Leverage is a slick and crafty drama following a team of expert thieves that take down corrupt corporations in elaborate high-tech schemes. Insurance investigator Nate Ford (Academy Award-winner Timothy Hutton) exposed scams and recovered stolen items worth millions. But his life hit the skids when his insurance company allowed his ailing 8-year-old son to die. Years later, Nate gets even as the leader of a specialized team of thieves, computer experts and con artists that right corporate and governmental injustices against honest citizens. To expose corruption, Nate will do wrong for all the right reasons –– he will provide Leverage.TNT’s Leverage takes a Robin Hood approach to criminal justice. After losing his son, ex-insurance investigator Nathan Ford (Timothy Hutton) reinvents himself as an avenging angel who rights wrongs for victims of organized greed with the skilled support of thief Parker (Beth Riesgraf), hacker Alec Hardison (Aldis Hodge), grifter Sophie Devereaux (Coupling‘s Gina Bellman), and retrieval specialist or “hitter” Elliot Spencer (Angel‘s Christian Kane).
In the spirit of Mission: Impossible, each episode revolves around a different job, and though producer/director Dean Devlin (Independence Day) shot the pilot in Chicago, Leverage Consulting sets up shop in L.A., where the rest of the series takes place. Hardly original–even the jazz-funk score sounds familiar–it’s still a breezy lark that moves easily between drama and comedy, and the flashbacks to the team’s past are a fun touch. During their inaugural year, they represent clients ranging from a wounded reservist to Nate’s pastor (D.B. Sweeney). Other notable guests include Buffy‘s Danny Strong as a conscience-free contractor and Popular‘s Sara Rue as an endangered whistleblower. All the while, the hard-drinking Nate’s attraction to the increasingly alarmed Sophie grows at the same rate as his alcohol consumption (Alec also develops a crush on the oblivious Parker).
Despite Hutton’s Oscar credentials and top billing, 21-year-old Hodge often steals the show with his hilarious line readings and the deleted scenes reveal some equally amusing adlibs. Other extras include five featurettes and commentary on the 13 episodes from Devlin, creators John Rogers and Chris Downey plus key writers and directors, like Tony Bill (My Bodyguard) and Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: The Next Generation), who directs Trek veterans Brent “Data” Spiner and Armin “Quark” Shimerman in “The Juror #6 Job.” In response to strong ratings, TNT renewed Leverage for a second season. –Kathleen C. Fennessy
Buy “Leverage: The First Season” For Only $28.54
March 24, 2008
#1
There are 13 eps in the first season. They can’t fit all on 1 Disc.
March 24, 2008
#2
After reading the reviews for this series I couldn’t help but notice that there is not one single bad review. I’m quite shocked because this series is really bad. It is a deliberate clone of Hustle. The similarity to Robin Hood and displays of altruism are unconvincing and over the top. The premise of the story is that a group of con artists are able to “reform from their deviant ways” in order to “do good.” To do so a corporation is created to do this, which also takes away from the plot line.
This seems counterproductive to the role that the actors are playing and make the story of each episode quite shallow. There is very little suspense or surprise in the episode, which is critical for a conartist drama. Another issue with this series which really annoys me is the use of racial “destereotyping,” it seems that this show attempts to be overly politically correct and attempt to ignore potential strengths of the actors. I had high expectations for this series give its originating series and star actor (Gina Bellman).
In short: If you want a really well written and clever drama about con artists and has excellent actors watch Hustle. Hustle will be going on their 6th season on BBC by 2010. Despite a hiatus.
March 24, 2008
#3
I love good caper shows, but the casting is almost a total disaster. Timothy Hutton, the black guy and the blond girl are not terribly engaging, likeable or compelling. The black guy, in particular, is utterly unconvincing as the stereotypical black computer superwhiz, and utterly annoying and bland otherwise, sleepwalking through the series. Timothy Hutton has a grandma vibe. But the tough guy is a good pick.
I realize dissenting reviews of TV series are the kiss of death for a reviewer, but I have to be honest.
March 24, 2008
#4
You almost know what is going to happen before it does…the characters are not compelling enough for the viewer to care about what happens to them…although I must admit I only watched the first half of the series…couldn’t stand anymore
March 24, 2008
#5
Great show! Creative storylines and intelligent, witty dialogue. (Sadly most shows that I enjoy like this get cancelled quickly.) Anyway, FOR SHAME TNT!!! Why would you wait until the day before season 2 premieres to release season 1 on DVD? Now anyone who wants to see it BEFORE season 2 premieres won’t and those of us who wanted to give you our money so that we can rewatch the first season before the premiere of Season 2 also won’t. Way to slit your own throats, jackasses. Why moronic companies do this is beyond me. So if you haven’t seen season 1 yet – bittorrent the episodes NOW and buy this DVD when it comes out if you feel TNT deserves your money. Personally I would fire their entire marketing staff.