Barry Garron

Angela Lansbury's Jessica Fletcher may not captivate like Peter Falk's Columbo, but she'll do quite nicely until something better comes along. [28 Sep 1984, p.2B]

In less capable hands, the show might have turned into a far-fetched teen fantasy about life without parental restrictions...Here, it is a touching and finely crafted exploration of what it means to grow up without either the rules or the loving guidance of parents. [10 Sept 1994]

A treat while it lasts. [31 May 2000]

The net result is a buddy show that is long on youth appeal and chemistry but short on character depth and texture.

To sum up, we have an improbable comedy filled with hard-to-like characters mouthing lines that didn't get funnier after rewrites. Daddio, heck. Oh, brother! [23 March 2000]

It boasts an appealing star, a colorful ensemble cast, clever writing and no shortage of laughs. It is, in short, what good character comedy should be. [23 March 2000]

An above-average series with a largely minority cast as well as a significant minority presence behind the cameras. [12 Jan 2000]

For the most part, a well-chosen cast has been imprisoned in two-dimensional roles. [2 Oct 2000]

Sly, amusing and devilishly clever. [16 June 1999]

There's enough to like about this series to hope for its return later in the season. [3 Aug 1998]

"Ellie" is a smart, daring show, full of memorable characters capable of humorous banter in one moment and physical comedy the next. [25 Feb 2002]

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is at the top of her game. Her expressions, physicality and timing are right on the mark. Her vocals are a treat and flow naturally from the story. [14 Apr 2003]

The small-screen version is more than faithful to the delicious and heartwarming drama that was the main course of the low-budget 1997 hit. [27 Jun 2000]

While the series _ based on the 1995 Sandra Bullock film _ is more breathless than brainy, there's enough going on to make you want to stay tuned. [17 July 1998]

The pilot is plodding at times, the result of a few too many heart-to-heart discussions among the characters. Still, Williams, Holliday and Heard create such fresh, memorable characters that it's impossible to get bored. [16 Sept 1995, p.E7]

At its heart, this American adaptation of a popular British series about a group of gay friends is dramatically rewarding, convincingly acted and smartly written. At times, though, it seems as if writers Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman and director Russell Mulcahy do too much to keep viewers from reaching that heart. [1 Dec 2000]

Murder One is by far the best new drama of the season, a sensational and intelligent combination of grit, mystery and conflict. [19 Sept 1995, p.E1]

What emerges is a drama that is solid, though not spectacular, and a star more charismatic than complicated. [24 Sept 2001]

It is doubtful that any war movie on the large or small screen has captured the varied experiences of ordinary soldiers better than Band of Brothers. Whether it's the sheer terror of facing an unseen enemy or the momentary joy following a successful mission, the mini eschews the typical movie cliches while revealing and reveling in the humanity within each member of Easy Company. It explains in large measure why this group of regular guys and others like them have come to be called the Greatest Generation. [5 Sept 2001]

Purists might balk, but for the rest of us, the latest retelling of the Superman tale is a brilliant blend of tradition and contemporary sensibility. Not only is it a Superman for a new generation, it's a Superman for every generation. [15 Oct 2001]

If this one doesn't make you laugh, it may be time to report to the cryogenics lab. [26 May 1995]

The series became an instant TV landmark because of its riveting stories, wonderfully drawn characters, superb acting and intelligent direction. If anything, the new season emphasizes these traits even more, as it probes the fascinating and usually emotionally charged relationships inside and outside the Soprano family. [2 Mar 2001]

A contrived and predictable drama in military dress. [23 Sep 1995]

Carey, a stand-up comedy veteran, has great timing and expression. It's easy to relate to his working-class persona. Now if someone could just make his friends a little funnier, "Drew Carey" could be a winner. [13 Sep 1995]

Elevate[s] the state of TV drama with fine writing, convincing acting and compelling stories. [16 Sep 1994]

Tough, gritty, almost exhausting to watch. [16 Sep 1994]

Contrary to the volume of the laugh track, the script produces little more than an occasional chuckle...CBS would like you to believe that James is the next breakout star, similar to Ray Romano a year ago. Anything's possible, but that would seem like a stretch big enough to astound an aerobics instructor. [21 Sept 1998]

No one will mistake this for cutting-edge comedy but it is well-cast (especially Lithgow) and good-natured enough to please most viewers. [8 Jan 1996]