Raising the Bar Series Premier on TNT Cable TV
Steven Bochco New Legal Drama About Young Lawyers
Sep 1, 2008
Raising the Bar, the new courtroom drama by Steven Bochco, premiered on Labor Day. the premiere episode was aired without advertisements, making the show about 45 minutes long. TNT Cable television debuted the new drama series, created by Steven Bochco and David Feige. The series introduced the ensemble cast of young lawyers who make deals in the name of justice.
The young lawyers of Raising the Bar work for the Public Defenders office and the District Attorneys office. The young lawyers are friends from law school, but in the courtroom they now oppose each other.
In the premiere episode, the viewer saw the behind the scenes negotiations and relationships between the lawyers. Scenes were in the courtroom, bar and bedroom. Following is a summary of the premiere episode, with plot spoilers.
Series Premiere Synopsis
Mark-Paul Gosselaar stars as Public Defender Jerry Kellerman, an intense and idealistic young lawyer. In the premiere episode Kellerman defended a client accused of rape. He is convinced of his client's innocence and earnestly negotiates a deal with the prosecutor, Michelle Ernhardt played by Melissa Sagemiller. Opposing sides strike up a deal they can both live with and Kellerman begs his client to accept.
With their deal in place, the lawyers are astonished when the judge refuses to accept it and forces them into a trial. The jury finds the client innocent of the rape charge, but guilty of felony possession of a knife. Kellerman is confident that he can get the client out with time served, but the judge throws the book at him with a maximum sentence.
Incensed at the injustice, Kellerman has an outburst and gets charged with contempt of court and thrown into jail.Kellerman's boss, played by Gloria Ruben, reasons with the judge, who says she will free Kellerman if he apologizes. When Kellerman meets with the judge he is unable to offer an apology, telling her off instead. Kellerman gets thrown back into jail, next to his client.
The situation seems hopeless, but the Judge's law clerk, Charlie Sagnasky, played by Jonathan Scarfe, steps in as a voice of reason. The law clerk is also the judge's lover. While kissing her neck, her persuades her that she could look bad if the case was overturned, which it could be. Kellerman and the client are released almost immediately.
The lawyers meet in the bar and discuss the news of the day. Kellerman and ADA Michelle Ernhardt are in their apartment and end with a sexy embrace.
Raising the Bar promises to bring intriguing story lines, as professional and romantic relationships are explored and the inner dynamics of law and justice are revealed.
Raising the Bar airs on Monday night, after The Closer, on TNT Cable Television.
For more information about the new series, read Raising the Bar New Legal Drama on TNT Cable TV .
