The best network drama to debut
in 1995 was Murder One, and the first season still packs
a wallop. By sustaining a compelling mystery through 23
brilliantly written episodes (or "Chapters"), creators Steven
Bochco, Charles H. Eglee, and Channing Gibson brought their
stellar talents to a format that clearly inspired later shows
like 24. Bearing no resemblance to Bochco's L.A. Law,
the series presents Los Angeles as "a bucket of crabs," where
superstar defense attorney Ted Hoffman (Daniel Benzali) tackles
the high-profile case of Neil Avedon (Jason Gedrick), a bad-boy
actor accused of strangling his 15-year-old girlfriend. As
Hoffman and his savvy associates pursue the truth, it becomes
obvious that wealthy entrepreneur Richard Cross (Stanley Tucci
at his oily best) is manipulating the case, confounding Hoffman
and the LAPD detective (Dylan Baker) who's sleuthing all the
clues. |