Raising the Bar looks at crimes from the point-of-view of the lawyers and judges who defend and prosecute offenders. Fans of investigative and courtroom TV dramas will enjoy this newest series from NYPD Blue creator Steven Bochco (you’ll also notice in the credits a lot of other Bochcos as well).
A TNT Original series, much like The Closer, Raising the Bar stars Saved By The Bell alum Mark-Paul Gosselaar as public defender Jerry Kellerman. He’s determined to maintain his ethics and to help his clients no matter what. In his way are a semi-goofy judge, played by Malcom in the Middle’s Jane Kaczmarek, and prosecutor Michelle Ernhardt (Melissa Sagemiller, Sleeper Cell).
Like similar shows, Raising the Bar has the “case of the week” episodic feel, but at the same time it gives up dimensional characters that grow and change over the course of the series.
The three DVD set is loaded with bonus features that include:
Audio Commentaries with the cast and creators of the series.
Sworn Testimony: True Stories Of A Public Defender
Producer and Public Defender David Feige talks about how the series went from being just an idea to what it has become.
Behind the Bar: An After Hours Roundtable with the Cast
The cast talks about the ins and outs of working on season one of the series.
Mistrials: Bloopers from Season One
Pretty self-explanatory. Funny stuff, too!
With only ten eps in the first season, it’s a fast season to get through. The second season of Raising the Bar airs Mondays at 10/9c on TNT. The official site for the show is: http://www.tnt.tv/series/raisingthebar/
If you are looking for a fast-paced legal drama to supplement your Law & Order: Criminal Intent viewing on Sunday nights on USA, Raising the Bar is a definite must-see.