Fall TV Preview 2013: NBC’s Ironside [VIDEO and PHOTOS] 

You had me at Blair Underwood. I’m instantly interested if he’s involved and I love that he’s giving series TV another chance. I’m not as familiar with the supporting cast, but give me a good procedural any day and I’m happy. With a strong lead and an interesting twist, I was excited to watch this pilot.

Synopsis: In the gritty world of the NYPD, no one’s tougher than Det. Robert Ironside (Blair Underwood, “In Treatment”). He is fearless; his instincts are second to none, and those around him must stay on their toes if they want to keep up. When his spine was shattered by a bullet two years ago, he swore he’d never let a wheelchair slow him down.

Ironside and his trusted, handpicked team of detectives each offer a unique background, perspective and skill set. Comprising the team are: Virgil (Pablo Schreiber, “The Wire”), a man who wrestles with the dichotomy of being one of NYPD’s toughest cops in the city, yet a loving family man at home where he imparts life lessons to his children that he does not necessarily follow in the line of duty; Holly (Spencer Grammer, “Greek”), a strong, feisty detective who loves the rush of being undercover and the danger that goes with the job and who has mysterious family ties to the Brooklyn underworld; and Teddy (Neal Bledsoe, “Smash,”), a rich, highly-educated young cop who has never been good with authority and is connected in a way that only those born into wealth enjoy.  Their boss, Capt. Ed Rollins (Kenneth Choi, “Sons of Anarchy”), calm and pragmatic, handles situations with a level head and cool demeanor. He and Ironside share a mutual respect and admiration for each other despite their push-pull relationship.

Also in the mix is Gary (Brent Sexton, “The Killing”), Ironside’s scrappy ex-partner and a hard-nosed detective who marvels at Ironside’s will and ability to piece together his life after being shot.

Together, this dedicated and capable group does whatever it takes to solve New York’s most difficult and notorious crimes, and they will stop at nothing in their pursuit of justice.

TV Goodness Fall Preview Ratings System
Watch Live
Watch Later on DVR
Undecided — Need to Watch Some More
Not Watching at All

If I’m being completely honest, I didn’t really care for the pilot. Blair Underwood is great – but that’s no surprise – and I like Spencer Grammer. But I feel like the story is trite and the twists and turns are predictable. In short, this show is trying way to0 hard. The one bright spot is Brent Sexton’s Gary, who you may remember from The Killing or Justified. His story and his interactions with ex-partner Ironside are what could set this show apart. So this gets an Undecided — Need to Watch Some More. Just because I don’t like a pilot doesn’t mean all is lost. I like to give new shows at least a few episodes so I’ll stick around a bit longer and see if this is worth my while.

Ironside premieres Wednesday, Oct 2nd at 10/9c on NBC.

VIDEO

Ironside Trailer:

Blair Underwood on Det. Robert Ironside:

Spencer Grammer on Holly:

Kenneth Choi on Captain Ed Rollins:

Pablo Schreiber on Virgil:

PHOTOS

All photos credited to Will Hart/NBC.