...the fatal error I saw in the show was this: it violated the concept Jack Webb had in both the original 1950's production, and the 1960's revival. The concept was simple - an ordinary case, with nothing really extraordinary about the detectives working the case, nor anything really extraordinary in the resolution of the case.
But the first episode, "The Silver Slayer", deviated so much from this time-tested formula, that I didn't watch another episode. The fact that the episodes were an hour long didn't help, either - the originals, at thirty minutes, had no chance to lag, as the Wolf rendition did.
The only reason I rated the show 5 at all was Ed O'Neill's performance. If Dick Wolf had followed the original "Dragnet" format, O'Neill would have been a perfect Joe Friday - and even in this fatally flawed format, he still was quite good. He was a much better Friday than Dan Aykroyd was in the motion picture - in fact, O'Neill's performance was much better than any he turned in for "Married With Children".
Too bad it was wasted - but he saved L.A. Dragnet from a certainly deserved zero rating.moreless
L.A. Dragnet
ABC (ended 2004)
- 8 TOTAL REVIEWS Write A Review
- 22 EPISODES ONLINE Watch Online
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Show Summary
- Ended
From Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf, one of television's most successful creators and architect of the long-running Law & Order franchise, comes this modern-day take on the classic police drama. Filmed on locations throughout Los Angeles, this updated version of Dragnet features a group of detectives in the LAPD Robbery/Homicide Squad investigating crimes that could only take place in Los Angeles, one of the world's most glamorous and intriguing cities.
Within this incredibly diverse landscape, these dedicated cops are relentless when it comes to solving crime. Lieutenant Joe Friday (Ed O'Neill) is a seasoned veteran who has seen it all. Through his voiceovers, viewers will gain insight into the crime investigation process, as well as hear the honest thoughts of a 21st century cop. Although a veteran of the beat, Friday still has the same passion and energy as his younger charges.
Dragnet will draw storylines from L.A.'s rich crime history, as well as today's headlines. Against the backdrop of economically and culturally diverse neighborhoods, the detectives come up against a group fo criminals who are just as diverse, from diamond thieves and Hollywood movie moguls to street gangs, copycat serial killers, international terrorists and kidnappers.
Adding a contemporary look to the show is the introduction of a radio-controlled miniature helicopter known as the Flying-Cam, which will provide panoramic views from never-before-seen angles of L.A.'s many neighborhoods. In addition, video technology will also feature prominently in a number of episodes, reflecting society's obsession with the "big brother" world of present day security.
Dragnet began in 1949 as a radio drama, then moved to television in 1952, running for seven years in its initial incarnation. It resurfaced in 1967 for three more years, starring Jack Webb as the no-nonsense, "just the facts, ma'am" LAPD Sergeant.moreless
Within this incredibly diverse landscape, these dedicated cops are relentless when it comes to solving crime. Lieutenant Joe Friday (Ed O'Neill) is a seasoned veteran who has seen it all. Through his voiceovers, viewers will gain insight into the crime investigation process, as well as hear the honest thoughts of a 21st century cop. Although a veteran of the beat, Friday still has the same passion and energy as his younger charges.
Dragnet will draw storylines from L.A.'s rich crime history, as well as today's headlines. Against the backdrop of economically and culturally diverse neighborhoods, the detectives come up against a group fo criminals who are just as diverse, from diamond thieves and Hollywood movie moguls to street gangs, copycat serial killers, international terrorists and kidnappers.
Adding a contemporary look to the show is the introduction of a radio-controlled miniature helicopter known as the Flying-Cam, which will provide panoramic views from never-before-seen angles of L.A.'s many neighborhoods. In addition, video technology will also feature prominently in a number of episodes, reflecting society's obsession with the "big brother" world of present day security.
Dragnet began in 1949 as a radio drama, then moved to television in 1952, running for seven years in its initial incarnation. It resurfaced in 1967 for three more years, starring Jack Webb as the no-nonsense, "just the facts, ma'am" LAPD Sergeant.moreless
| S 2 : Ep 10 | Killing Field | Aired 12/4/04 | |
| S 2 : Ep 9 | Riddance | Aired 12/4/04 | |
| S 2 : Ep 8 | Retribution | Aired 5/5/04 | |
| S 2 : Ep 7 | Frame of Mind | Aired 4/28/04 | |
| S 2 : Ep 6 | Abduction | Aired 4/21/04 |
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Christina Chang
ADA Sandy Chang
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Ethan Embry
Detective Frank Smith (Season 1)
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Ed O'Neill
Lieutenant Joe Friday
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Killing Field
S 2 : Ep 10
Aired 12/4/04 (42:45)
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Riddance
S 2 : Ep 9
Aired 12/4/04 (40:59)
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Retribution
S 2 : Ep 8
Aired 5/5/04 (42:32)
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Frame of Mind
S 2 : Ep 7
Aired 4/28/04 (41:59)
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L A Dragnet better than Dragnet 1967
07/31/091Reply
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More Info About This Show
Categories
Drama, Suspense
Themes
abrasive parent, characters with hidden agendas, corruption, crazy neighborhood, drug addiction
