atdm4gospel-1
This is an great show from the entertainment perspective. When I judge a TV show, I ask myself these questions:1. If I never get a chance to see the next episode, will I be disappointed? 2. If they cancel the show, will that upset me? 3. Am I looking forward to watching the next episode?The answer to all these questions for "Saving Grace" is YES. I thoroughly enjoyed it and looked forward to each episode. Do not look for theological correctness in this show - you WILL be disappointed. As a believer myself, I never look at TV shows as a way to anchor my spirituality or getting answers. There are other sources for you to accomplish these goals. But if you are looking for a fun way to enjoy your free time - it's a great show. I do have to admit, though, that I found the main character, Grace Hanadarko, a fairly disgusting human being, which goes well with the show's premise of God wanting to save her through His angel. She is a great detective and she truly seeks justice for the victims, but her own personal life is a complete mess. In other words, she is a good person, but a disgusting woman (I hope that makes sense). I would want her to solve a crime in my life, but I would never want to be friends with someone like her (and most of her friends in this show)... Conclusion: you will enjoy the show, but do NOT take it seriously...
ceebriggs
I loved "Saving Grace". It was admittedly hard to watch sometimes, but a great allegory about human frailty, separation from God and redemption. It had gems for the lead characters and perfectly showed how as humans we can lose faith in ourselves and the world but there is a door we can choose to walk through where the light awaits us. Holly Hunter was excellent as the self-destructive cop who has lost her faith, seemingly loves only family and her beloved bulldog, and is the only one who can see Earl, (the angel), played brilliantly by the wonderful Leon Rippy. The other standout is Laura San Giacomo, Medical Examiner, Grace's lifetime friend and woman of profound faith. The musical score was always an added treat and the final episode was all I hoped it would be and more!
QSislandicus
This was a really fun show to watch as Grace (Holly Hunter) and fellow detectives solved case after case each episode. Holly Hunter as Grace is one of the most life affirming / self destructive woman her age on TV. She exudes life and lives it to the fullest. The circle of friends surrounding her is endearing and touching. Co-Star Kenny Johnson as Grace's partner and sometimes lover does a fine job as an all around likable tough guy with a good heart and a high tolerance for Grace's crazy. Leon Rippy as Grace's angel named Earl grows on you with time given his enigmatic smile and unconventional "angelic" behavior smoking and drinking along with Grace and his other "cases". The deeply religious aspect to the series is tempered by its ecumenism. Earl is merely amused that each religion thinks it is the only way. The Catholic Church is given some hard core treatment as SPOILER ALERT the darkest of themes such as pedophilia are explored, but even potential anti-Catholicism is tempered by good priests and genuine and sincere Catholic believers who make up the supporting cast, including Grace's best friend. SPOILER AlERT Grace's mission to save a prison inmate in seasons one and two ends anticlimactically and without real resolution to my mind, but the series still packs a punch. The real flaws with the series begin in Season 3 as Grace is charged to redeem a highly enigmatic and even more self destructive young woman whose name is unknown for most of the series. About halfway through season 3 things begin to get a bit over the top and the writers shove far too much material into the last 8 episodes making the series bloated, sometimes incoherent and sometimes surreal. The producers received cancellation notice at that time and made the mistake of cramming far too much into the show at the halfway mark. The ending of the final episode is disappointing and poorly written. Had the last 8 episodes been written better with more restraint this could have become a cult classic.
someofusarebrave
Holly Hunter's the best white lady actress on television.I hope we all know that, but just in case we don't, I'm sayin' it.I adore this show. I wrote three essays about it after the series finale just so that I could get some sleep after, because I was so disturbed in the best way possible by Grace's death. I absolutely adore this series. I think it's one of the best ever written for network television, probably the best after Grey's Anatomy lost its stride midway through season 3. Holly Hunter, you don't need to get drunk and dance naked or have casual, intensely conflicted sex in order to pull off the acting gig. You don't need to do anything other than to show up. I pray you know that.Meanwhile, I hope you arise again on a new television show STAT.I was so used to being inspired by witnessing an artist in her element.This was television realizing its true capacity to change lives.Whatever shall I do to replace those nights of having my soul fed?I miss you already.