High amongst the list of shows that should have, but didn’t make it past ‘1st season-itis’, was Steven Bochco’s 1997 “Brooklyn South.” As with many good shows that don’t survive, the cause was low ratings. It was a victim of the axe, simply because no one was watching. The sad thing is, I’m as guilty as the next guy when it comes to not giving new shows a chance. All too often, I skip new shows in favor of old favorites, and they’re gone before I have a chance to give them a shot. This is not to say that my lack of viewing alone is enough to kill a series, but enough of this collective apathy is. If there is any saving grace to the loss of shows like “Brooklyn South” it is that they may be gone, but not forgotten. Occasionally they get picked up by a cable network or are (as the practice is becoming ever more popular) released on DVD. Of course, this doesn’t do much to help the actors who have to find work elsewhere, or the promise of future outstanding episodes, but at least it offers a new lease on life in the minds of the viewers.

Like many of the fine shows that have come and gone, my first introduction to the world of “Brooklyn South” came in the form of a terrific DVD set containing all 22 episodes of the first season. They are all available on 6 discs complete with a couple of extra features that offer a little background on the series and taught me the error of my ways as far as missing them when they first aired.

“Brooklyn South” was the creation of uber-producer Stephen Bochco, whom many consider the king of police dramas. He was behind two of the best cop shows ever, “Hill Street Blues” and the still running “NYPD Blue.” This newer series focused on the beat cops of Brooklyn’s 74th Precinct. These are the guys out on the streets, putting their lives on the line to protect and to serve.

“Brooklyn South” had a fantastic ensemble cast, made up of many fine actors who have since moved on to other projects. Some of the stars included Yancy Butler, who is more famous than ever for her stint on “Witchblade”; Gary Basaraba, who is now seen in “Boomtown; and Adam Rodriguez, who went on to become an alien’s husband in “Roswell” then became a member of the “C.S.I. Miami” team. The cast also boasts Dylan Walsh, who has become a real cut-up on the new FX series “Nip/Tuck.”

After watching most of the episodes from the first (and only season), I found the writing to be top-notch and the stories compelling. However, I can’t say there was necessarily anything that set the show apart from other cop dramas, with one big exception. From the first episode on it was clear that nothing, and I mean nothing could be predicted. The first episode alone included a shocking twist that left me speechless. It reminded me a bit of the first and second episodes of the original “C.S.I.”, only on a grander scale.

The two extra features I mentioned before come in the form of a commentary by the series co-creator David Milch (Bochco’s lead writer on “NYPD Blue”) on the Pilot episode and a series specific interview with Bochco himself. Both offer just enough background info on the show without going overboard.

I really wish “Brooklyn South” had made it to a second season. Considering how great “NYPD Blue” turned out, I can only imagine what this series might have had in store for us. If this first season is all there is to be, so be it. I recommend you buy it, watch it, and then chide yourself (as I have) for not watching it to begin with.

Episodes:
Pilot
Life Under Castro
Why Can’t Even a Couple of Us Get Along?
Touched By a Checker Cab
Clown Without Pity
A Reverend Runs Through It
Love Hurts
Wild Irish Woes
McMurder One
Dublin or Nothin’
Gay Avec
Exposing Johnson
Tears on My Willow
Violet Inviolate
Fisticuffs
Don’t You Be My Valentine
Dead Man Sleeping
Fools Russian
Doggonit
Cinnamon Buns
Skel in a Cell
Queen’s For a Day

Starring: Jon Tenney, Michael DeLuise, Gary Basaraba, James B. Sikking, Yancy Butler, Titus Welliver, Klea Scott, Patrick McGaw, Richard T. Jones, Adam Rodriguez, Dylan Walsh
Extras: Commentary with co-creator David Milch on the Pilot Episode, Steven Bochco: The Brooklyn South Interview, Cast and Crew Biographies, Police Radio Response Codes
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital Stereo
Studio: A&E
Release Date: 10/28/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Brooklyn South an A.