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Review: ‘Lights Out’ (FX)
“Lights Out”
Premieres at 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2011
FX
I imagine that other reviewers are using terms like “knockout” to describe “Lights Out,” the terrific new drama from FX. I’m inclined to agree with them, albeit in a less clever manner.
The show stars Holt McCallany (“CSI: Miami”) as boxer Patrick “Lights” Leary. A retired heavyweight champ, Leary struggles, years after his decision to leave the ring at the behest of his wife Theresa (Catherine McCormack). We first meet her as she patches him up following a particularly brutal, career-ending bout with opponent “Death Row” Reynolds … a fight he could easily have won by knockout (or just as easily have killed him) but which he lost in a decision after going easy in the final round.
Leary, on the verge of financial ruin, is taunted as a has-been and works as hired muscle for a debt collector, ashamedly so. As violent urges and suppressed rage bubble to the surface in his personal life (none of it, it should be noted, directed toward his wife and children), Leary’s brother Johnny (Pablo Schreiber, “Law & Order”) instigates a rematch with Reynolds without his knowledge. This infuriates Theresa, who is terrified of losing him — and the brutal violence of the sport frightens his youngest child. Then there’s Stacy Keach as “Pops,” Leary’s dad, former trainer and gym owner.
Tuesday’s pilot episode is really good and all the parts are in place for a truly compelling series. The characters are well-drawn and -acted and the fight scenes are realistic and violently poetic. McCallany’s Leary is a good deal more intelligent and well-spoken than commonly-depicted pugilists, which makes his moral and professional dilemma both more interesting and consequential. The behind-the-scenes talent includes players from “In Treatment,” “The Shield” and “The Wire;” that’s an impressive pedigree.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment Categories: Entertainment, Mid-season TV, Review, Sports on TV
Comments
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By Nancy Jones
March 16, 2011 2:37 PM | Link to this
Best series since the shield. I am not a boxing fan but this show is one of the best dramas I seen the acting is superb and the fight scenes are believable. I'm on the edge of my seat each week waiting to see whats going on with the family and lights.
By KSA
January 23, 2011 2:19 PM | Link to this
Loving this show. Glad my DVR was set to record both because I nearly missed the premier and it got caught on the second showing.
What a dynamic energy. The characters...including the children are well... full of secrets and depth. I am looking forward to seeing the tale unfold. And BTW... LOVE the green hoodie Patrick wore in 2nd show.. Want one. Have emailed FX. If anyone know where to find them... share.
Thanks
By rockyp
January 14, 2011 6:34 PM | Link to this
I thought the pilot was outstanding. I didn't expect much and within about five minutes I thought my expectatinons were met. It felt like it was going to be a very cliche cheesy retired boxer story. I was pleased to discover though, it was not. It was compelling...the acting was good...the plot was great, the dialogue was great....the fight scenes were very good and the ending of episode 1 was very satisfying! I can't wait until next Tuesday.