NBC goes for the truth in 'Deadline'

By Melissa Gollob

For The Daily

From the creator of "Law & Order," comes a new smash hit about a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who goes beyond his duties to investigate and uncover the truth. Like its predecessor, "Deadline" tells stories "ripped from the headlines." It is a refreshing and innovative look into the world of newspaper reporting.

"Deadline" is about New York City columnist Wallace Benton (Oliver Platt, "Bulworth"), who writes about crimes all over Manhattan.

His column's name, "Nothing But The Truth," signifies his unending journey to find out what really happened. In the first episode, Benton becomes weary about the stance he took on his Pulitzer Prize winning story concerning a fast food shooting in 1998.

After a much-publicized public outcry, Benton is now confronted with a possible copycat murder. He must discover whether or not the two men he helped put on death row actually committed the horrendous crime in order to alleviate his own conscious.

When he's not yelling at the copy boy (better known as the "news coordinator") getting wired from all the coffee (or whiskey) he drinks or begging his teaching assistant Beth (Christina Chang) to give him a ride, Benton is out trying to find the answers he wants. He utilizes his journalism class that acts more like his research assistants.

This ethnically diverse group sheds new light on several topics, especially race, and is used interchangeably as sidekicks to Benton. He also uses them for experiments in re-creating the scene of the crime. They detect flaws in testimony and eyewitness accounts which fuel Benton's doubt. The show tries to convey both sides of the episode's main point so that we can think and create our own opinions about the crime.

Oliver Platt is clever and witty in his portrayal of the investigative journalist. His dry humor lightens up the serious drama and adds personality to the arrogant character. Bebe Neuwirth ("Cheers") stars as Benton's hard-nosed editor.

Her acting abilities shine as she shows she's more than just a supporting actress. She and Platt connect with onscreen chemistry and their repartee makes the writing come alive. Other well-known celebrities that work on the newspaper staff include Lili Taylor ("The Haunting") as the resident gossip columnist and Hope Davis ("Mumford") as Platt's "bitchy" estranged wife and fellow reporter.

Separating "Deadline" from other network dramas is the shrewd use of the camera, which allows us to read the newspaper headlines first hand and places us in the direct action of the story. Pan shots and quotes popping out of the newspaper at us, helps the show continue to move without the plot being forced upon us.The innovative flashbulbs that begin most scenes are a nice touch of detail to the show and makes transitions smooth and coherent.

"Deadline" is definitely a must-see show for NBC. It has star quality that makes each episode appear more like a mini-movie rather than a weekly series.

The humor balances well with the conflict each week to make the show one of the new seasons best, and that's nothing but the truth.

Courtesy of NBC

Actor Oliver Platt is on 'Deadline.'