Parents' Guide to

Marshal Law Texas

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Texas law-enforcement reality show more violent than most.

TV TNT Reality TV 2013
Marshal Law Texas Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

MARSHAL LAW TEXAS is a reality documentary series that follows the Texas elite Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force as they track down extremely violent offenders. Working hard to get alleged dangerous criminals off the streets are Deputy U.S. Marshal Spencer Pellegrin, expert markswoman Natalie Garza, retired police officer David Crain, and James "JD" Drury. Also joining them are Troy "Thor" Stewart, Shanna Rodgers, who is transitioning from a desk position into the field, and decorated officer Max Pinon. From looking for creative ways to get information about fugitive's whereabouts, to hunting them down in the middle of the night, the team does everything it can to find who they are looking for, and they do not stop until they succeed.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The unscripted series showcases the unique joint effort between Houston's law enforcement organizations and the U.S. Marshals' Office to deal with the city's violent crime rate, which is one of the highest in the country. But the show's entertainment value comes from the suspense created by the manhunts, which feature officers and marshals yelling, breaking down doors and windows, and chasing folks on foot, in cars, and by helicopter.

In-between these voyeuristic moments, conversations with law enforcement officials and archived news footage offer details about fugitives and their alleged crimes. Emotional interviews with crime victims and their families discussing the impact of these criminals' violent acts are also featured, despite reminders that they are considered innocent until proven guilty. The result is a reality show that is both gritty and dramatic.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about different law enforcement agencies, and how they differ from one another. What is the difference between a police officer and a U.S. Marshal? What's the difference between a police officer and a sheriff? Does one agency have power to enforce laws over the other?

  • Why do you think law enforcement agencies agreed to appear on this reality show? Do you think the way the operations conducted on camera are performed the same way when the cameras are off? Isn't it dangerous for people with cameras and other TV production staff to be there during the manhunts featured here?

TV Details

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