Outlaw

Outlaw is a legal drama that was broadcasted on NBC in 2010. Created by John Eisendrath, this show primarily revolves around its central character Cyrus Garza, an infamous Supreme Court Justice who leaves his esteemed position to return to private practice. Jimmy Smits, renowned for his roles in NYPD Blue and The West Wing, plays the charismatic yet controversial Justice Garza, who is often seen indulging in his vices, including gambling and womanizing – characteristics that set him apart from the typical television legal eagle.

The premise of the show centers around Garza's sudden disillusionment with the justice system he has long been a part of. Known for his conservative views, Justice Garza is pegged as the court's 'swing vote.' However, when he starts questioning the efficacy and fairness of the system, he makes an unprecedented decision to resign. Leaving the highest court in the land, he goes back to private practice with an aim to represent "the little guy" and embark on a journey of personal redemption that leaves everyone he knows in shock.

A lifelong maverick both in his personal life and professional arena, Garza puts together a team of young, idealistic legal minds who share his commitment to fighting against injustices. This team consists of Mereta Stockman, a smart and ambitious recent Yale law graduate, Eddie Franks, a liberal Yale law graduate and Garza’s loyal clerk, and Lucinda Pearl, a sultry private investigator with a penchant for flaunting the law. Together, Garza and his team take on cases that often don't get the attention they deserve and successfully represent individuals who have limited resources compared to their wealthy or powerful opponents.

Balancing his new life with the old, Garza also wrestles with his personal demons. The plot delves into Garza's complicated relationship with his father – a former senator turned political commentator and his constant battle to resist the lure of gambling. As the series progresses, Garza's commitment to taking on the daunting responsibility of delivering justice to the 'little guy' often clashes with his extravagant lifestyle and audacious personality.

Outlaw stands as an interesting exploration of the inner workings of the American legal system and the socio-political landscape of the United States. The show's blend of court room drama and personal strife gives viewers a unique insight into the life and psyche of a Supreme Court Justice experiencing a crisis of conscience while battling personal shortcomings. While it primarily remains focused on serving justice to the underprivileged, Outlaw also digs deep into the character of Cyrus Garza, showcasing a refreshing contrast to the typically upright and flawless judicial personas usually seen on television.

The series combines legal drama, action, and elements of political commentary to create an engaging storyline. The show's cases, ranging from immigration laws to murder trials, are relevant to contemporary issues and often inspire intense debate. Similarly, the personal journey of Cyrus Garza is filled with ups, downs, and dilemmas that keep the audience invested in his story. However, the ultimate draw of Outlaw lies in its unconventional hero. Garza, portrayed masterfully by Smits, serves as an unapologetic anti-protagonist offering unabashed frankness and captivating charisma.

Even though Outlaw had a brief run of just eight episodes, its core concept of an unusual hero caught in the crossfires of a crisis of faith makes it worth watching. The combination of intricate court cases, social commentary, and interpersonal relationships within the Garza team adds layers of complexity to the storytelling. Though the series was short-lived, its unique spin on the courtroom drama genre, combined with Jimmy Smits' compelling performance, ensures that Outlaw holds its place among memorable legal dramas.

In summary, Outlaw offers viewers a deep-dive into the life of an atypical justice serving a noble cause despite his personal flaws. It provides an insight into how the American justice system works at various levels - from the highest court in the land to individual private practice scenes. With a combination of challenging assignments, differing viewpoints, and exciting courtroom battles, the show paints a comprehensive picture of the legal landscape while making a bold statement about championing the rights of the underprivileged. Outlaw still makes an intriguing watch for those who enjoy character-driven legal dramas with a healthy dose of political undertones.