Title: Dragnet: Series Premiere: “The
Silver Slayer
Stars: Ed O’Neill
Running Time: 43 minutes without
commercials
Media: ABC Television Network (NTSC VHS
Screener)
Series Premiere Sunday, February 2,
2003, at 10pm (ET/PT)
Network: ABC Television Network (Check
your local cable/satellite listings for channel)
TV Rating: Not Available At The Time Of
This Writing
Reviewer: Mark A. Rivera
Ed O’Neill is “Police Detective Friday” who with “Detective Frank Schmidt” chronicles their police investigations in this 2003 update of the classic TV series “Dragnet.” This update is interesting because it manages to stay true to the spirit of the original series complete with an update of the theme without entering the world of camp. In fact this new series is quite different in tone with the benefits of what I like to think is a more sophisticated viewing audience. So the nature of the crimes and even the language are definitely more explicit than the original series and yet O’Neill is able to keep the series in check with his updated use of the classic narration and remind us this is “Dragnet” and not “Homicide.” I also found the camera work and lighting, however signature with much of the crime genre broadcasting today to feel new. In addition I was impressed at O’Neill’s ability to play straight drama so in other words, you will forget “Married With Children” within minutes of the opening story, which has our detectives investigating the death of a prostitute.
ABC’s “Dragnet”
was a lot better than what I was expecting and could be a pleasant surprise for
all so leave your expectations at the door and give “Dragnet” a look when it
premieres on Sunday, February 2, 2003 at 10pm (ET/PT).
© Copyright 2003 By
Mark A. Rivera
All Rights Reserved.