So many hidden backstories for all the characters, I want to find out what makes these folks tick.
No kidding! They Liota and Madsen see the job the other 3 pulled off on the news, and asks, "Anyone we know?" Liota answers with either could be or hard to tell...So what does she know? What did she used to do?

Haven't watched this week's episode yet, but I did enjoy the first one. I don't have any problem with the "bad-guy" view point and as for

But except for the odd pat on the head to his kids, the Ray Liotta character (and all the other guys) is just a nasty criminal out to make a buck. If that is the career choice one has made, so be it. But there aren't too many of us plain-old TV viewers who really want to watch that.

I think several million Sopranos viewers would beg to differ. To me the Liotta character seems to be a take on the DeNiero character in Heat, a killer, a criminal, but who doesn't really have his heart in it anymore (on the flip side the Pacino character in Heat was basically the same guy, despite being the "good guy" in the movie).

I think several million Sopranos viewers would beg to differ.

I guess you missed the part in my post where I mention "redeeming qualities that make them human", not to mention I actually pointed out The Sopranos, along with The Brotherhood.


What makes The Sopranos is their own take on values in a world much different than the average joe. What is lacking in Smith is a complete dearth of humanity in any of the show's principal characters so far.

I guess you missed the part in my post where I mention "redeeming qualities that make them human", not to mention I actually pointed out The Sopranos, along with The Brotherhood.


What makes The Sopranos is their own take on values in a world much different than the average joe. What is lacking in Smith is a complete dearth of humanity in any of the show's principal characters so far.

See, that's what I don't get from people complaining about this show. They're fine with people going and killing/robbing/whatever as long as deep down they are "decent regular people". I prefer that the show hasn't (yet) tried to make us think these are good people who just do bad things. Not all "humans" are good or have "redeeming qualities", doesn't mean they can't make good tv out of it.

HUH?!? The show isn't eve on Fox! ;)

LOL... someone editted their post above mine.

My vote is for Standoff. I actually like Smith so far. :)

I would probably stick with this one for a couple more episodes, but I'm trying to "sus out" about 10 new series (down from 16 already) at the moment (to add to the 9 still on my viewing list from last year) and I have to weed some more out. Just not enough time to watch 'em all! So Smith is jettisoned after 2 episodes.

See, that's what I don't get from people complaining about this show. They're fine with people going and killing/robbing/whatever as long as deep down they are "decent regular people".

Sorry, I guess you missed my point: Those shows are popular because of the way the audience can connect to those characters.

I don't particularly care to watch a bunch of jerkoffs on TV with no redeeming qualities. Hell, I used to meet frequently with a guy who swore he didn't kill his wife: now Perry March is doing 56 years after being convicted of just that. I didn't that in real life; I sure don't need it on TV.

What is lacking in Smith is a complete dearth of humanity in any of the show's principal characters so far.
I dunno....what's his name from Felicity is a pretty nasty guy....killing the 2 Hawaiians, stealing vehicle after vehicle...

I dunno....what's his name from Felicity is a pretty nasty guy....killing the 2 Hawaiians, stealing vehicle after vehicle...

LOL... sarcasm, yes?

I dunno....what's his name from Felicity is a pretty nasty guy....killing the 2 Hawaiians, stealing vehicle after vehicle...


Simon Baker was never on Felicity. Amy Smart was, but I think you are thinking of Scott Speedman.

The lead character played by Ray Liotta is doing everything he does for his family. He has a plan. He has what in his mind is an end game. He love his kids, he obviously loves his wife as well. Do I care to know him ? NO. Do I find the storyline fascinating and want to know more about what makes him tick ? Yeah I do.

As far as the other characters ? Mean and Selfish, a car wreck basically that I can't help myself from looking at. If I want real life nice people....I turn off the TV.

As an aside....I watch the news EVERY day and there is rarely a human being with any redeeming qualities but I still tune in.

Couldn't have said it better Hoowaa.

The lead character played by Ray Liotta is doing everything he does for his family. He has a plan. He has what in his mind is an end game. He love his kids, he obviously loves his wife as well.

Yeah, news is news, but this is fiction.

So, you are the perfect audience, the type of person the producers are praying for. There hasn't been one wit that Liotta's character has a "plan", and "end game"... yet you have already projected this into the character. Heck, his wife doesn't even know what he is doing. He sits there at his desk, looking bored, sassing his boss... then goes home, lies to his wife and kids... he has a better relationship with "Charlie" (tht her name) the gal that keeps getting him jobs.

Me, I usually am the perfect audience for this kind of show, but this one I just find annoying. And Ray is one of my favorite all-time actors.

Still trying to like the show, I tuned in again tonight. Previously I posted that the characters had no "redeeming qualities" to make them interesting to watch. Now I realize the have no qualities at all. Nor does the show. The first three-quarters, there was a heckuva lot of running around but doing nothing.

By the way, how did the Liotta character stay married long enough to have two young children, with his wife never previously being suspicious about his "job"?

By the way, how did the Liotta character stay married long enough to have two young children, with his wife never previously being suspicious about his "job"?

His wife was in the business.

if it wouldn't be for the weekly gratuitous shot of the half naked blond hottie I'd never watch/download this show.
My wife can't stand the Iranian woman from 24 (forgot her name) & walked right out of the room.

I didn't mind the show Smith, but if u follow your local blog favorites and websites, it has been cancelled, also the show Kidnapped has gotten the axe, and is supposedly doing some burnout episodes on Saturdays. (rumor has it there may be resolved ending in case there was an early cancellation for Kidnapped) Looks like Studio 60 Is on thin legs in ratings to.

I didn't mind the show Smith, but if u follow your local blog favorites and websites, it has been cancelled, also the show Kidnapped has gotten the axe, and is supposedly doing some burnout episodes on Saturdays. (rumor has it there may be resolved ending in case there was an early cancellation for Kidnapped) Looks like Studio 60 Is on thin legs in ratings to.

Kidnapped has not been canned.There were rumors and thats all it was.

Kidnapped has not been canned.There were rumors and thats all it was.
Got this from the Ottawa Citizen. Not cancelled, just "rushed to the grave".

"Meanwhile, NBC announced the sort-of cancellation of its Wednesday night serial comedy "Kidnapped," which stars Jeremy Sisto. NBC gambled by putting the show in the time slot held for a long time by "Law & Order," and it failed miserably.

"Kidnapped" will be moved to the television purgatory of Saturday nights, starting Oct. 21. Its producers have been told to wrap up the serialized drama's story lines by the end of the show's 13-episode order, NBC said.

Networks have been wrestling with how to satisfy fans who've gotten involved in serialized dramas when the ratings are poor enough for the show to be cancelled."

Looks like it's official for Smith, it's cancelled or as the networks say "it's off the schedule"!

That's so unusual for me. Usually the shows I really like get axed first. I never got past the first 30 minutes of K and forced myself to watch episode 2 of S.

There's still some hope for Heroes.

There's still some hope for Heroes.

I have read that Heroes was the first of the new shows to officially be picked up for the entire season.