Over There

Reviewed by:
Patrick Richardson

Over There, the stylized war drama from producer Steven Bochco (NYPD Blue), doesn't waste time politicizing the war or debating administration policy, it simply draws you in with an unbiased look at the lives of our troops. The series kicks off as an Army unit starts its first tour of duty in Iraq sometime before the January elections, and follows them as they face life-or-death uncertainties like protecting roadblocks from carbombers, navigating landmines, and interrogating detainees. Each episode reveals more about these soldiers' personal lives, fears, and prejudices, while forcing them to face the harsh reality of months spent away from home and the possibility of never making it back. The action is more intense and realistic than anything you'll see on CNN, while the show's visual tone recalls the movie Three Kings. But if you're looking for this generation's M*A*S*H, you'll be disappointed. Over There doesn't sugar-coat war with the occasional laugh track or cross-dressing deserter when things get glum. These are real people fighting a war that rages now, and FX has succeeded in waging tense drama filled with enough flawed characters, coarse language, and hellish action to give you more traumatic flashbacks than a Vietnam vet.

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