Fairly Legal (TV Series 2011–2012) Poster

(2011–2012)

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8/10
Out of Court Settlements
bkoganbing8 February 2011
Fairly Legal is a new show with a lot of potential for a few season run. This show focuses upon court ordered mediation and in particular the young woman who is assigned by the court to settle disputes between parties before they get to the formality of trial.

Sarah Shahi plays a perky and quirky former attorney who steps down a bit in the legal food chain to take on the job. She has the notion that things be kept on an informal basis, it makes life and the consequences for the parties involved a whole lot easier.

The show has a nice Ally McBeal feel to it. Showing up in a few episodes is Gerald McRaney as a judge. I liked his character and hope to see more of him.

I'd give this show a look.
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6/10
OK show, but the main character can be annoying which lets the show down.
clem_101019 June 2011
I liked Fairly Legal at the beginning, but after a few episodes, Sarah's character started to annoy me. She is bossy, slightly rude, thinks she's seen it all, knows it all and has an answer to everything, and patronising at times also. "I can solve everything and listen to me, shut up, do this, don't do that, etc" and her own life is a mess with conflicts with everyone in her life... Also, I find some plots uninteresting and the humour at times really falls flat. The idea of the show is quite good, and it started well but went downhill I think, mainly because her character is not likable enough and plots are not very well thought or covered. Shame.
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8/10
Bright feisty lead shows promise
perkypops17 April 2011
This series has lots of energy mostly via its lead Kate (Sarah Shahi) and Leonardo (Baron Vaughn) as a "fairly legal" mediation team. The concept and the character backgrounds is made interesting in the first episode with plenty of room for development.

I do like the "affectionate" exchanges between Kate and her former legal "professionals" personified in Kate's brazen disregard for protocol. Kate's character is immediately given speed and license to turn human disputes around whichever which way she can. If the rest of the series lives up to episode one then it'll have my attention.

My one reservation is the apparent lack of chemistry between Kate and co-star Justin (Michael Trucco) which is apparent through the kind of characters they play as well as an on screen indifference.

Still promising though.
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7/10
A fun colourful legal drama.
Shopaholic3520 February 2016
This show had all the makings of a great show but unfortunately it never gained enough of an audience. The characters are interesting enough but nothing revolutionary. They are comical though and the cast do a really good job at portraying their respective roles. Kate Reed is particularly entertaining.

I personally found season one to be better than season two. Season two seems a little less "sparkly" but it still feels engaging.

The show may not have aired for many seasons but it's a solid comedy drama with plenty of heart and interesting legal story lines. Give it a go and you won't regret it.
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10/10
Refreshingly Different!
janzst11 March 2011
At last a show that's story doesn't revolve around stereo typecasting, fashion and predictable plots!

With a hint of "House" and a touch of "Life", Kate Reed has the strength of character, witticism and sexiness most women crave. Realistic, humanly flawed characters and relationships build a web of interaction for those looking for something different. The role of the mediator almost softens the blood thirsty image of the legal profession.

Fairly Legal has introduced a new style of heroin that should be applauded with a return series despite criticism for her welcomed "out of the box" approach.
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7/10
Lightweight but amusing
rcastl233530 March 2012
As a lighter-than-popcorn time filler on the USA network, the only real reason to watch Fairly Legal is the very charming performance of lead actress Sarah Shahi. Shahi is effervescent, stunningly beautiful and possesses a traffic-stopping figure. In season 2 her character, Kate Reed, has deepened slightly emotionally and Shahi has been able to amp up her intelligent performance as well. Actor Ryan Johnson has been added to the cast in Season 2 as Ben Grogan, a smart alecky law partner and snark counterpart to Shahi. It could be a fruitful and amusing relationship once the writers shake the bugs out. Baron Vaughan, as Kate's assistant Leonardo, is still an annoying presence and could be written out with no appreciable loss to the show. Michael Trucco plays Kate's estranged husband Justin and that relationship also grows wearisome. He's a good actor in the thankless part of whipping boy and deserves a shot in another series. I hope he gets it. The only other reason to tune in is the occasional appearance of Kate's nemesis/stepmother/law partner Lauren Reed, played by Virginia Williams. Reed/Williams is memorable for a joyously eye-catching ability to sashay,saunter and slink while wearing the tightest dresses ever seen on television. If the writers allow Kate to continue her growth while making room for Grogan--and keeps Reed in those dresses, this could be a series that goes for the standard 5 year USA network run. I promise to make time.
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10/10
One of the few shows I look forward to with a Smile.
pbetts_199918 March 2011
Never wrote a review for anything and I've always appreciated all you people who take the time to do so.

This cast is energetic and work well together. The writing is smart and... (okay I'll be fair), the plots are sweet and often soupy. I don't even mind because it's just fun to watch. I get sick of crime shows, dead bodies and autopsy rooms (I am not in charge of the remote). This is one of the few shows that I peek my head over my laptop to watch. Yes even my hardened husband likes this show; although, I don't think its for the same reasons I do. Can't say I blame him, Kate's a knockout along with her stepmother. If you need a break from the world but still want some substance and lots of talent stay tune.
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9/10
Refresh Justice
fourtwentytax30 August 2011
Finally a show that is new, fresh and more unpredictable than anything on TV. Our legal system is not about truth or even justice it is all about the law and which lawyers best spin it to their advantage. This show produces fair and just settlements that benefit all and at the least cost, not the pompous arrogant people TV portrays lawyers to be. (I know one show says that attorneys MAKE the laws.) I know there are times it gets to be a little sappy but I am tired of shows with all the blood, guts and bodies. It even gives sappiness a fresh spin. The characters have real personality, but that is USA network's motto. To top this all off Sarah Shahi is super-hot. I hope this show runs for many seasons and not just 10 episodes so far......
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A Mediator Super Hero?
delightful-life15 November 2011
The show centers around a 25yr old girl (Sarah Shahi) who has given up being a lawyer to be a mediator. Someone who can solve an issue without it going to court.

What they are portraying here is a pretentious perky girl running around and solving all problems as if by miracle. Everyone coyly agrees to any logic that she puts forward, and she is like a superhero!

The supporting cast is equally underwhelming. There is not a single likable person!

When I sit and think, the only good thing about this show is the beauty of San Francisco city.

There are so many fantastic shows out there, Dexter, Fringe, House, Big Bang Theory, Homeland and so many many many. This one is a pass..........
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7/10
Just by excluding the cases it was enjoyable
megggymag23 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Well, I really had to ignore what the cases were about and what solution Kate had for those to enjoy the show - but eventually I really did.

In the first season I wanted Kate to get back together with Justin, this was the reason why I continued with watching the episodes, definitely not the legal issues. Even though I am not familiar with the legal-lawyer-attorney attitude, I found it hard to adapt to the real life, especially the way of the solution for the cases. I did not like most of the issues either.

Anyhow, I was very interested how Kate would deal with her problems in her relationship with her ex and her "stepmom".

In the second season I just watched it because of Ben :) He was my favourite one and would have loved if the show continued on the path of him and Kate, but I missed the evolution of their character and also started to miss the continuity of the personal background stories - it seemed to me that they just forgot about those and just wanted to write one more episode with no future plans :( It would have been a nice, calm show but with writers with ideas...
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9/10
Great new show
ian-86428 January 2011
A legal drama that's not a legal drama? Kate Reed is an ex-lawyer who's now a "mediator" - a kind of referee for disputes out of court (as she demonstrates in an amusing scene in the pilot where she mediates between an armed robber and a coffee shop owner).

The show is well cast and filmed with real quality and an eye for both visual appeal and new techniques (watch out for the "un-steady cam) that makes a refreshing change - and of course it always helps if your main character is a 4 alarm fire.

Shows real promise and you'll want to know more about the characters. Let's hope they run with it.
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6/10
After Episode, 2, Still Looking for its Rhythm
J. Ryan31 January 2011
Sarah Shahi is instantly likable. She's attractive, intelligent, and kind-hearted. She seeks insight by talking to her deceased father's urn and champions to exonerate an Ivy League-bound teenager from being an accessory to a felony. There's a lot to like about Fairly Legal. Unfortunately, the tone of the series is still uneven.

I'm quickly reminded of Ally McBeal. From the innocent future Ivy Leaguer to the wrongfully-imprisoned man, cases in Fairly Legal are inherently intriguing. These manage to tug all the right heartstrings, without seeming trite.

Also, of particular note is Michael Trucco, who has developed nicely as an actor from his Pensacola: Wings of Gold days (a guilty pleasure, and yes, I've watched too much TV). He plays an amicable and well-meaning Assistant District Attorney and ex-husband of Shahi's character. Trucco here represents a healthy but sincere dose of pragmatism next to Shahi's lofty idealism.

However, there is some lazy expository writing that is consistently off- putting. Early in the pilot, we see Shahi foil the robbery of a convenience store by "mediating" with the assailant and the store clerk. The point of the scene is to display Shahi's amazing powers of arbitration. A similar moment occurs in the second episode where Shahi brokers a ridiculous peace between a cab driver and a bike rider. Both moments drag on way too long at the expense of believability.

As it stands, Fairly Legal is very watchable. Shahi (am I the only that thinks she looks a bit like J-Lo?) is a fun and quirky do-gooder. With some improvements, the show may be able to find its sea legs in the coming episodes.
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4/10
Gets the Mediation Wrong
qcgayle10 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I am a former mediator. How the mediation is done on this show is not realistic. But, if they did it the way we do it, the show would have far less action and a lot less confrontation, so, it would probably not make for an interesting show.

Specific problems with the show: 1. The whole idea is for the mediator to help the clients find THEIR solution to the problem so THEY feel like they are in control and resolved their problem, not to hand them a solution. That's how you make them reach a win/win solution. 2. The judges appreciate us versus thinking we are a problem for them. If we are effective, it reduces their work loads and expedites justice. The legal system is over-loaded. 3. We keep our clients from yelling at each other, we want to end the confrontation, not let it continue. If they are yelling, they are not listening. 4. Mediations of the nature she is doing take us no more then about 2 hours. And I have a very high success rate in that 2 hour time frame. 5. I have never had anyone walk out on a mediation and this lady has it happen every week. But then she lets her clients yell at each.

Finally, what was the locker room scene in the show about a coach and his player? What was she trying to accomplish standing up on a bench preaching at the team? Was it just an opportunity to show handsome young men standing around in nothing but towels? She wasn't really threatened, so it seemed totally unnecessary. This comment isn't a spoiler, because this scene is totally irrelevant to the story. That's the problem, it had nothing to do with the story. That was just a poor plot-line, poor writing.

Finally, for the incredible mediator she is supposed to be, she sure seems at conflict with almost everyone else around, for no real apparent reason. Seems to me to be pretty poor at handling issues.
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10/10
Fairly Legal is one of the best new shows this season!!
carole826 March 2011
I really enjoy this show because it's fresh and witty! Every Thursday I look forward to watching it and laugh at the no-nonsense approach that Kate displays with some of her clients. Mediaition is brought to a new level as she doesn't intimidate but steers people in a logical approach. One of my favorite lines was her pointing out that these two guys were possibly going to get beat-up or killed even "over what?? a cup of coffee??" I like her personality and because it's really new and fresh I feel that the writers are even looking for a way to show people some alternatives to murder and mayhem. Kate's assistant Leo is sharp as a tack and hilarious! Justin is just plain adorable and everything gels!! Keep up the good work! You have a fan in me!! I can only say I hope you all see a very long run with this one!
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9/10
Fairly Legal grabs you and won't let go!
kcksu10 June 2012
If you haven't watched Fairly Legal lately, you haven't watched Fairly Legal. The show is a drama with a good dose of comedy thrown in. If you're looking for a realistic legal drama, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a good, fun story with snappy dialog you can lose yourself in, this is the show for you. The show is extremely well-written & casted, right down to the guest stars. It oozes with character development. The more you watch, the more you find out why the flawed characters are the way they are--especially Kate, the self-centered, but also compassionate, endearing & compelling lead character, who is very convincingly played by Sarah Shahi. The addition of the Ben Grogan character in the second season as a third partner at Reed & Reed, the fictional law firm in which the plot is based, lends a lot of romantic--and all sorts of other--tension to the plot-line. I'd give it a 10, but I'd prefer it if the show had just a little bit less of a soap opera vibe to it. P.S. I think most of the people who gave the show low ratings at the beginning of the first season just missed the point.
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10/10
It's a keeper
mjorgensen626 February 2011
TV shows come; TV shows go. Until a very few years ago, only the "real" networks could produce quality programs. In case you haven't been paying attention, cable networks are now out-shining the "big 4". And now comes USA with "Fairly Legal." It's a lawyer show -- and it isn't. It's a cop show -- and it isn't. It has a hot star as a lead. And, her character is REAL!!! None of the writing is nearly as contrived as most shows' writing seems to be today. The plotting is real, and the episodes conclude with a heart-warming flourish. I hope this show builds an audience, and the ratings keep it on the air. It was a real nice touch to end the pilot with a tribute to Michelle, who died in November of 2010 from cancer.
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10/10
Best show of this year
doghappybo22 January 2011
what a great pilot the characters are witty, playful and fun, the plot is very endearing and Sarah Shahi is just amazing in her role - remind me of Calista Flockhart in her Ally McBeal show, this show is a must watch, the other characters are being well developed as well, this is not your typical lawyer show, being filmed in San Francisco is also a big plus, hopefully future episodes will have the same swift humor and playful roles, USA network has some great shows recently and are developing more of them, i have exclusively switched over to USA network for evening TV watching, this show is similar to Royal Pains in that word that USA uses "characters are welcomed" - which i never understood for what it means
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5/10
Sarah Shahi needs a better show
LynnieTM25 March 2011
The problem Kate faces in each episode is nothing that really makes for exciting television--there is nothing about the plot that makes me need to see the next episode. The writing is cliché and gimmicky, but it's not terrible and every episode manages to have a good one liner. This sitcom is entertaining because Sarah Shahi is so incredibly talented-- she really brings Kate to life and is amazing to watch. She's the only reason I watch fairly legal every week.

Regarding the supporting cast: Michael Trucco is a good actor but he's on for two seconds before he has to go attend to something or another-- it's a bit annoying because it would be great to see a bit more of him. Baron Vaughn is likable but I feel like he should be funnier--not sure if its his acting or the writing. Virginia Williams looks beautiful but she is a pretty one dimensional actor -- she can't really hold her own with Sarah Shahi and doesn't give her much to work with.

Sarah needs a better show!!!
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9/10
A real actor.
dtruxaw-25 March 2011
Sarah Shahi is a delight. When I learned of her background I was blown away by her sophisticated style. I just do not expect a cheerleader to have her poise with complex dialog.

Even though there are an number of somewhat far-fetched situations and solutions--what show doesn't? I really enjoy a show which deals with conflict resolution through consensus rather than conflict.

Shifting between ultimate confidence in dealing with powerful people and self-doubt about her private life, Sarah segues between them with the ease of a true actor.

I believe Mz Shahi has a wonderful career ahead of her.
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8/10
Watchable show, very watchable lead
Pionek31 January 2011
Sarah Shahi is likely the reason most guys will watch the show, which verges on chick-flicky at times, with dialogue that's a tad cloying. However, the plot lines are quirky and interesting (and, in the pilot, rather funny). Shahi is an extremely personable and cute actress. As seems to be the vogue in contemporary culture, references to the Wonderful World of Oz abound. Atypical of most female leads, Shahi's character lives on a yacht. And the setting, in San Francisco, is a departure from U.S. legal dramas that always seem to be set in New York, or L.A. There are lots of location shots of SF landmarks and icons. However, Canadian viewers should note the signs of two Canadian financial institutions in one of the scenes.
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9/10
My favorite new series
mrocco-15 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Fairly Legal is witty and entertaining both visually and mentally and the premise is fresh and new. It helps that I absolutely love Sarah Shahi, one of the most attractive and engaging women in TV, and was heartbroken when my favorite old series 'Life' was canceled. I love the whole 'USA...characters are welcome' slogan because thats exactly what they provide. Crazy messed up flawed funny likable characters. Sarah plays Kate who is clearly as obsessed as I with Christian Louboutin shoes (the extra high ones), yet she still has a sense of tomboy about her. One of her 'character' traits is wanting to flee when she feels anxious or nervous about going face to face over a particular issues. Of course that also makes her chronically late. She gets this deer in the headlights look and...RUNS. It's hilarious.

The 'mediator' premise which lends itself to lots of conceptual dialog about the difference between the law and justice is thought provoking as well as her point of view that in court someone wins and someone loses but in mediation its 'WIN WIN!'. Add to that the complicated relationship with her step mother Lauren, whom she tells to her face that she hates, but I'm certain that over time we will see these 2 woman gravitate towards each other (kicking and screaming the whole way). The underlying premise of this show is need for Kate to make peace with her dead father and it will be an interesting ride.

If you haven't started watching yet get caught up either on the internet or through your cable on demand and get on this fun ride.
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8/10
One of the best new shows of the season.
RickandDaleRogers26 February 2011
Fairly legal is a fresh idea, and Kate is an interesting character. I appreciate the fact that it's also fairly decent, and that the plot lines are original. However, the recurring "Go ahead and do it," line has already become stale, and the physical destruction Kate uses to further her point has always been over the line. Perhaps she could come up with a different perspective sometimes.

The tease between Kate and her ex-husband is intriguing, making us hope the relationship will be mended, and the tension between Kate and her former stepmother could lead to a more complicated subplot. I wouldn't mind if they ended up being friends after awhile.

All in all, it's the best thing my husband and I watch on Thursdays.
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3/10
Annoying as Hell- Cannot Stand Sarah Shahi's Character
Wm_Gardner8 May 2012
She was SO much better as Dani Reese. Her role as Kate Reed is a spoiled, obnoxious, gets a man to do anything she wants by batting her eyes, thinks her looks get her out of anything, and shallow character. OK, she can negotiate well, but that is really her character's only positive attribute.

I watched most of season #1 but hate the character so much I have boycotted season #2. Absolutely loved Sarah Sashi's character on "Life", I have seen almost every episode and it had a depth which challenged her acting skills and made me admire her as more than "just another pretty face" that had been plugged into a series. I "Fairly Legal", she has 2 types of scenes, either the "be really cute and adorable" act or the "be angry about not getting your way" act. It makes for a cute but shallow character who is more annoying than interesting.

Sarah, I apologize if this seems too harsh. You are just capable of better work than this and deserve better roles.
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Show needs serious work
rpmuise25 March 2012
The leading lady cannot act! Her style is decidedly wooden. The dialog is contrived and overly predictable. Time after time, she is rude and thinks she can get away with it because she is attractive. It seems like the only assets she brings to the show are her good looks and her ability to swing her hips at least three feet to the left and right. Why do networks invest so much money into shows as shallow as this one obviously is? And her office counterpart: he is in need of drastic acting lessons as well. This show is destined for a very short run. Maybe given enough time, the show can mature but what I have seen so far in not impressive in the least. The show needs better acting and stronger plots. The show needs better character development with less emphasis on the lady's mental assets.

Love the theme song though!
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8/10
More Quality Work from Hollywood North
robertwlinden8 February 2011
Sarah is a delight! "Fairly Legal" combines her "smart" eye candy with a "David E Kelly-like" writing style. I agree it was television's loss when her role on "Life" was just getting established as the show as yanked. This new character is even better on so many levels, including getting her out of a suit and into those heels!!

By the way, the exteriors of this production are shot by a second unit in San Francisco, but the rest is filmed in Vancouver, Canada. This show joins the ranks of countless others shot in stunningly beautiful Vancouver, like "Human Target," (also pretending to be in San Francisco) "Fringe," "Supernatural," and many more, including the highly anticipated "The Killing" (about to take the "Mad Men" time slot on AMC in April, ending with a cliff hanger just before the new "Mad Men" season opener.)

I hope "Fairly Legal" and its cast of interesting characters has a chance to establish itself. It could go far.
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