Parents' Guide to

The Evidence

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Character-driven cop drama for teens and up.

TV ABC Drama 2006
The Evidence 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?

In crime drama THE EVIDENCE, from the producer of The West Wing, each show begins with a catalogue of evidence for a crime, then goes back in time to watch the crime occur and follow the investigation as the evidence is acquired. The action follows the engaging investigation team of Sean Cole (Rob Estes of Silk Stalkings) and Cayman Bishop (Orlando Jones). On the forensics side are Dr. Sol Goldman (Martin Landau) and his attractive British assistant Emily Stevens (Anita Briem). The chemistry between Cole and Bishop is evident -- the two are friends beyond the workplace, and their playful banter lightens the gory details and adds to their emotional connection. Cole has a tragedy in his past, which makes him the gloomier of the two characters, while Bishop is a lighthearted ladies' man who provides emotional support to his partner.

Is It Any Good?

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

Some of the writing and action borders on melodramatic, especially when the subject turns to Cole's past. But it's also refreshing to see the two characters discuss emotional topics -- something uncommon in the cop drama arena. The black-white cop duo is a familiar trope, and so far it's played for laughs only, but it will be interesting to see what, if anything, develops from the racial dynamic.

Since this is a crime show, plenty of violence and gore pops up on screen. Choppy scene editing and other cinematic tricks simultaneously add to the drama and distance the viewer from the violence. In the pilot episode, a fleeing suspect slashes Bishop across the chest and severs his finger, which is shown lying bloody on the sidewalk. Flashbacks include some minor sexual activity, and Bishop provides plenty of sexual innuendo.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the friendship between the show's central characters. How does working with a friend affect the relationship? How does race play into friendships? How are male friendships different (or are they?) from female ones? Also, how does race play out in television -- and on this show in particular? Why does the white character have more of a back story than the black character? Why is the black character the funny guy, while the white one is more serious?

TV Details

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