Ross8

Within the first paragraph of the spoken word, the series felt doomed. 0h, then it got worse. Until they come up with a workable script and directors who actually know what they're doing, I'm done with this one. Perhaps the people who have done this have no idea what they're doing. I feel sorry for what few good actors there are in the show. I was excited about it because I believe Zoe Saldana is one of the better actors out there. At this point I really can't think of anyone who is worth watching. I've loved others Star Wars shows but they all have a bit of an edge. This one is absolutely, positively too dull.

I've watched every episode up until the current one. What I've learned so far about this show: Hollywood recognizes flawed people. Will Trent and the woman who he has known since they were both kids have some serious problems. Does that keep them from being effective cops? Actually, I suspect it makes them better at their jobs. This show is not the greatest on the air. But it is one of the most real. We are all flawed. One of the things I find most interesting about this show is that the two characters who are the most flawed are also the most questioned. True? Well, even if it isn't, it certainly is one of the most interesting shows I've seen in a long time.

"Bernard and Doris" is a quiet story about a billionairess and her butler brought to life by great actors, a good script and a director that let's them be. Doris Duke inherited millions of tobacco money at a very early age and tried to live a life. Bernard Lafferty was Irish-born, barely literate and simply wanted to do his job -- take care of Doris. He was rewarded, upon her death, with controlling interest in her estate. He died three years later of complications of alcoholism, a disease that plagued him throughout his life. This movie, directed by character actor Bob Balaban and starring Susan Sarandon and Ralph Finnes, is steady and clear in its purpose -- to show us who these people were. Duke was shrewd with her money and philanthropic, too. She gave generously to the arts and education. Her personal life was a mess. She paid for sex with a very young piano player, much to Bernard's displeasure. Rarely do I talk about the soundtrack. It's usually a "heard but not noticed" kind of thing. In "Bernard and Doris" the soundtrack is integral. Wonderful jazz. Bernard worked for Peggy Lee at one point. He knew music and Doris even performed as part of a gospel group. Music was important to this pair. There's even sexual tension here, despite the fact that Bernard was gay. Frankly, that makes it all the more interesting. Finally, there isn't much excitement in "Bernard and Doris." It's all about characters. I found it a joy to watch two of the best actors on the planet become them.