The Handler

It never fails; as soon as I glom on to a prime-time diversion with a scintilla of character and originality, it gets nixed by the powers-that-be. "Big Apple", "Lucky", "Vengeance Unlimited", "The Agency"; and now, "The Handler". A perfect showcase for Joe Pantoliano's acting chops falls to the headsman's axe because it's a touch too gritty, with a plot that DEMANDS you pay attention with more than one's usual reptile-brain awareness. This whole situation reminds me of the comment that the Zucker brothers(creators of the "Airplane!" spoofs) made about why their series "Police Squad" was cancelled: "The executives complained that the viewers would have to pay attention to enjoy it." Trust me: if the star of the way-above-average "Joan of Arcadia" wasn't so hot-looking, Friday nights would be nothing but more reality shows. I guess I can count my blessings and be thankful--right?

Even though there are a lot of shows about law enforcement out there, this one supports the case that there's always room for one more. Joe Pantolino, is convincing and human enough as a down-to-business FBI agent who sends people on undercover assignments, to make the show work. The plots are engaging enough to make for a worthwhile hour, and the supporting cast shines through here

...everything by its creator and writer, Canada's Chris Haddock. The Handler was a watered-down approach to the gritty, character-driven awesome writing that peppers all of Haddock's work. He had a seven-year run with the BRILLIANT Da Vinci's Inquest, which many voters here on IMDb call the single best show ever aired on television, one year with Da Vinci City Hall, and is now in the second year of the brilliant Intelligence, which is about both Canada's intelligence agency, CSIS, and the Vancouver drug-running scene.

The Handler might've been too much for American audiences, but there are a lot of latenight ABC and WGN viewers falling head over heals for the curmudgeonly coroner and all the other cast in DVI.

Really. Check it out if you can.

In L. A., veteran FBI agent Joe Renato (Joe Pantoliano) is The Handler. He leads a squad of specialized undercover agents. Lily (Anna Belknap) is the green fresh face recruit. Heather (Lola Glaudini) is a transfer from LAPD. Darnell (Hill Harper) is an agent looking for more responsibility. Marcy (Tanya Wright) is mostly office-bound. They recruit cooperating criminals and infiltrate crime groups.

I remember this show back in the day and Lily at the end of the pilot. I really wish that Pruitt Taylor Vince hung around. He is the best part of the pilot. This is fine as a gritty police drama on CBS. It lasted one season. My big suggestion is Joey Pants needs to get rid of that hat. It is trying too hard. The show may also benefit from setting up shop in a specific location. There is randomness to the structure of the show and the audience never gets too comfortable.

First episode aired here in Finland yesterday and i thought it was great. I can't think a better person to this role than Pantoliano. Couple years back, i thought he was one of the most annoying persons on TV/movies. But when i saw him on the Sopranos and the first Bad boys movie (rerun(again!), i've learned to respect his work more and more. Great actor with his unique charisma. The show itself had this special atmosphere which works very well with the happenings. I can't wait until next Tuesday when the second episode comes. Great cast, great idea and well shot/filmed.

It's a big shame if it got canceled...