UC: Undercover (2001–2002) User Reviews

slick actioner

[MichaelM24 · 13 May 2002]

UC: UNDERCOVER was a very slick action-thriller that was heavy on complicated plots and very stylized cinematography. The first episode was a rollercoaster ride of action and excitement. The next few after that didn't quite live up to it, but once the season got going, things started picking up again. Oded Fehr was awesome as the team leader, displaying a terrific combination of mystery and coolness that made his character the most intriguing of the bunch. Jon Seda and the sexy Vera Farmiga were good as the team's pointmen, with Jarrad Paul and Bruklin Harris adding support as the information gatherers of the team. William Forsyth was a standout as Sonny Walker, the illusive criminal mastermind who always managed to elude the team. But my favorite episodes were the ones that dealt with the team going after other criminals.

As I had expected, NBC cancelled it before the season was even over, but I do have to give them credit for at least airing two final finished episodes, especially since one of them featured a story that closed the door on the Sonny Walker subplot and gave fans at least that much amount of closure. I now regret not recording any of them, but maybe they're show up again somewhere in reruns for awhile. My Sunday nights are definitely boring now.

Time period wrong on review

[mwgowin · 9/10 · 1 February 2009]

This show was great but it was canceled. This show actually originally aired in the 90s. I remember this because I recored ed every episode (was not very many) on VHS. I switched to DVD sometime between 1996 and 1998 and at that point retired my VHS player. I also moved in 2000 to a different location and specifically remember watching it in the other.

Anyway, the show was great for its time and I remember it being cut short due to transitions into filming in Canadia. I wish the season could have at least been finished and some loose ends followed up on. Ultimately I believe that the large cost of destroying expensive things in explosions (like SUVs) and the high paid actors probably was the early downfall of this show.

Let me guess, NBC canceled this already?

[Aussie Stud · 23 February 2002]

Just about every new show that I bothered tuning into this past season got canceled, which is a really inconvenient nightmare for me because I shafted several of my regular television programs just to invest my time in the new pilots.

Yes, CBS's "WOLF LAKE", FOX's "PASADENA", ABC's "THE MOLE II" and now NBC's "UC: UNDERCOVER". At this point, I should be asking myself why I even bother watching new shows that never make it the full season. BECAUSE THEY'RE GOOD AND EVERYONE WHO IS ON THE NIELSEN SURVEY NEVER WATCHES THE SHOW AND IT GETS CANCELED! I'll bet there are million of viewers such as myself who watch these shows that get canned. I find it atrocious that there is a small handful of people in the U.S. who are surveyed and depending on what they watch - spells the outcome for the rest of us (and the world).

I really enjoyed "UC: UNDERCOVER", I thought it went well with "LAW AND ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT" and besides, there was nothing else on at 10:00pm on Sunday nights for me to watch. I really enjoyed seeing Oded Fehr, William Forsythe, Ving Rhames, Vera Farmiga and Jon Seda on-screen together... not at the cinema, but on my television set! The story-lines were interesting and there was plenty of action and suspense in each episode. If anyone noticed, Angie Everhart and Donnie Wahlberg also made regular appearances on the show. We could have learned more about these characters but alas, this show is no more.

I don't even think "UC: UNDERCOVER" lasted a whole season. It mysteriously disappeared from the air without a word and I haven't seen it back on since. I don't know why this show wasn't a "hit" with our NIELSEN viewers. I honestly thought this was one of the best shows I've seen on television in the last five years.

Tell me it isn't so!

[cpbeckmann · 30 March 2002]

I have really enjoyed this new series and especially Oded Fehr. I just read a rumor that the series was canceled! Please tell me it isn't so! I first saw him in the Mummy and was glad to see that he is getting more face time in the US. What can be done to save this show and give us a reason to watch TV next season? No more game shows please! Action-adventure rules!

Wonderful First Two Episodes

[LaFemmeCIE · 8 October 2001]

UC:Undercover has been a rollercoaster ride the first two weeks, and I can't wait to get back on! It is wonderful to see Vera Farmiga again! She is a powerful actress, I loved her in "Roar"! And Jon Seda is really good, just like the rest of the team seem to keep pointing out while watching him in action! Great action, good plotlines. Finally, something with even *part* of the rush/calibur on Sunday Night to fill the vast empty space left by the end of La Femme Nikita...

LOVE IT!

[Deana_1977 · 22 October 2001]

This show is fantastic! I became a fan of Oded Fehr after seeing him as Ardeth Bay in The Mummy movies, and couldn't wait for this show to start! He's great! It's so neat seeing him in such a different role! This show is so cool, it's got an awesome score and neato plots! The actors are all great. Jon Seda is really good too. I hope this show last for years, it's definitely worth watching! (And taping!) Long live UC: Undercover! LOL :) Deana

Awesome show, my favorite besides the simpsons

[mrx264 · 29 October 2001]

I saw a lot of commercials for this show and i was always anticipating for it to finally appear on tv and after the first episode i labeled this show my favorite, it has such awesome acting, action characters and cast, its got William Forsythe, Ving Rhames(one of the best actors) and the buy that played Antoine from Deuce Bigaleow: Male Gigalo its awesome!!

UC: Undercover

[HeatherPate · 8 October 2001]

It's an awesome show..I am just a little dizzy with the camara action, I have to get used to it, I know it makes it realistic, but I need to adjust. Jon Seda, could he be hotter? When I found out that he and Oded Fehr were both going to be in it, I was so excited, as they are my most favorite actors. Keep up the good work! <3 Heather

Brilliant, but...

[Firewalker220 · 29 September 2002]

This show was incredibly well done! Excellent casting resulted in characters who were believable as well as people that I was actually rooting for. The stories were engrossing and well written. It wasn't the case of the pilot suffering and the subsequent episodes being better. Every show was excellent from the writing, the cinematography, the acting, and the editing.

The one tragic flaw was not the shows, it was the restraints of shooting within a network, specifically on a network such as NBC. This show almost begged to use more, shall we say, colorful language only for the purpose of giving more emphasis. The violence was cut to the point that when someone was shot there was nothing. The persons clothes didn't explode, there was never any blood either before or after, etc. The constraints brought about by the censorship cut down the realism that the show offered! The other constraint was working on commercial television. In reality only about fourtie-two minutes of a supposed one-hour program ever makes it on the air. What they were able to do within this time was impressive but it did cut down on what they could have done!

Brilliant show, excellent concept, well done, just to many constraints on the creativity!

Morons at NBC cancel U.C. Undercover?

[AsylumMoon · 17 March 2002]

I thought U. C. Undercover was one of the best shows on TV.

Lets see what else is on NBC? Crossing Jordan, lets talk about bad acting, Law & Order Criminal Intent, is this supposed to be a "psychic" cop show? The script sucks! Cancel, Last Call, is this even a show? Ed? ER? 1 of the 3 law & orders? Leap of Faith? Passions? Colin Quinn? Three Sisters? The Weakest link?

Everyone I know thought U. C. was great. This even includes my family, and they hardly ever watch TV.

If this show gets canceled there will not be any shows worth watching on NBC anymore.

Take Me as Your Hostage!

[R.Jacket · 26 October 2001]

One in a long while, comes a show about guys who go Undercover and solve crimes. Such is UC: Undercover, starring that guy from Homicide, and that guy from The Mummy, and The Mummy 2. And I'm sure The Mummy 3. Even though the term "Undercover" is listed twice in the title, I saw little of it in the one episode I've seen. I could easily go into how poorly creative the plot turned out to be, or how unconvincing the acting was, but I won't. I'll simply say if overdrawn, color-by-the-numbers storylines about hostages being held at gunpoint while broodingly pantaloon-laden, hyper-stylized super-cops run around "undercover" to save the day using ingenius techniques that would make even Quincy wince, then go ahead and tune in. If not, well, then, looks like you'll have to go outside.

Under-rated series of the year

[tygerlander · 19 February 2002]

I have to say that this series was one of the reasons I got back into watching television. Granted that the first few episodes were choppy and hard to watch, but as one gets further and further into the series, it changed into a much more intense show. Much akin to watching a mini-movie each Sunday. I found myself sucked into each episode and wanting more.

However,I'm very disturbed at NBC's lack of promoting this series, opting instead to push "Friends" type shows.

C'mon NBC why are you sitting on your hands and letting this cast and crew drift off to other projects?

UC Undercover

[ucsrrsarah · 21 February 2002]

Continuing on......

The guest characters are also amazing. William Forsythe as the dangerous Sonny Walker. You realy believe that he is the dangerous criminal who has a vendetta against Jake Shaw. Ving Rames who who plays Quito Real. He actually makes you fear him my the way he talks and laughs. And also Treat Williams who plays Teddy C, the great Undercover agent who fakes his death when he turns bad.

Then, there is the producer and creater without whom there would be no show is Shane Salerno. Without his writing and producing abilities there would be no show. Next is a thanks for keeping his shows many devoted fans up to date with what is going on with the show whether it be good bad or even funny with his posts. Thank you Shane and good luck

Sarah

Great beginning

[llc2 · 30 September 2001]

This show is off to a great start. It's got intensity, credibility, and style. I enjoyed Seda on "Homicide," and he's given a chance to really shine here, but all involved are great. It is always wonderful to see William Forsythe in anything. If you missed the pilot, be SURE to tune in for #2.

A great show, with intriguing plots, characters, and actors.

[Ed and Sue · 19 February 2002]

For its so-far-short run, this has been one of our family's favorite shows. It appeals to the two middle-fifties adults (male and female) and also to our college-age daughter. The stories are gripping; the characters have flaws and make mistakes but are developing their relationships with each other cautiously but well; the actors portray the characters very convincingly; the sets are generally very well done and realistic; and the editing and music contribute wonderfully to the episodes. The show features a lot of action, suspense, and sometimes subtle interplay between the characters. The violence appears appropriate for the type of show, frightening when it should be frightening, so that it contributes to the story and emphasizes the evil nature of the villains. The action sequences are exciting. The quiet moments are contemplative and help to develop the viewers' understanding of the characters and their motivations. This is not an unrealistic action show with improbable plots. That is what makes it so interesting, as one can easily imagine the plots being lifted from real life. That makes the show no longer simple entertainment but rather compelling entertainment. It also allows everyday people, like us, to see inside an entirely different work life, lived by people with thoughts, feelings, emotions, fears, shortcomings, etc., that are not all that different from our own.

Let's keep a good program going...

[sheilaj · 12 March 2002]

I've watched this program from the beginning. The characters are serious about what they do, but still show their human side. There is an intensity that keeps me wanting to watch more and more. I hear the show will be going on an "extended vacation." I'm glad we'll be able to watch at least 2 more episodes.

Hopefully NBC will have a change of heart. The show has definitely been worth watching. More shows like this would be great.

Great program - worth keeping

[caty-4 · 19 February 2002]

I really like this program and am disappointed that it has been apparently abandoned by NBC and is slowly fading away. The cast is excellent. Vera Farmiga and Jon Seda are very effective in their roles as UC agents - always strong and never in doubt of their abilities, but sometimes overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs. Bruklin Harris and Jarrad Paul are convincing in their support roles. Jarrad Paul in particular, as Cody, provides a very enjoyable humorous antidote to the tense story lines. Oded Fehr is powerful and compelling as the UC team leader, Donovan - his character has begun to evolve from "controlling new guy" to inclusive leader and to develop unique relationships with team members. The individual story lines and arcs have all been engaging - I particularly enjoyed "The Siege," which was a gripping story about a prison riot that occurs when "Jake" and "Alex" are working undercover in the prison.

It's very disappointing that NBC has declined to promote UC: Undercover. In fact, many weeks go by between the airing of episodes, making it difficult for loyal fans to know when to look for it. I also find it puzzling that networks in general are reluctant to give shows like UC: Undercover an opportunity to settle in a bit before a decision is made about the program's future - this is one program that, while appealing from the first episode, has gotten better and better with each episode. Hopefully they'll let people know about the double episodes in March so that fans who won't have seen it for over 2 months will know it's on!

Positive

[lrafnx · 24 February 2002]

I love this show and was sooooo mad when I found out that it was cancelled. There will be two episodes on March 23, 2002. Please watch and let NBC know how great it really is. It gives you a feel for what undercover agents go through. I know you'll love it too.

Finally, a reason to look forward to Sunday nights!

[jrodr1975 · 20 February 2002]

UC is the only show that makes me actually look forward to Sundays. It has a dynamic cast with incredible chemistry, that I haven't found on a show in a long time. I'm not one for 'cop' dramas, but this is different. The plots and storylines are ones rarely depicted on tv before, usually reserved for movies. UC gets a solid A in my book. The best action/suspense show on tv.

Love it and always will

[carachitown · 19 February 2002]

UC: Undercover is simply the first show I've ever TRULY gotten behind, and it quickly became a passion. It's a brilliant mix of character, story and action. It has struck new ground, pushed boundaries - and when you think it's as good as it can get, it gets better. That alone is staggering - a show that dares to improve. Oded Fehr is commanding and wonderfully complex as Frank Donovan, and he's just the tip of the performance iceberg. Everyone gives their all. And the guest stars...my gosh, those amazing guest stars.

UC is also a show whose creator takes the time to continuously connect with those who support it, and whose lead actor took time over the Holiday Season to answer UC fans' questions. To watch it and see that you've been listened to, and that those involved are doing their darndest to involve you in the process is incredible.

Bottom line, I've never enjoyed my TV experience as I have with this terrific show.

Excellent show with excellent acting - more episodes please.

[k9nodt · 12 March 2002]

This was a show that, with its mini-movie format, obtained and held the audiences attention. No talking in the office - car chase - back to talking in the office routine here. The writing, direction and acting always made you forget you were watching your TV at home, rather making you believe you were out there in a wide screen setting, experiencing with the performers the drama and tension of working undercover, never knowing if at any moment, you might be recognised. Jon Seda, a brilliant young actor getting a chance to really shine, brought his already large following to this series from his previous films and other TV successes. Oded Fehr, another brilliant young actor, brought a new face to TV, together with his own audience following from his films. The excellent writing, direction, and the acting ability of the other cast members added weekly to the audience base that NBC could have expected to grow with each episode. This show suffered from lack of good promotion, and the misfortune of being frequently pre-empted by awards shows, film re-runs and other delays and postponements that caused the audience to wonder if this was actually a weekly series, and therefore caused the audience lack of interest and loyalty that NBC used as the reason for cancellation. It is hard to understand why NBC would consider cancelling a series with the potential of Undercover. We welcome the airing of the back to back episodes on March 23rd, and feel that, if NBC were to vigorously promote this, and air a number of re-runs, then they would see a more than satifactory return in audience numbers and ratings, and NBC could enjoy the reward of having yet another top-rating drama/action success.

Love this intense show!

[mommy9000 · 3 March 2002]

This show had me on the edge of my seat for an entire hour. I enjoy the actors--characters are believable and intense. Good plots with great twists. I especially love Oded Fehr. Great actor in this show. Be sure to tune in!

Complex and Intriguing

[katiesquilts · 24 February 2002]

Finally! A show that doesn't insult my intelligence. Okay, so I have to let my imagination run wild once in a while, but this is a show for thinkers.

I wasn't expecting to like this show, but when I realized I was sitting on the edge of my seat, I knew I was hooked. I had to really listen to catch everything that was going on, laughing with Cody's (Jarrad Paul) comments, and, sometimes, cheering for the bad guys.

The character development kept me coming back for more. We didn't have a five minute "this is my life" on any of the characters, esp. Donovan (Oded Fehr), the tough but caring leader. This man gives complex a whole new meaning! And we saw Jake (Jon Seda) go from a whiny, self-centered brat to a strong and capable, still a little uncertain, agent. Alex (Vera Farmiga) found her way as well, realizing that it's okay to be a little less than tough all the time.

The music was great and led us right along the path the writers, producers, directors wanted us on. Some of the best music I've heard on television. Great guest stars, from William Forsythe, Ving Rhames, Wes Studi, etc. If you need a mini-action movie to get your week started, this was the place to be!

The only problem I saw was that there was not enough of it! An hour wasn't enough time. At first, with the story arcs, that worked, but once they changed the format a little, to fit it all in, I wanted more! I highly recommend searching out and watching City on Fire, The Siege, Zero Options, and Hunting Armando. Powerful episodes that will keep you on the edge of the seat (and might have you sharing words with your television that you didn't know you knew!)

Wish It Could Go On Forever

[willow_sam · 23 February 2002]

I'll admit I first started watching the show simply because Oded Fehr was in it but stayed with the show and will continue fighting for the show because it sucks you in. The cast(half of whom I didn't know) is excellent and the storyline gets you involved right from the beginning. I'm not a big fan of drama/action shows and tend to go more for sci-fi but this show is the kind that should be on television and remain there for a very long time. Just felt I had to add my voice to the masses Sam

Great show in every aspect!

[dkmerrill · 4 March 2002]

I was hooked from the first time I saw UC. Everything about it is great. The acting, the music, the stories,etc. were all just wonderful. I can't think of another show on TV that I have looked forward to seeing as much as UC. And I also think that it was getting better and better with every episode.