Network: ABC
Episodes: 22, two unaired (hour)
Seasons: Two
TV show dates: February 2, 2003 — May 5, 2004
Series status: Cancelled/ended
Performers include: Ed O’Neill, Ethan Embry, Christina Chang, Desmond Harrington, Eva Longoria Parker, Evan Parke, Erick Avari, Steven Zirnkilton, Katherine Kamhi, Lindsay Crouse, Robin Bartlett, Mark Lewis, Mr. Tony B. King, Roselyn Sanchez, Denise Dowse, David Andrews, Todd Felix, Larry Braman, Marc Brown, Alex Esta, Morocco Omari, Pete Pastore, Chris Ufland, and Lee Ann Powers.
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TV show description:
This crime drama follows veteran Detective Joe Friday (Ed O’Neill) and inexperienced Detective Frank Smith (Ethan Embry) as they investigate brutal crimes in Los Angeles.
For the second season, the series is renamed L.A. Dragnet. Friday is promoted to Lieutenant and leads the LAPD’s Robbery/Homicide Division, an elite group of young detectives who investigate the toughest cases in economically and culturally diverse neighborhoods.
The detectives include hot-headed, Bronx-native Jimmy McCarron (Desmond Harrington); spiritual family man Raymond Cooper (Evan Parke); keen observer and Texas native Gloria Duran (Eva Longoria); and military veteran Elena Macias (Roselyn Sanchez). The diverse team works alongside politically ambitious Deputy District Attorney Sandy Chang (Christina Chang), who wants to use her current role to become City Attorney.
The modern-day remake of the classic Dragnet series comes from Law & Order producer Dick Wolf.
Dragnet-2003: Greatly enjoyed the series. Wish there had been more. Season two had better (deeper, more complex) stories. Would have benefited from less T&A… Too many new actors make character development difficult and it showed. Particularly impressive was O”Neil’s portrayal as a man of empathy, for the victim Plus, he managed to show brilliance, without the irritating ego (ala Sherlock Holmes) that this type of character is usually presented.
#EdOneilshout-out….
Professionalism and top quality of all involved certainly didn’t deserve the crappy reviews in Variety.