southland 2012

southland is certainly more modest in scope and ambition than the show that started on nbc.  this year they're down to four regular cast members and a few key guest stars.  lucy liu and c. thomas howell really seem to be having a blast with their time on the show.  the single-shift scope of each episode works okay, but i think they could keep to the single-episode story for the uniform officers and find a way for regina king's detective to have longer, more reasonable story arcs that intersect with the other three main character patrolmen.  otherwise, what's she doing there?  she's good, but out of place in the current format.  the show's good this year, though.  entertaining so far.