PILOT REVIEW: Gang Related

GANG RELATED

Starring: Ramon Rodriguez, Jay Hernandez, Rza, Sung Kang, Inbar Lavi, Shantel Vansanten, with Cliff Curtis, and Terry O'Quinn

Created by Chris Morgan
Written by Chris Morgan, Directed by Allen Hughes

Gang Related is a new FOX drama about members of an elite force on the LAPD trying to take down the most dangerous gangs in the city. The force is led by Sam Chapel (Terry O'Quinn), but at the center is Ryan Lopez (Ramon Rodriguez), who was raised by one of the gang families, the Acosta family with its head Javier Acosta (Cliff Curtis) and a banker, Dante (Jay Hernandez), who has gone clean. Rounding out the main cast are other agents Cassius Green (Rza), Tae Kim (Sung Kang), Vanessa Hicks (Inbar Levi), and Chapel's daughter and ADA Jessica Chapel (Shantel Vansanten).

THE GOOD: Well, I think this is an interesting topic for a TV show. While many crime dramas deal with gang episodes or arcs, there is very rarely an entire show devoted to dealing with gangs, and LA is a great setting for the show with its history of gang troubles. Ramon Rodriguez is pretty good and believable in the lead role as the conflicted detective. There seems to be good camaraderie between the team and Cliff Curtis seems potentially compelling as the head of the Acosta family.

THE BAD: I found myself getting bored often during the pilot. For a show about gangs, I expected there to be more violence and action than there was. It was sort of falling into the same problems that have plagued Chicago PD so far: a good setting and feel but not a compelling enough story to really make it work. I try to pay close attention to a pilot for reviewing purposes but I kept finding myself getting distracted during this one.

BOTTOM LINE: Gang Related was a hot pilot a year ago and when it was announced for a May 2014 premiere, it seemed like it was part of a major push for year-round programming with quality scripted shows. But here we are with a mundane show that bombed in the ratings following a rough season for FOX so it seems like it's back to the drawing board. For scripted shows to work in the summer, they need to be better than this.