Fall Preview: Standoff

Admittedly, I have never been a real fan of the Fox Network. They seem to be really pushing the buttons of ethics and morals on television. They have broadcast some shows that deserve accolades, like 24, however, for the most part I am not a big Fox fan.

Their new drama Standoff doesn't change my opinion either. Standoff just slaps me in the face of blatant disregard for morals.

In Standoff, Matt Flannery (Ron Livingston) and Emily Lehman (Rosemarie DeWitt) are partners in the Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU). Wow, that sounds like a great concept right there. Crisis negotiators could really produce a lot of great material for suspense, action, and entertainment. This really sounds like Fox's answer to CSI, and with some creative writing and great acting, we could have a winner.

However, Fox can't take a great concept and leave it alone. Instead they have to add an element where ethics are pushed over the line. Matt and Emily are having an affair.

Two partners are sleeping together. Sexual relations between partners usually results in a break up of the partnership. Despite the fact that this affair is revealed during the first episode, they remain partners throughout the season.

Apparently during a crisis negotiation, Matt looses his cool and reveals to those involved (including his own father) that he is having an affair with his partner.

Just a second, this guy, who can't seem to keep calm during a negotiation, is supposedly one of the best they have? He is so good that Matt and Emily's boss, Cheryl Carrera (Gina Torres), can't separate these two because they are a great combination for negotiations.

Yeah, right! Matt is so good at negotiating that he reveals his deepest secret while on the job. Smooth...

Fox should have just stuck with the CNU angle. It could have been a great set up. However, they had to add a deeper element and that has really messed up their story line.

Is this show supposed to be a cop show or a romance? Their blatant attempt at trying to attract two different audiences at the same time will simply be a bust.

Sorry Fox, but you have struck out with me yet again. Perhaps next year.

Labels: Drama, Fall Preview 2006, Previews, Standoff, Television, TV

posted by Anonymous @ Monday, September 04, 2006