The Unit is a thought-provoking, intelligent show that portrays the army and military families with respect, admiration, evenhandedness, and civility. The characters are compelling, the action plot-lines fast-paced and exciting, and the tales from the home-front told with sensitivity. The Unit occasionally suffers from David Mamet’s quirky, but, sometimes unrealistic dialogue, however, the shows uniqueness in a sea of CSI/Law & Order copycats is refreshing. Unlike the previously mentioned paragon’s of today’s prime-time entertainment, The Unit, is delectably original and equally unpredictable, the episodes deal with subject matter that is seldom touched on prime-time TV and it is a nice change from reality television melodramas, and formulaic crime shows. From a family discussion perspective, this show is an excellent conversation starter dealing with family-values/dynamics/politics, gender-equality, relationships, war/military, international conflict, diplomacy, politics, infidelity, marriage, trust, stereotyping, spousal-abuse, parenting etc. Best for ages thirteen and up (mostly because children younger than thirteen would find it boring, however, there is moderate violence, language and sexuality).