As a former lawyer and one who fell out of love with the law, the way that this show discusses the machinery of the law struck a strong chord with me. While we have seen much of the legal procedural that this show portrays elsewhere, I also loved the very real and complex relationships within an extended and blended African American family, where the mother and father are legal professionals, and there is the shadow of trauma and loss in the background. I love that they are intelligent, sensitive and caring people, they are also very fallible. The writers tempt us to see these and other characters hidden motives as evil, but it is an intentional trap; there really is little true arch evil in the world - just the damage that comes from assumed and apparent evil. Highly recommended.
19 Reviews
Way above average murder mystery, great cast, excellent writing
Riomac0929 August 2014
This is a way-above average Cable TV murder mystery drama, with an excellent cast, very solid writing and an intriguing plot. I would have expected FX or AMC to carry this (or one of the premium cable channels) and was concerned that, being on WE, it might be pitched primarily to female viewers. Not at all the case. As with most Cable dramas, far too many commercials. Most of the lead characters are multi-dimensional and credible and the villains are juicy! The finale was especially good. Without wanting to include any spoilers, I'll say that we will miss some of the characters who 'depart' late in season one. The WE network definitely should renew The Divide for a second (and third) season.
Why oh why was this series cancelled?
fastred35 February 2016
I just finished watching the entire series on Amazon. It was a well- above average crime drama. The acting was very good with one exception. The actor who portrayed the prosecutor, Damon Gupton, was not up to par in my opinion. He had good lines, but didn't always deliver them convincingly. However, the rest of the cast made up for this deficiency and he seemed to become more proficient as the series progressed. There were plenty of twists and lots of suspense, to keep me interested. It was violent, but not over-the-top.
The plot centered around an organization that was like the real-life Innocence Project, taking on cases of questionable convictions. It explored the push and pull that goes on between these kind of advocates for the wrongfully(?) convicted and the criminal justice system.
My biggest complaint about the series was the fact that there were too many loose ends left in the finale. It was terribly disappointing to find out that there will not be a second season because I have plenty of questions about the ultimate fate of several characters.
Several users here accused the series of being too politicized.... pretty ironic, considering their reviews were chock full of their own political commentary.
The plot centered around an organization that was like the real-life Innocence Project, taking on cases of questionable convictions. It explored the push and pull that goes on between these kind of advocates for the wrongfully(?) convicted and the criminal justice system.
My biggest complaint about the series was the fact that there were too many loose ends left in the finale. It was terribly disappointing to find out that there will not be a second season because I have plenty of questions about the ultimate fate of several characters.
Several users here accused the series of being too politicized.... pretty ironic, considering their reviews were chock full of their own political commentary.
Very exciting new show.
tomhg3818 July 2014
The Divide premiered with a 2 hour episode, the totality of what I have seen at the time of writing this review.
At first glance it appeared to be the story of a legal battle between a zealous prosecutor and an initiative trying to establish death row inmates' innocence.
I was perfectly okay with that being the scope and focus of the story, but by the end of the 2 episode pilot it was clear the show was looking at a much broader view of the Judicial system and corruption.
This leads to the introduction of a multitude of complex characters who each have mysterious motivations and goals, and also the establishment of several plot lines for future episodes. Some are acknowledged by the characters themselves, while at least one was only vaguely insinuated.
I was highly entertained by the pilot, and the excellent way the story matured and evolved to be a different and more far reaching than I had ever anticipated sold me on this being one of the best new shows of 2014. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys political or criminal themes in their television.
At first glance it appeared to be the story of a legal battle between a zealous prosecutor and an initiative trying to establish death row inmates' innocence.
I was perfectly okay with that being the scope and focus of the story, but by the end of the 2 episode pilot it was clear the show was looking at a much broader view of the Judicial system and corruption.
This leads to the introduction of a multitude of complex characters who each have mysterious motivations and goals, and also the establishment of several plot lines for future episodes. Some are acknowledged by the characters themselves, while at least one was only vaguely insinuated.
I was highly entertained by the pilot, and the excellent way the story matured and evolved to be a different and more far reaching than I had ever anticipated sold me on this being one of the best new shows of 2014. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys political or criminal themes in their television.
Ignore the reviews that blast this show for its politics . . .
purrlgurrl21 August 2014
They were written by people with political axes to grind who primarily want to make their personal world view known. They don't reflect the show.
This is a crime drama elevated by a uniformly terrific cast. It's neither left- nor right-wing in tone, really. It's about a justice system that is still trying to catch up to state-of-the art forensics, and examining past convictions that occurred when we were still in the forensic "stone age." Yeah, there's some local political corruption in the story line, but I've lived in big city America all my life and know it's often just a fact of real life.
Joe Anderson, who plays wrongfully convicted Terry Kucik, will totally convince you he's a blue collar, Phillie street kid. In real life he's a Brit with impeccable UK thespian ancestry. His acting is that good. But really, the entire cast is bringing their A games (especially Marin Ireland), which makes for some great TV.
This is a crime drama elevated by a uniformly terrific cast. It's neither left- nor right-wing in tone, really. It's about a justice system that is still trying to catch up to state-of-the art forensics, and examining past convictions that occurred when we were still in the forensic "stone age." Yeah, there's some local political corruption in the story line, but I've lived in big city America all my life and know it's often just a fact of real life.
Joe Anderson, who plays wrongfully convicted Terry Kucik, will totally convince you he's a blue collar, Phillie street kid. In real life he's a Brit with impeccable UK thespian ancestry. His acting is that good. But really, the entire cast is bringing their A games (especially Marin Ireland), which makes for some great TV.
very good (and violent) ensemble drama
RealSmiff28 November 2014
Is every negative review of this from an American right-winger knocking off 5 stars over a single throwaway line (about Fox News)? Wow. OK (1) this is what people say in the real world, call them liberals if you want but it's about half of your country from what i understand and (2) it's just one line out of thousands of well written ones in a fictitious TV show. Actually that line made me cringe when i heard it because it felt gratuitous and awkward and not funny. BUT to discount all the other wonderful writing because of that one line says far more about you and your intolerance than the show. You could just as easily read it as satire or as part of 1 character, rather than a comment on everything by the writers.. also (3) it's a touch ironic given the title!
Anyway, I don't like police and law procedurals in general or politics on TV but i'm half way through S1 and it's pretty gripping stuff so far. There's lots of great drama and character shading on the both the "good" and "bad" guys, with solid acting all around. The younger people in this are particularly solid. The younger guy accused of murder reminds me of Ewan McGregor, both are great actors. The lead actress is very watchable,they have great chemistry together. Some of the racial stuff feels a bit heavy handed though but i'm not really qualified to comment (also I'm not American either), luckily there's enough else going on besides race and politics to make this appeal to almost anyone i'd think. There's almost too many interrelated characters in the ensemble so it's starting to feel like quite a small world by ep5! The music montages are a bit cheesy but they don't happen too often. Every ending keeps me wanting to come back for more so it's doing something right!
If that one line wasn't there causing such silly outrage in a subset of the audience, would this be one of the highest rated new shows of the year? I'm slightly concerned where the Zale connections are going and whether this show will manage to remain grounded in reality or go all conspiracy crazy, we'll see!
edit: finished S1 in one weekend, pleased to say they didn't **** the ending up! The pacing and introduction of characters was spot on. The constantly cold exterior sets a good mood, a little like the Coen Brothers' Fargo. Worth saying something about the violence in this show also. it's extremely precise, almost a Goodfellas mafia sort of feel, very shocking, often unexpected, and always a necessary part of the story. This one doesn't pull any punches. I would say it's pretty underrated on IMDb (currently 7.5) probably because it has literally divided its audience (groan!) into most who love it and some who hate it. Really looking forward to S2 on this one.
Anyway, I don't like police and law procedurals in general or politics on TV but i'm half way through S1 and it's pretty gripping stuff so far. There's lots of great drama and character shading on the both the "good" and "bad" guys, with solid acting all around. The younger people in this are particularly solid. The younger guy accused of murder reminds me of Ewan McGregor, both are great actors. The lead actress is very watchable,they have great chemistry together. Some of the racial stuff feels a bit heavy handed though but i'm not really qualified to comment (also I'm not American either), luckily there's enough else going on besides race and politics to make this appeal to almost anyone i'd think. There's almost too many interrelated characters in the ensemble so it's starting to feel like quite a small world by ep5! The music montages are a bit cheesy but they don't happen too often. Every ending keeps me wanting to come back for more so it's doing something right!
If that one line wasn't there causing such silly outrage in a subset of the audience, would this be one of the highest rated new shows of the year? I'm slightly concerned where the Zale connections are going and whether this show will manage to remain grounded in reality or go all conspiracy crazy, we'll see!
edit: finished S1 in one weekend, pleased to say they didn't **** the ending up! The pacing and introduction of characters was spot on. The constantly cold exterior sets a good mood, a little like the Coen Brothers' Fargo. Worth saying something about the violence in this show also. it's extremely precise, almost a Goodfellas mafia sort of feel, very shocking, often unexpected, and always a necessary part of the story. This one doesn't pull any punches. I would say it's pretty underrated on IMDb (currently 7.5) probably because it has literally divided its audience (groan!) into most who love it and some who hate it. Really looking forward to S2 on this one.
What a shame it was canceled
jeomo3 January 2016
I'm giving it a cautious rating of 6, because I was able to catch only a couple of episodes of the first season and because, based on what I saw, it appeared that this might be a series that was just warming up in its first season.
I didn't watch any TV at all in 2015...not on strike, just one of those "life got in the way" things. With the new year starting, and life settled down a bit, I decided it was time to catch up on what I had missed.
This was the first series I looked for, having been sufficiently impressed by those couple of episodes to have remembered it all this time. I was very disappointed to learn that it had been canceled, probably not long after the couple of episodes I watched.
I can't give you an in-depth review, because by now I've forgotten the details of those couple of episodes. What I remember is that the series seemed to have great potential for both characters and plot of above-average nuance, complexity, and intelligence. Perhaps it would never have lived up to that potential, but I wish it had been given more of a chance.
I didn't watch any TV at all in 2015...not on strike, just one of those "life got in the way" things. With the new year starting, and life settled down a bit, I decided it was time to catch up on what I had missed.
This was the first series I looked for, having been sufficiently impressed by those couple of episodes to have remembered it all this time. I was very disappointed to learn that it had been canceled, probably not long after the couple of episodes I watched.
I can't give you an in-depth review, because by now I've forgotten the details of those couple of episodes. What I remember is that the series seemed to have great potential for both characters and plot of above-average nuance, complexity, and intelligence. Perhaps it would never have lived up to that potential, but I wish it had been given more of a chance.
amazing show
cbjohnson14310 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
by far one of the best shows I've seen in a long time
and that season finale i had to watch a couple times
too freaking good love how realistic the show seens the actors were all fantastic everyone needs to see this show and spoiler but really wish they didn't kill off that psycho cant believe the whole bar scene that literally caught me off guard on another level got my dad into the show who when i told him to watch that finale he writes me back "now that is what i call a great season finale lots to look forward to next season" takes a lot to get that kinda reaction from a show for my dad to take the time to email me about it and for me to actually take the time to write a review (which i never do) especially with all these annoying little rules i seem to keep having to modify lol, a little curious as to what direction the show will take in season 2 but whatever it is I'm zoo looking forward to it and can't wait til it comes out one of my new favorites by far great job to everyone involved and hope your able to keep this show going for many many seasons :)
and that season finale i had to watch a couple times
too freaking good love how realistic the show seens the actors were all fantastic everyone needs to see this show and spoiler but really wish they didn't kill off that psycho cant believe the whole bar scene that literally caught me off guard on another level got my dad into the show who when i told him to watch that finale he writes me back "now that is what i call a great season finale lots to look forward to next season" takes a lot to get that kinda reaction from a show for my dad to take the time to email me about it and for me to actually take the time to write a review (which i never do) especially with all these annoying little rules i seem to keep having to modify lol, a little curious as to what direction the show will take in season 2 but whatever it is I'm zoo looking forward to it and can't wait til it comes out one of my new favorites by far great job to everyone involved and hope your able to keep this show going for many many seasons :)
Substandard acting, decent script, overall worthwhile
msghall8 April 2018
Seemingly filmed on the fly, too many scenes have an incomplete feeling because more takes were needed to flesh out the performances. Damon Gupton is the worst offender, his lines are delivered as if he's reading them. This is an important point because the series relies on the interactions between characters but you never have the chance to care about them because it's so hard to relate to one-dimensional acting. It's not the actors' fault. There doesn't seem to have been enough time or budget to stretch out the the story and develop relationships between the characters. Too bad because the series is based on an intriguing plot that deserves to be handled with more aplomb. If you don't mind not caring about the characters, you may enjoy this series just to see how it all unfolds.
Give It Undivided Attention
Narce4 October 2014
I'm giving it an 8, but I reserve my 10 votes for movies like "Citizen Kane", so don't think this is a lukewarm rating.
Since I have no particular position regarding Fox News, I was able to look beyond that to see the series as a whole. The organization at the root of this is obviously based on the Innocence Project, so those who think this is just some kind of left-wing liberal propaganda should really look into the Project. It's only left-wing until the bacon they save is your own.
On the whole, I think the writing and acting were well above average, either for movies or TV. Add me to the list of people who would like to see a second season.
Since I have no particular position regarding Fox News, I was able to look beyond that to see the series as a whole. The organization at the root of this is obviously based on the Innocence Project, so those who think this is just some kind of left-wing liberal propaganda should really look into the Project. It's only left-wing until the bacon they save is your own.
On the whole, I think the writing and acting were well above average, either for movies or TV. Add me to the list of people who would like to see a second season.
Realistic legal arguments
Maryjnberry4 January 2015
The role played by Nia Long is probably written with her in mind. The legal actions that need to be investigated in a trial need to be examined more than once to ensure that it is understood by all parties...this could make or break a case, I am glad there is finally a series willing to portray the reexamination of facts in cases that were tried and completed erroneously due to persons of interest or habitual offenders that are named as suspicious by the investigating police officers and an overzealous DA or prosecuting attorney. The relevancy of certain facts are often in dispute by the defending/prosecuting attorneys especially if there is a convenient witness that could corroborate facts that are manipulated or even manufactured depending on who interprets them.
Unconvincing
micke-bystrom29 December 2016
I've seen the first two episodes and feel like giving up.
I don't mind the story being somewhat slow to develop, but I feel like there are too few captivating details to bring the viewer into the story. I get no feel for the characters or their destinies. A possibly innocent man, Chris Bauer (Bankowski), is maybe about to die and despite Chris doing a good job with this character I don't really care.
Despite a fine line-up with some actors from The Wire they come off as saying their lines more than acting their parts. These are fine actors, so nothing is outright bad. just unconvincing. Tony Goldwyn, who directed these first two episodes, really did not bring out the very best from the actors nor the story. Maybe it's just below "good enough", but it's simply not at good enough.
Marin Ireland (as Christine), Damon Gupton (Adam), Paul Schneider (Clark) and Joe Anderson (Kucik) all fail to make me care about what they say, what they do and what they face. I'm bored by a storyline that might develop into something interesting. I don't think I'll stick around to find out.
It's possible that if all the actors being from The Wire (which is a 10) hadn't made me think of it or if I hadn't seen four seasons of The Killing (another 10) I could have had some more patience.
I don't mind the story being somewhat slow to develop, but I feel like there are too few captivating details to bring the viewer into the story. I get no feel for the characters or their destinies. A possibly innocent man, Chris Bauer (Bankowski), is maybe about to die and despite Chris doing a good job with this character I don't really care.
Despite a fine line-up with some actors from The Wire they come off as saying their lines more than acting their parts. These are fine actors, so nothing is outright bad. just unconvincing. Tony Goldwyn, who directed these first two episodes, really did not bring out the very best from the actors nor the story. Maybe it's just below "good enough", but it's simply not at good enough.
Marin Ireland (as Christine), Damon Gupton (Adam), Paul Schneider (Clark) and Joe Anderson (Kucik) all fail to make me care about what they say, what they do and what they face. I'm bored by a storyline that might develop into something interesting. I don't think I'll stick around to find out.
It's possible that if all the actors being from The Wire (which is a 10) hadn't made me think of it or if I hadn't seen four seasons of The Killing (another 10) I could have had some more patience.
Astonishing story and very well developed but... sad cancellation
maitena-0852724 February 2016
I am devastated. I have finished watching the whole series in Netflix, didn't know it was canceled and can't believe it because the show is excellent, and the story very catching. What's the matter with the US TV shows that neglect the audience all the time leaving us with no proper ending. This show leaves us with a lot of situations to be resolved and revealed. I am really disappointed. Sometimes I feel I won 't see more shows until I know they were a success with a due finale. Hate to realize how stupid we are to trust a TV network. 3 more episodes would have rounded the ending and al least let us have a sense of accomplishment!!
Compelling Show...
canuckteach16 June 2016
Gets off to an interesting start... not what you would expect, as obstacles to trying to exonerate the (apparently obviously) guilty arise, and are seemingly insurmountable.
'Justice don't play right when colour is involved...'. An interesting quote from the African-American prosecutors who struggle with some 'shortcuts' they took to get the original conviction.
Characterized by good performances.. bit of gruff language and some sensuality, but not like what you see on many cable-network produced shows, or European equivalents.
Now available on Netflix.
'Justice don't play right when colour is involved...'. An interesting quote from the African-American prosecutors who struggle with some 'shortcuts' they took to get the original conviction.
Characterized by good performances.. bit of gruff language and some sensuality, but not like what you see on many cable-network produced shows, or European equivalents.
Now available on Netflix.
Heads and shoulders above average why can't networks recognize a good potential
calgarywino9 August 2018
The Divide is intelligent, thoughtful, well written and acted and unlike many American programs, aims high, assuming the viewers can think.
The story line, or lines are well thought out and allow the cast to flesh out their roles and I found myself much more intrigued than I had expected to be. It reminded me of some of my long gone Canadian favorites like Da Vinci's inquest where plot lines ran for whole seasons. It's a shame that networks trash shows like this so early and seem to have no patience to let things grow. Everything has to be big and spectacular right off the bat instead of allowing things to grow throughout a few seasons; they could learn a lot from a good gardener.
As to the reviewers who disliked comments within the plot that they disagreed with; too bad, isn't that what makes a democracy?
The story line, or lines are well thought out and allow the cast to flesh out their roles and I found myself much more intrigued than I had expected to be. It reminded me of some of my long gone Canadian favorites like Da Vinci's inquest where plot lines ran for whole seasons. It's a shame that networks trash shows like this so early and seem to have no patience to let things grow. Everything has to be big and spectacular right off the bat instead of allowing things to grow throughout a few seasons; they could learn a lot from a good gardener.
As to the reviewers who disliked comments within the plot that they disagreed with; too bad, isn't that what makes a democracy?
Brilliant tv show!
tashwhyte29 August 2018
I only just stumbled on this by accident as was hooked had to watch all episodes in 2 days good job I was off sick! Such a great cast and believable story so so good I didn't want it to end! Such a shame there is no more why do tv people do this when it's so good?! Baffles me...
A Great Show!!
jtbonetta21 February 2016
I just finished watching the divide... what a shame this show was cancelled..I loved every part of this show... the actors, the plot, family dynamics, the struggles, the behind the scene deals..., the relationships,the setting... a great shame to cancel a terrifically well written show... at first I thought it was British... didn't look like the typical Hollywood gloss... and happily surprised to see it was American (I am a huge BBC fan)... I have never posted but thought, if ever one of these terrific actors, producers etc of the show read this, and wonder, why the heck was this show cancelled... I have no clue! If you are interested in; character development, the law, strong female leads, great writing... then this show is for you...
Fair drama
lsgateley19 July 2014
It was pretty good, although I fail to understand the "put down" of FOX News. Cheap shot! The leading characters seem to be having so much baggage that they can't look objectively at the cases that they are working on.
The writer's are obviously left leaning. I think the show would be a whole lot better if they would try harder to balance the show. The "police side" should be played up more than it was.
I realize that my review will probably be in the minority, but that is the way I feel. Not all people who watch this show are liberals, and I feel that both sides should be shown
The writer's are obviously left leaning. I think the show would be a whole lot better if they would try harder to balance the show. The "police side" should be played up more than it was.
I realize that my review will probably be in the minority, but that is the way I feel. Not all people who watch this show are liberals, and I feel that both sides should be shown
Too Politically Biased
mberent28 July 2014
Not a bad plot but producers/writers frequently insert a nasty comment about conservatives and even Fox News. These do not add to plot development but are stoppers for conservatives and gigglers for liberals. NOTE:I find I cannot post this preview until I have written at least ten lines. That in itself seems a stopper to the majority of reviewers.If you have to take ten lines to review anything, you really haven't thought it out. Even my review title, "TOO POLITICALLY BIASED" is a sufficient review. NOTE: Because of the above I have downgraded my vote from a 5 to a 3. Now, to fill up my last line to make ten after I have clearly stated my thoughts, I shout out TPB!
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