“I went to law school, passed the bar in seven states… I’ve become a damned vaudeville act.  I need ignorant juries.  I need them worried.  And I need them to trust me.  And that comes down to whether this shirt brings out my eyes.”  FANTASTIC opening.

Many moments through Canterbury’s Law match the bar set by that writing, and even the weak moments are quality.  For a pilot, there is a lot more focus on the case du jour than on introducing Elizabeth Canterbury, let alone the minor characters.  Our primary window into her personality comes in the courtroom, as we watch her manipulate jury and witnesses.  She is devious and delightful.

Best Aspect: Glimmers of vulnerability when Canterbury attempts ballroom dance, and in the closing scene.  A greatly competent, all-capable lawyer will be much more compelling if she’s incompetent in her personal life.  The show of which I’m most reminded is House.

Worst Aspect: A trite moment with Canterbury arguing in the men’s room.  We didn’t need a big flag waved at us, saying, “Hey, she sure is a ballbuster!  Huh?  HUH?”

Verdict:  If there are too many law shows for you, this is just another.  But if you’re a fan of law shows, this one is better written than most.  If this genre were my cup of tea, I would add this to my watchlist.  As is, I’ll at least try another episode.

Odds of Success: There’s no doubt it would be a hit on cable.  As a network show, I’m guessing at least 50-50.  Paired with New Amsterdam, CL allows FOX to offer two character-driven procedurals of greatly above average quality.  Meanwhile, Monday nights don’t exactly burn with competition.  While the character development wasn’t the deepest in this pilot episode, there are hints of much texture to come.