Southland: The Fans Speak

Southland fans know what to expect each week. That’s why their couches are fitted with seat belts, their night-lights are blue strobes, and they wear Kevlar pajamas to bed.

I’ve watched Southland for five years, as a fan and reviewer. During those five years I’ve come to know some of the actors, producers, directors, and fans of the show. They’re a great group of people who really try their best to portray police officers and what they do in the most accurate light possible. And, even though that accuracy may not always be the most flattering side of police work to see, most law enforcement professionals deeply appreciate the honesty and the attention to detail.

Not only is Southland a stellar TV show, it’s the core of an extremely large family. I’ve never witnessed anything like it, anywhere. Sure, other shows have large, devoted fan bases, people who practically worship the stars of the shows. Castle fans are a great example of this undying devotion to their favorite show and it’s cast members. However, shows like Castle are a world away from the personal connection that Southland fans enjoy. Yes, their favorite actors from the show interact with fans on social media and during their many public appearances. They communicate with their fans, sometimes even going so far as to explain why their characters do what they do. The stars adore their fans as much as the fans adore them. You send a message to Michael Cudlitz (John Cooper) or Shawn Hatosy (Sammy Bryant) and you’ll most likely see a response nearly as quickly as Sammy runs the hundred yard dash. And, if you stick around long enough you just might hear a word or two from proud family members of the cast.

Anyway, Southland recently completed season number five, with the final episode ending with one of the most dramatic season finales of all time. Never mind wondering what happened to Tony Soprano and family after the screen went black…John Cooper was shot multiple times by officers from his own beloved LAPD! If ever there was a time for Steve Perry to sing, well, that was it.

So, in honor of the show, and hoping to see a season 6, #Southland fans from all over the world sent me what they thought were the best scenes and/or lines from season 5. So, without further ramblings from me, I present to you, some of the fans of the best darn cop show on TV.

Fan favorite scenes and/or lines from Southland season 5:

@ArtVanZant – Coop breaking the beer bottle with the slingshot.

@RealVaBluehen – Cooper leans in and whispers final words to his dad. Nobody knows what he said.

@thekelliejane – I loved when Coop drove the car into the charged puddle to rescue the little boy, the talk w/ his drunk TO, & Chuck Norris convo…

@todteach – Oh one of my absolute favorites was when Cooper rescued the boy surrounded by downed power lines! You go Coop. Also, I love the ice cream stand off but I also like Coopers showing his vulnerability, w/Dewey, about a baby etc.

@justbex – My favorite moment was @ShawnHatosy speech in Ep 10. At the end of the day, he’s a great guy. And, Cooper’s discussion w/ the guy who kept trying to kill himself. “Maybe the right one stays.” Loved it.

@EbonySmurfette – Lady steps over Ben to get cash after he wrestles the thief Cooper’s ice cream stand off.

@julesm – So many. Love the scene in The Felix Paradox where Sammy & Ben are taking the girl home. Lighter moments are nice sometimes.

@InTheMoment – Too many favorite scenes, but one of the best was in “Bleed Out” when Cooper crawled under the bus to stay with the woman.

@Bluegrassbabe3 – I can’t narrow it down to one scene.

@AlleysPlace – I have a few. Funny/endearing was Cooper/Dewey after his heart attack. Cudlitz & C Thomas Howell priceless together.

@houseofyen – I loved Lydia running down and fighting it out with the boxer girlfriend.

Maegan Beaumont – There are so many great scenes that come to mind but the one that’s really stayed with me is when Cooper held the hand of that young woman trapped under the bus. The way he held her hand and stayed with her, even when EMS told him to get out of the way, speaks volumes about the compassion and dedication that law enforcement officers have for the communities that they serve. Michael Cudlitz is a phenomenal actor and Southland is an extraordinary show.

Bob Mueller – Keeping in mind I haven’t seen the last two episodes yet: “He shot the “effing” dog, too?” Episode 8, I think. Sammy and Ben on the welfare check of the jumper’s family.

Karen Davidson – I will try to narrow this down to a few scenes. Heh. And I’m sure they are all going to feature Cooper. The scene in episode 2 when Steele cowers behind the patrol car and then tries to explain why he did that to Cooper. As Cooper removes Steele’s badge he says, “You don’t have to convince me.” Cooper with the Down’s Syndrome woman who has a crush on him. The scene between Cooper and Hicks after Cooper has had Hicks handcuffed in the house all day. The scene with Lydia and Sgt Hill when she hands over the toy plane. All scenes with the tweakers, Cooper, and Lucero.

Geoffrey Lin – The two minute fight scene between Ofc. Ben Sherman (Ben McKenzie) and one of the bank robbers after he corners him on the last car of on the LA Metro subway. It was a very realistic no-hold-barred scene that doesn’t look at all choreographed.

Of course, some of my favorite comments were about my reviews. The comment below was in response to the write-up of the season 5 finale.

@cuffmecuslitz – LeeLofland kudos to you. Your words made my eyes well with tears. Well done!

Finally, @DollyMamaB wrote to say her cellphone ringtone is the Southland theme song. Mine, too, Dolly…

See you all in season 6…right, TNT?