, almost like a documentary about police work in major cities; reminds me of The Wire or The Shield.My only complain is that there are not enough episodes, compare to other shows now-a-days that offered 20-24 episode a season; maybe that is why is so good...for you to judge.Trying to get season 2,3&4 (got 1 & 5 at a decent price) but they are rather expensive for the total amount of episodes included in all three of them, and also kind of hard to find, really..Highly recommended

I had heard good things about Southland and I certainly wasn't disappointed. It is an amazing series that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Well acted and you soon learn of what characters you really like plus the few who portray rather disappointing character roles.

Purchased this new and it is not new. The outer case is very beat up and worn. Very disappointed. The inner case is in good shape and the dvds look good too. Hopefully they work well.

When Southland first appeared on network television, my wife and I immediately were taken in. This is a grown-up series about cops on the beat, and doesn't pull any punches. I'd rate it right up there with The Shield. Definitely worth a look if you are a fan of the genre.