TV-Reviewed

I was very excited when I heard Nash Bridges was finally coming to DVD. It’s not like it was out on DVD and I was holding off for a Blu-Ray upgrade or anything. I really enjoyed the series when it aired on CBS, starting in 1996. Looking back at the actors now is surprising to some extent, especially Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, who played the daughter of the title character. Jodi looks very different from her current acting job on Prison Break. She was a lot younger and it’s quite a switch to see her. Don Johnson also looked younger and a bit thinner, but I suppose that’s natural. The other cast members all looked how I remembered them.

The series is set in San Francisco. Nash Bridges is a San Francisco Police Inspector (basically a Detective) who’s been married and divorced a number of times but still remains close to a few of his former loves. While he’s divorcing the sexy blonde, Kelly (Serena Scott Thomas), Nash is also close to Lisa (Annette O’Toole), whom they had a child together (Cassidy – Jodi Lyn O’Keefe).

Joe, Evan, and Nash walk into their semi-demolished police station

The relationship with Kelly never seemed to work out because her family is rich and she sort of expected Nash to pick up his life and work for her father and well, Nash isn’t one to do that sort of thing. He’s much more independent in nature. As for Kelly, well, Nash cheated on her, missed anniversaries, etc. I guess that’s typical when it comes to cop shows, but Nash isn’t the typical cop in my opinion. He’s a lot smarter and funnier than most of the other cops on TV.

The case Nash worked in the first episode focused on a computer chip theft. A group was trying to sell them and smuggle them back to China for military use. Nash got himself in over his head a few times but always managed to escape through trickery and deception. The guy’s not your typical flat foot.

The cops don’t have a typical office to work in. Being set in San Francisco, there are problems with earthquakes, so Nash and company had to work out of a building which is in constant repair as the engineers try to make it safe. This takes a little getting used to because there’s always work being done in the background.

I have very, very few complaints about the episode. As a pilot, it did a superb job of setting the scene for everyone. The biggest problem I have with cop shows in general is the pointless confrontations the police have with the suspect. It’s more about intimidation than questioning and yet it still happens in shows which are still airing and I don’t see this act ever coming to an end. I love the characters and the actors just make everything work. It’s a show which not only makes you think, but there’s plenty of action and comedy to keep you entertained along the way. Who doesn’t love a decent car chase in the crowded streets of San Francisco?!

Rating: 9.8

Buy Nash Bridges – The First Season on DVD