CJ Clear Your Schedule on Tuesdays
February 17th, 2006 by CJ
I was sent a pilot DVD of the upcoming show "The Unit" about a week ago and asked to write a review about it. Keep in mind, I'm no entertainment specialist and don't even watch a lot of TV (especially since Kelly Clarkson won American Idol!). However, since it was a TV show about the military I wanted to check it out. Hollywood's last attempt at creating a TV show based on the military ("Over There"…aack!) was a complete disaster and I couldn't even watch one complete episode. It completely sucked.
"THE UNIT where the men are masters of espionage and trained to take on hijackers, terrorists and enemy armies… where they can survive alone in hostile cities and speak foreign languages fluently… and where they strike at enemy targets with arresting swiftness, all while their wives are back home protecting their hu sbands' secrets – and secrets of their own." This is the teaser I was sent before the DVD arrived.
The series was inspired by the book Inside Delta Force, written by Command Sergeant Major, USA (ret.) Eric L. Haney, the series' technical advisor, producer and writer. CSM Haney is one of the founding members of Delta Force. He served as a combat infantryman, Ranger, and Delta Force member. He is also a counter-terrorism expert and renowned speaker. "The Unit" stars Dennis Haysbert ("24") as the leader of a special-forces team that handles complex missions around the world and Scott Foley ("Felicity") as its newest member. Also in the cast are Robert Patrick ("Walk the Line," "The X-Files"), Max Martini ("Harsh Realm"), Michael Irby ("Flightplan"), Demore Barnes and Abby Brammell.
Anyway, I watched the pilot and quite enjoyed it. The plot follows a covert team of Special Forces operatives as they risk their lives on undercover missions around the globe, while their families maintain the home front. The typical military problems of trying to balance a military career and a domestic life are brought into focus. While the show is a little cheesy and melodramatic, overall I like the show. For example, in one episode one of the the spouses hosts a visit from a visiting senator who plays a huge role in financing "the unit". Now, I don't claim to know anything about the special ops community, but I find that a little stretched. First of all, how many senators really care enough about our spouses to take the time to dine with one. Heck, they barely care much about the soldiers themselves. But, I digress.
I watched all three episodes and can't wait to watch a few more. Currently, the time slot places the show on Tuesdays at 9 pm. That may conflict with my duty to watch American Idol and make sure another Clay Aiken never gets to the finals. Guess, I'll need to invest in TiVO. If you can get past the cheesiness and "that isn't real" mentality that you'll find yourself falling into (if you're in the military) it's actually entertaining. It's better than "Over There" ever pretended or could be. At least the writers and producers make "The Unit" interesting.
Another criticism I have is that the show jumps a lot between the homefront and the missions "the unit" is sent on. Sometimes that gets a little frustrating. I think they are trying to cram so much character development into the first episodes that it's taking away from the story. The thing the show has going for it is the continuity between episodes. From what I can tell, each episode will build off the last. Long story short – I like it and will probably watch it weekly…if it doesn't interfere with American Idol. The show premiers on Tuesday, March 7 at 9 PM ET/PT on CBS.
On another note, I'm back for good…for now. You never know these days when another "training event" will pop up. Emily will no doubt let you know when I'm away again if I'm somewhere I can't get online. She takes good care of me and I don't deserve her. Anyway, it'll probably take me a few days to figure out what's going on in the world. I wasn't able to watch any TV or pick up a newspaper in the last week. I did find it funny that the media is still talking about Cheney. Morons (the media, I mean)!! Leave it to them to create a "controversy".
You don't deserve her. I have tried to tell her that many times.
dusgalan of mt
Heyyyyy, I like Clay Aiken! Okay, fair enough, he seems a really supernice guy but maybe…not quite Idol finalist material. I guess we'll have to see. Actually I'm curious as to how they ALL stand the test of time.
'The Unit' does look intriguing, from the two teasers that I've seen. 'Eric L. Haney, the series’ technical advisor, producer and writer' – that's a lot of hats, so hopefully it means he can keep things fairly realistic and under his control, not CBS's. Kinda neat that you got to review this show, CJ.
Hey! I didn't say that! Imposter! Whoever wrote comment #1 doesn't know you very well.
Glad you're back! Keep me posted on the TV program as I watch TV even less than you unless it's for entertainment which is what movies are for–period. Hey, I've been quail hunting quite a bit before and it really is difficult to tell a quail from a human. Must admit I'd probably enjoy going lawyer hunting too though! he he. that was a joke guys!
dusgalan of mt
CJ,
Welcome back! Good to read your comments again and yes, Emily keeps us updated on what your up to!
Thanks for the heads up on the new show. I will watch out for it. It must be alot better than "Over There" or you wouldn't even mention it!
I like Clay Aiken too!! Must be a girl thing!
Tuesday, March 7 at 9 PM ET/PT on CBS.
On the calendar for The Unit!! I appreciate hearing about this as I do not routinely watch other than the news.
JE and others,
Emily finds the plots that deal with the spouses cheesy. I have to admit I do too. It's still an entertaining show and I think that if it can get past the first season, it will solidify and the writing will become better.
Sal, did he kick your ass or anyone else's? I thought that's all the SF guys did was go around kicking people's tail ends…and helping Hollywood.
Yeah I did, but she hasn't said much yet.
Sal, nothing that goes beyond the Taco Bell Drive-Thru.
Hey, CJ. Thanks for the kind words on The Unit. I'm Eric's wife (new and improved version circa 1996) and I'm headed in to do that Stonewall Jackson thing to him. I think you're a darn good critic…I'm proud to say I've never seen a second of American Idol. The only way I would is if the whole show was about a Ranger regiment. That's more my idea of an American Idol. Hundreds of Rangers, spit-shined or straight from the field, would change America's definition of "the making of a man" forever.
Get in touch.
Gentlemen:
I would like to know how I can get stuff to the Rangers at the “sharp end.†At the very least I have paperbacks sitting around that could be put to better use. Also I wouldn’t mind eventually having some guys to write to and, perhaps, help out. Your consideration is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Newport
CPT. ABN Ret.
RNGR Class of ‘72
CPT Newport,
I'd first like to thank you for your service to our country. I'd then like to direct you to http://www.anysoldier.com where you can get the address of any of these fine patriots and send them things, as I often do.
Thenks,
NY-David
Thanks for the guidance. Airborne!
Im feeling a bit lonely right now; Ive written to the G.I. assigned to me three times but have not gotten anything back in any way. I'll give him this last (3rd) letter then thats it. I don't want to bother anyone.
Hey Eric,
Is it true that you are making a movie with Dennis Haysbert about The Unit? I will be first in line to see it. I think it was the best television series ever!!!!
Your grateful fan,
Des Scouts