While TNT may have made a name for themselves by playing reruns of hit series, they have struck gold with their own show, Leverage. Brought to TNT by producer Dean Devlin’s production company (Electric Entertainment), the show stars Timothy Hutton alongside a stellar cats of relative newcomers. The show did extremely well in its inaugural season and the second season has just begun airing. Leverage: The 1st Season contains all thirteen episodes thus far and a few extras to keep the die-hards happy.
The basic premise here is that Nate Ford (Hutton) was a big wig insurance claims investigator until the company refused payment, causing his sick son to pass on to the next life. Distraught and furious, Ford turned to seclusion, comforting himself with alcohol. Eventually he is brought out of seclusion by a conman that is trying to get him to act as the leader of a band of thieves for one job- one that will screw his former company over royally. In process, the band of thieves finds a father figure (although all remain adamant that this is not the case) and a purpose as Ford ends up being their leader. Their purpose? Leverage. Or, more precisely, “to pick up where the law leaves off.”
This show is simply excellent. It’s got all the elements of a good crime drama, more twists and turns than the average drama, and a stellar cast. Each show will undoubtedly leave you clamoring for more but what could possibly be better than watching bad guys evolve into good guys? This is a great show that anyone who love great TV will love. The extras here include deleted scenes from nine episodes (not much to write home about), a decent Behind the Scenes documentary, a documentary about making the stunt fights throughout the season (interesting to watch once), bits on the camera work and the show getting renewed for a second season, and Beth Reisgraf’s Crazy Actress Spoof (which is pretty weak in all honesty and I’m puzzled as to why the included it).
Overall, forget the extras. The Show itself is the reason to purchase this and it wears well over time. If you are looking for a new show that will get you excited again than Leverage is what you’re looking for.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
