David Morse - Hack

The Record (Kitchener-Waterloo) September 21, 2002 Saturday Final Edition

September 21, 2002 Saturday Final Edition

Four of the nine shows sampled by our critics at our fall preview party were comedies and four were dramas. The ninth show, The Osbournes, defied categorization, although wonky home movie probably comes closest.

HACK

Although Andre Braugher had precious little to do in the pilot for this crime drama, set in Philadelphia, he's listed as having co-star status with David Morse (St. Elsewhere) who plays the central character, a disgraced ex-cop forced to drive a cab to make a living yet still finds plenty of time between fares to serve as a champion to the underdog, an avenger of justice. George Dzundza (Law & Order) co-stars as the cabbie's drinking, gambling priest friend.

"Well written with great music but a super-hero cabbie who would endanger himself for an anonymous fare? A far stretch even for an ex-cop. And can you imagine a real cabbie saying 'That's too much,' when offered a tip? Unlikely. I want him (Morse) to be a little more jaded. And no heroics please. Help people without the unnecessary dramatics." (Ron Eagle)

"I liked the super-hero aspect. It's interesting to have a flawed super-hero to root for. This is a great show, different, simple and intriguing. Great background music. By the end of the series you hope Michael (Morse) will have made the world a better place." (Andrea Mickie)

"This reminds me of The Fugitive. Morse is convincing as a troubled, brooding ex-cop. Hopefully, a few good things will happen to him in future as his down-on-his-luck character will start to wear thin. Basically, this is a one-man show unless secondary characters are developed more fully. I hope to see some other episodes filmed in the daylight." (Lauren Bauman)

"This is a great idea, like the Lone Ranger of the 21st century. The plot is good, not too frenetic. I love Andre Braugher. Overall, it's gritty but good." (Meg Edelman)

"The mood was very dark. I found it difficult to accept a cop turned taxi driver although one thing I really noticed was the enjoyable background music." (Omar Chan)

"An original storyline that's very intense and shows a different side of police work. I like that it's set in Philadelphia, not New York. There's a good set-up of the main character. David Morse totally pulls this off. He's that good. I will definitely watch this." (Donna Burtwistle)

"The photography was a little too dark but I liked the music, especially Annie Lennox." (Scooter Griffin)

"This was too slow and seemed very dark. It's a good original concept but I didn't like it." (Julie Miller)

The verdict: Many of the critics liked this show although some commented on its super-dark sets and over-the-top heroic tone. Some had a problem with the credibility of a crusading cabbie but were willing to watch again since Friday is traditionally a viewing wasteland.

Will watch again: 7. Won't watch again: 2.