Julianna Margulies Lays Down the Law — Cheers - Cheers & Jeers

Julianna Margulies by KC Bailey/NBC Cheers to Julianna Margulies for resuscitating her acting skills with Canterbury's Law. In easily her best role since ER — I didn't buy her as the cokehead real-estate agent with a taste for mobsters on The Sopranos — the Emmy-winner tears up the screen as a Providence, Rhode Island, defense attorney who'll cross any line to serve her clients. You almost couldn't blame the child killer she busted in the pilot for punching her in the nose. And the episode's final scene, in which she curls up in her missing son's bed and smells his pillow, was quietly heart-shattering. The show may feel a bit derivative (it's Damages meets House), but Margulies' bravely unsympathetic performance overrules any objections. • Read and react to Bruce's opinions on The Wire's series finale, Project Runway's Christian and more! • Share your own raves and rants about other shows on the Reader Cheers & Jeers discussion board. • We may feature your Cheer or Jeer on TVGuide.com or in TV Guide magazine! Leave a Comment
TVGuide Links: ER The Sopranos Julianna Margulies Canterbury's Law
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Posted by Bruce Fretts Mar 11, 2008 1:45 AM Report Abuse

I agree. I thought it was pretty good. She was believable as a kick ass attorney.
Posted by tp72 Mar 11, 2008 1:56 AM Report Abuse

i love the show.. i love her.
Posted by Aliasnews Mar 11, 2008 3:42 PM Report Abuse

Cheers for the most part,and it is finally a great role and a job well done by Julianna Margulies! I do have one complaint-the "Shock & Awe" courtroom revelation that the witness was to fat to see his feet, followed by the kicking in of LA LAW type "got ya!!" music, was a definite Jeer.
Posted by Mr. Furley Mar 11, 2008 5:20 PM Report Abuse

Love it!!!!
Posted by karrie1 Mar 11, 2008 5:22 PM Report Abuse

I thought the show was good. I will continue to watch it because Julianna Marguiles is an excellent actress, and I loved her on ER.
Posted by yolanda6 Mar 11, 2008 6:05 PM Report Abuse

It was much better than I anticipated. She is a damaged individual who is still so caught up in the disappearance of her son that her life is now the courtroom. I highly recommend it!
Posted by Ranger99 Mar 11, 2008 6:28 PM Report Abuse

Oh goody! Another lawyer show...followed by yet another cop shop. Where is the originality?
Posted by Traci Galbraith Mar 11, 2008 6:31 PM Report Abuse

Damages is way better. Considering this show's pedigree (Denis Leary as exec producer), it would probably be a better show on cable where it could be edgier. Right now, it feels like the characters, especially the excellent Terry Kinney, are holding back.
Posted by huntress Mar 11, 2008 6:37 PM Report Abuse

In response to Traci Galbraith, I would hardly refer to New Amsterdam as "yet another cop show (or shop)" by any means. I'm assuming you haven't watched it.

I found myself really enjoying Canterbury's Law. I find I agree with whoever said it should be on cable, but it makes do where it is. I really enjoyed the writing, and thought Margulies' performance was intense and exciting. I will advise anyone who loved the pilot to tell about 10 friends to watch this show, 'cause it really tanked last night. 1.8 in the 18-49 demo. Blech!

Posted by MrMank

Mar 11, 2008 7:01 PM

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I agree with MrMank about the response to Traci Galbraith about New Amsterdam. I can not wait for that "cop show" to make it on DVD.
Posted by theancientone55 Mar 11, 2008 8:32 PM Report Abuse

I give it a big cheer! Welcome back to TV Julianna....excellent performance. The same way Carol Hathaway was warm & soothing, this lawyer can tear someone to shreds with the same smooth, rich voice. Well done!!! This show is def a keeper!!!
Posted by ERSVULuvr Mar 11, 2008 11:06 PM Report Abuse

I thought it was great! I ove Julianna and was glad to see her back. I loved the show! Especially in a time of drought when so many shows that I love to watch are not here. I will definitely be watching this one. Great show indeed! Great actress! Loved it!
Posted by kelbad1 Mar 11, 2008 11:29 PM Report Abuse

Julianna Margulies returns to television after 8 years in the new hit drama series Canterbury's Law. This series has the potential to be highly successful and slingshot Margulies into a leading lady that can carry a series. Margulies plays a defense attorney who is exteremly insensitive, to everyone except her clients, but in a uniquely charming way. Her character, Elizabeth Canterbury, is a cross between Dr. House and Patty Hewes but we quickly learn why she is so cold. She is not uncaring for no reason, she is suffering from the dissapearance of her son. I would be thrilled and not at all suprised if Margulies receives an Emmy nomination for this very powerful, impressive role.

Posted by kristie48

Mar 12, 2008 4:42 PM

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