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Common Law (2012 TV series)

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Common Law
GenreComedy-drama
Created byThe Wibberleys
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes12 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Cormac Wibberley
  • Craig Sweeny
  • Dan Shotz
  • Jon Turteltaub
  • Karim Zreik
  • Marianne Wibberley
Running time43 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkUSA Network
ReleaseMay 11 (2012-05-11) –
August 10, 2012 (2012-08-10)

Common Law is an American comedy-drama television series, which ran on USA Network from May 11 to August 10, 2012, and stars Michael Ealy and Warren Kole as two Los Angeles Police Department detectives who can't stand each other and are ordered to see a couples therapist to remedy the situation.

The series was created by Cormac and Marianne Wibberley and was produced by CBS Television Studios and Junction Entertainment. While originally planned to premiere on January 26, 2012, the series was pushed back until summer 2012.[1][2] The series premiered following Fairly Legal on Friday, May 11, 2012.[3] The show was canceled by the USA Network after one season and 12 episodes on October 31, 2012, due to low ratings.[4]

Synopsis

The series follows two Los Angeles Police Department homicide detectives, Travis Marks and Wes Mitchell, who can't stand each other. The constant bickering between the two partners prompts their commanding officer, Captain Mike Sutton, to send them to a couples therapist, Dr. Emma Ryan, in hopes of resolving the situation.

Cast and characters

Main cast

  • Michael Ealy as Travis Marks, a foster-raised LAPD detective assigned to the Robbery-Homicide Division. Travis is a womanizer who is known for dating women at work. Having grown up in a series of foster homes, Travis has several foster brothers and one of them calls him T-Bone.
  • Warren Kole as Wesley 'Wes' Mitchell, Lawyer turned LAPD homicide detective and Travis' partner. After an incident where Wes pulled his gun on Travis on the job, the two are assigned to couple's therapy. Wes initially had a career as a lawyer before becoming a detective and is currently divorced.
  • Sonya Walger as Dr. Emma Ryan, Travis Marks and Wes Mitchell's couples therapist. She is also friends with Capt. Sutton, who came to her for couple's therapy as well.
  • Jack McGee as Mike Sutton, a Captain with the LAPD. He is Travis and Wes' commanding officer who tells the duo to attend therapy sessions, after an incident in which Wes pulls his gun on Travis, without any given explanation.

Recurring cast

  • Elizabeth Chomko as Alex MacFarland Mitchell, Wes's ex-wife. She is known to have a close friendship with Travis, and has reminded Wes that the law firm he previously worked for would like to have him return.
  • Alicia Coppola[5] as Jonelle, a forensic pathologist working for the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office who formerly dated Travis.[6]

Development and production

On June 9, 2010, USA Network placed a cast-contingent pilot order for Common Law. Cormac Wibberley and Marianne Wibberley wrote the pilot, Jon Turteltaub was attached to the project as the director, with Turteltaub, Cormac Wibberley, Marianne Wibberley, Dan Shotz and Karim Zreik serving as executive producers.[1][7]

Casting announcements began in August 2010, with Michael Ealy first to be cast. Ealy portrays Travis Marks, "a maverick ladies' man who served time in juvie."[8] Next to join the series was Warren Kole as Wes Mitchell, Travis Marks' partner, "a methodical former lawyer with a passion for cars, gardening and his ex-wife."[9] Amy Acker was next to be cast as Dr. Elyse Ryan, the couples therapist treating Marks and Mitchell.[10][11] Jack McGee, was the last actor to join the main cast, playing Captain Mike Sutton, Marks and Mitchell's commanding officer in the LAPD.[12] Alicia Coppola was later cast in a recurring role as "a pathologist who has a history with Travis Marks."[5][6]

In June 2011, it was reported that USA Network was close to picking up Common Law to series. The proposed pick up was to come with a number of creative changes to the show, which included adding more action and re-casting the role of Dr. Elyse Ryan, which had been played by Acker in the pilot; the character's name was also changed to Emma.[13]

On July 6, 2011, USA Network green-lighted the series with an order of 11 episodes to air in the summer of 2012.[1] Filming of the series was expected to begin in August 2011.[1] The series is produced by CBS Television Studios and Junction Entertainment. Along with the series pickup, the network also announced that Craig Sweeny had been picked to join the series as an executive producer.[1] By November 29, 2011, the premiere had been moved to January 26, 2012.[2] The series was once again pushed back to summer 2012, with the premiere date eventually settling on May 11, 2012.[3]

On October 14, 2011, the show began filming in New Orleans, Louisiana.[14][15]

Episodes

Season 1: 2012

No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code 		U.S. Viewers
(millions)
1"Pilot"Jon TurteltaubThe WibberleysMay 11, 2012 (2012-05-11)1012.48[16]
Police detectives Travis Marks (Michael Ealy) and Wes Mitchell (Warren Kole) are sent by their captain (Jack McGee) to a therapist (Sonya Walger) to settle their differences in couple's counseling. Meanwhile, they investigate the murder of the son of a federal judge.
2"Ride-Along"Dermott DownsThe WibberleysMay 18, 2012 (2012-05-18)1022.51[17]
After a woman falls over the balcony of a honeymoon suite, Travis and Wes are sent to investigate. Dr. Ryan accompanies the two partners as they look into the apparent suicide.
3"Soul Mates"Aaron LipstadtPamela DavisJune 1, 2012 (2012-06-01)1032.29[18]
After a woman is murdered, Wes and Travis look into a dating site. Wes realizes that his ex-wife has begun using the site as well.
4"Ex-Factor"Mel DamskiMatt WardJune 8, 2012 (2012-06-08)1042.31[19]
A rift is opened when Travis' ex-partner returns.
5"The T Word"John ScottDouglas Petrie & Tim TalbottJune 15, 2012 (2012-06-15)1052.21[20]
Travis and Wes investigate various home invasions. It is soon discovered that one of Travis' foster brothers may be involved.
6"Performance Anxiety"Larry TengCraig SweenyJune 22, 2012 (2012-06-22)1062.17[21]
Wes and Travis are in an anxiety about their performance. They are also on the hunt for the copycats of Bonnie and Clyde.
7"Role Play"Marc RoskinJeff LowellJune 29, 2012 (2012-06-29)1071.97[22]
In therapy, Wes and Travis are given the exercise of "role play" by Dr. Ryan. Although living in each other's shoes tests their partnership more than usual, it ultimately leads to them solving the case of a woman who was strangled to death.
8"Joint Custody"Stephen SurjikCraig Sweeny & Matt WardJuly 13, 2012 (2012-07-13)1082.07[23]
Officer Randi gets shot and hands over her dog, Hudson, to Wes and Travis to catch the shooter with Hudson being the only eye witness.
9"Odd Couples"Mike SmithJeff LowellJuly 20, 2012 (2012-07-20)1091.82[24]
Wes and Travis go on a stakeout and have to survive living in the same apartment until the investigation is over.
10"In-Laws vs. Outlaws"Stephen SurjikTim TalbottJuly 27, 2012 (2012-07-27)1101.76[25]
Wes and Travis' old mentors (Kevin Tighe and Jeff Fahey) become interested in their case. Wes and Travis see what could be the future them.
11"Hot for Teacher"Seith MannCraig Sweeny & John McNamaraAugust 3, 2012 (2012-08-03)1111.79[26]
Wes is disturbed by an erotic dream about Dr. Ryan. Meanwhile, Dr. Ryan's fiancé is attacked and much to her dismay, Wes and Travis look into the case.
12"Gun!"John BehringCraig SweenyAugust 10, 2012 (2012-08-10)1122.04[27]
Wes and Travis explain why they go to therapy.

Ratings

Season Timeslot (ET) # Ep. Premiered Ended TV Season Viewers
(in millions)
Date Premiere
Viewers
(in millions) 		Date Finale
Viewers
(in millions)
1
Friday 10:00 pm
 12
May 11, 2012
 2.48[28]
August 10, 2012
 2.04[27] 2012 TBA

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Seidman, Robert (July 6, 2011). "USA Network Builds on Scripted Originals Momentum with Series Pickup of "Common Law"". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  2. ^ a b Mitovich, Matt Webb (December 8, 2011). "USA Network Pushes Back 'Common Law' Premiere". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 8, 2011.
  3. ^ a b Kondolojy, Amanda (March 2, 2012). "USA Sets 'Common Law' Premiere Date For Friday, May 11 At 10/9c". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 2, 2012.
  4. ^ "'Common Law' Canceled by USA - Ratings | TVbytheNumbers". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. August 13, 2012. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
  5. ^ a b Masters, Megan (February 3, 2011). "Detroit 1-8-7 Exclusive: Jericho Alum Cast as Fitch's Ex-Wife". TVLine. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  6. ^ a b Masters, Megan (July 27, 2011). "Suits Scoop: Alicia Coppola Stirs Things Up". TVLine. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  7. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (June 9, 2010). "USA Network Picks Up 'Common Law' Pilot". Deadline.com. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  8. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (August 16, 2010). "Michael Ealy Set As Lead In USA Network's Pilot 'Common Law'". Deadline.com. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  9. ^ Ausiello, Michael (December 8, 2010). "'24' Alum Warren Kole To Star In USA Pilot 'Common Law'". Deadline.com. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  10. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 6, 2011). "Johnston & Donald Faison Board TV Land Comedies, Amy Acker Joins USA Dramedy". Deadline.com. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  11. ^ "Shows A-Z - Common Law on USA". The Futon Critic. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  12. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 27, 2011). "PILOT CASTINGS: Jack McGee Joins USA's 'Common Law', Tony Hale To HBO's 'Veep'". Deadline.com. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  13. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (June 14, 2011). "Buddy Cop Pilot 'Common Law' Nears Series Order At USA, Will Undergo Some Tweaking". Deadline.com. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  14. ^ "Production Hotline". Louisiana Film & Television. Retrieved December 4, 2011.
  15. ^ "USA Network to Practice 'Common Law' With New Series". The Wrap. July 5, 2011. Retrieved December 4, 2011.
  16. ^ Bibel, Sara (May 14, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings:NBA Playoffs Win Night, 'WWE Smackdown', 'Common Law', 'Storage Wars', 'Dream Machines' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 14, 2012.
  17. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (May 21, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs + 'Sportscenter', 'Common Law', 'Fairly Legal', 'Storage Wars' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
  18. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (June 4, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs, + 'SportsCenter', 'WWE Friday Night SmackDown', 'Common Law', 'Fairly Legal', 'House of Payne' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  19. ^ Bibel, Sara (June 11, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Fairly Legal', & 'WWE Smackdown' Win Night, 'Common Law', 'House of Payne', 'American Pickers', 'UFC Fight Night' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  20. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (June 18, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Let it Shine' Premiere, + US Open, 'WWE Friday Night Smackdown', 'Common Law', 'Fairly Legal', & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  21. ^ Bibel, Sara (June 25, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Smackdown' Wing Night, 'Common Law', 'UFC Fight Night', 'House of Payne', 'Mystery Diners', 'American Pickers', 'Jessie' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  22. ^ Kondology, Amanda (July 2, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'WWE SmackDown' & 'House of Payne', 'Common Law', 'American Pickers', 'Hardcore History, + X Games & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved July 2, 2012.
  23. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (July 16, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'For Better or Worse' Premiere + 'Friday Night Smackdown', 'Common Law', 'Hardcore History', 'American Pickers' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
  24. ^ Bibel, Sara (July 23, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings:'WWE Smackdown' Wins Night, 'For Better or Worse', 'House of Payne', 'Gravity Falls', 'Say Yes to the Dress', 'Hardcore History' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved July 23, 2012.
  25. ^ Bibel, Sara (July 30, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings:'WWE Smackdown' Wins Night, 'For Better or Worse', 'House of Payne', 'Common Law', 'Gravity Falls' , 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
  26. ^ Bibel, Sara (August 6, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Smackdown' Wins Night, 'For Better or Worse', 'Say Yes to the Dress', 'House of Payne', 'Lost Girl', 'Shipping Wars', & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  27. ^ a b Kondolojy, Amanda (August 13, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'For Better or Worse' Wins Night, + 'WWE Smackdown', 'Common Law', 'House of Payne', 'Gravity Falls', & 'Storage Wars: Texas'". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
  28. ^ Bibel, Sara (May 14, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings:NBA Playoffs Win Night, 'WWE Smackdown', 'Common Law', 'Storage Wars', 'Dream Machines' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 14, 2012.
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