Murder One (television)

Murder One was a television series first aired on the ABC network in the United States in 1995.

Main characters, 1995

• Theodore Hoffman - Daniel Benzali
• Annie Hoffman - Patricia Clarkson
• Justine Appleton - Mary McCormack
• Neal Avedon (defendant) - Jason Gedrick
• Richard Cross - Stanley Tucci
• Francesca Cross - Donna Murphy
• ADA Miriam Grasso (prosecutor) - Barbara Bosson
• Chris Docknovich - Michael Hayden
• Lisa Gillsepie - Grace Phillips
• Arnold Spivak - J.C. Mackenzie
• Julie Costello - Bobbie Phillips
• Judge Beth Bornstein - Linda Carlson
• DA Roger Garfield - Gregory Itzin
• David Blalock - Kevin Tighe
• Louis Hines - John Fleck
• Detective Arthur Polson - Dylan Baker
• Gary Blondo - John Pleshette
• Lila - Vanessa Williams

Following somewhat disappointing first season ratings, ABC and Bochco revamped the show significantly for the 1996-7 season. Gone were Benzali and his character (it was rumored that Benzali was unhappy with the first season and left the program, though it has also been reported he was fired) as well as many of the show's former regulars including Clarkson, Gedrick, Tucci and Baker. (Some of the departures were expected as there was no possibility of including many of the case-context characters in ongoing parts).

Related Topics:
ABC - 1996 - 7

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The producers brought in Anthony LaPaglia as the new owner of the firm, Hoffman having retired to save his marriage as it were. The second season of the show was far less successful than the first. The original concept of the series as surrounding a "James Bond"-like defense attorney could not be salvaged with a replacement lead - not least of which because LaPaglia's character, James Wyler, spent most episodes trying to borrow money to keep the firm afloat.

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Other cast members brought in included D.B. Woodside and Jack Kehler.

Related Topics:
D.B. Woodside - Jack Kehler

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The actual storyline in season two was generally considered a decent one, although less compelling than that of season one's. However, the cast changes along with the change in theme of the show buried the series before the year was out. ABC did broadcast all the episodes filmed, and the plot was prematurely wrapped up in the final episode. The series was dropped at the end of the '96-'97 season.

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There was some discussion that Benzali might agree to return to the role of Ted Hoffman in a series of TV movies or short miniseries to develop the program more. This did not ultimately happen, much to the chagrin of the show's loyal fans.

Related Topics:
TV movie - Miniseries

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Over its two year run, ABC aired 41 original episodes of this series. The first season of Murder One has aired several times on cable networks such as A&E and Court TV in the United States. (Court TV was pastiched in the series by the fictional "Law TV".)

Related Topics:
A&E - Court TV - Pastiche

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Both seasons have been released on DVD in the US and UK, with different packaging in each country.

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