I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

What a freaking movie. So many twists and turns. Absolutely intense from start to finish.

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?

Southland is a good police series that portrays in a quite realistic way how everyday's activities and problems unfold for Los Angeles policemen. Each episode takes on a different situation or event: the murder of a Hollywood star, the rape of a young girl, a simple dispute between neighbors, etc. Therefore all kind of crimes, with all their aspects, are dealt with and analyzed in-depth. Besides the action, that's quite good, thanks to well-made car chasing and camera zoom- ins, the lives of single policemen can be seen. Each one has to deal with his/her problems (drugs, divorce, past life regrets, etc.), which makes the plot interesting and nicely integrated with the more police work part. A particular feature of the series is that policemen are almost always simultaneously riding their cars, patrolling the city, waiting to respond for emergency calls. This, along with the good camera work, gives it a realistic cut to it.

I'm here with general overall comments on this program.If you love watching police drama - SOUTHLAND is _the best_ (so far) in the genre. If I could, I'd give this series 20 out of 10! This series is 100% better than Breaking bad in my opinion.It's probably the best "cop show" _ever_ and I would encourage anyone with an interest in great compelling performances and great story to make time for this series. It really hits its stride in season 4 but all season and all episodes are totally engaging. I binged watch using DVDs and downloads so story arc continuity was easier to maintain (especially for "the hood" stuff in Seasons 1& 2), and I would encourage you to do likewise. The gallows humour and practical jokes in season 4 are not to be missed. There are numerous series out there competing for your attention - but do not miss this one. There's a line the character John Cooper uses in episode one indicating being an LA cop is a ticket to the "greatest show on earth with a ringside seat". He's absolutely correct. Bring your piece & wear your vest!Chris G. (retired male 65) Winnipeg Canada - Nov 2014

I absolutely loved this drama . I was so disappointed it was canceled The characters were so real. It was gritty in your face drama you never knew what to expect. I watched from the beginning I will certainly miss it one the highlights of weekly viewing. So much garbage on today ! I guess the network's decision is final. The ensemble cast was excellent each actor so talented and convincing. I would have liked an ending that would have wrapped up all the story lines. Maybe they could do a TV movie later. It was the best police drama I have seen on TV. I guess it was too raw for prime time that is why NBC got rid of it. Thank goodness for cable alternatives or there would be so many shows that would not air. Just wish the network would reconsider and bring it back ! Actors have probably moved on to other projects.

Only time will tell how high the replay value is for this show, but watching from start to finish (though I don't recommend binge watching) proved an exhilarating and emotional stretch of series watching to rival the very best. It takes a lot to roll credits and leave me wanting more. "Southland" did that consistently (like a ravenous wolf I consumed this series). The documentary camera work, while adding a "really there" authenticity, also offered inventive angles and really ratcheted the tension at every turn. I couldn't get into "The Shield" partly because of the shaky-cam, but it really is well-done here. And "Southland" was almost always on-location (not to mention the wide array of inside-the- patrol-car shots), so the feeling of really being there was genuine. No wonder this show was so expensive. But it was the writing that kept me coming back for more. Events occur naturally on this show; even the rare use of the stock "toxicology report confirms ..." trope to keep the narrative going didn't feel forced (it's a contrivance on a great many cop shows). And these were characters I genuinely gave a damn about; there mistakes, weaknesses and the struggle to maintain humanity at the end of the day. Which was certainly helped by the stellar ensemble cast. Everyone here is terrific, particularly Regina King and Michael Cudlitz; episode after episode, these two deliver performances that get under your skin, and they are nothing short of captivating to watch. Cudlitz made Officer John Cooper one of the great characters of the genre - equal parts frustrating and fascinating. Give that man an Emmy. The cancellation of "Southland" is truly heartbreaking, as the season ended with all sorts of insanity coming to a head (and a bitter cliffhanger with no closure). But what we've gotten is some seriously riveting, impressive and haunting television, the likes of which I don't think I'll see again in the near future. Just an unbelievably high-quality show. Outstanding. 10/10