Chris M What had the premise to be good has quickly eroded into a manic drama-fest of tired story lines running at double speed in a feeble attempt at retaining the audience's attention. Think Allie McBeal, but with balls.Plot lines that should run for 3-5 episodes are crammed into one or two. Story threads are so tightly contrived within a small handful of core characters that it becomes difficult to follow because it is so implausible. What happened last week? Doesn't really matter, because they're on to something else. He's already screwed every female character on the show, save for his assistant - no, his other assistant - but maybe I simply missed the 5 minutes that that sub-plot played out.They are going to have to start narrating with sub-titles in a couple more episodes like they had to do with 'Lost' after they screwed that up, because maybe I'm missing something, but I don't think so.

leon_normand I love the Aussie version and look forward to its return to DirecTV in the spring - but I'll watch the Fox version 'til then, and it's getting better! Since the concept is not-so-loosely based on a real Sydney barrister (and I believe a drinking buddy of Roxburgh's) it's not surprising that their character development is FAR ahead of the new series. The legal plot lines are about more relevant issues in the original, and the power players lined up against Cleaver have REAL and DANGEROUS power, unlike a relatively toothless US mayor. No wonder the comedy is more intense.Since the flat, unfunny premiere the Fox show has started to get funnier and Keegan is shown as more than just a doormat. It's taking a while to get there but the trip might be worth watching...UPDATE!!!: No f'ing chance. DirecTV is replaying the Aussie episodes that match the Fox versions. How can a US (non-HBO, et al) series compete? REAL language, REAL "sexual situations", some of the most beautiful women in the world largely naked at times. I watch the Fox version because it's ON. It's fun to see how watered down it has to be to make American air. I don't blame the producers...I blame US!

frank-ancestor-hunter Managed to sit through the whole first episode, not because it was enjoyable, simply because I needed to see if it would ever have the humour and pathos of the Aussie original. It was evident from the start that Greg Kinnear is no Richard Roxburgh, nor does he have the believable entourage of actors that Roxburgh enjoys for support. Roxburgh is a year older than Kinnear and their acting careers began about the same time, but Roxburgh's handling of the role of Cleaver shows a much more professional understanding of the character portrayed. Both men have long acting careers but Roxburgh comes across better as the gambling, womanising lawyer. We can empathise with and feel his frustrations, his joys and his fears. I shan't spoil it for those members of the American audience not familiar with the original by giving away any secrets but the Australian original is now in its third season: I shall be very surprised if the US version makes it to the end of season one.

kathleenh1111 This is one of the BEST TV shows I have seen in years! No kidding. Great show. Kinnear is excellent in it...a real cutie...and super funny. Love everything about the show. Haven't felt this way about a TV show for a long, long time. Great show. 10 stars. Excellent writers! Kinnear is really cool in it and I get a kick out of the attitude he displays in his interactions with others. All the actors do a good job. Every once in awhile a right combination of all necessary component parts come together to produce a show that has that extra 'something' that sets it apart. This show has that special something. Hope it stays on a long time so viewers can have a good laugh. Best wishes and much continued success. Thank you. Kathleen