It’s a military drama, from screenwriter David McKenna (“Blow,” “SWAT”), about the activities of the Pentagon. It stars Dennis Hopper (“24”) and Benjamin Bratt (“Catwoman”).
Variety says:
Remember those scenes on "The West Wing" when the Joint Chiefs assemble in the "situation room" to tackle some faraway threat? Reprise the tension with none of the intelligence, inject flag-waving machismo and high-tech imagery, and what's left is this Jerry Bruckheimer drama. Given its mindset, there's frankly too much jawing and not enough cracking heads in the first two episodes, at least if the show is going to appeal to an action audience as well as those who simply enjoy seeing Benjamin Bratt in a snug uniform. …
The Hollywood Reporter says:
… Has Jerry Bruckheimer no mercy? … another of the mega-producer's trademark hour procedurals that play with formulaic slickness. … at the end of the day it rings emotionally hollow. … features a couple of highly appealing leads in Benjamin Bratt and Dennis Hopper, whom it turns out have some chemistry. …
The Los Angeles Times says:
… lands like a bad spinoff of "The West Wing" … As the mission's race against time ticks down, "E-Ring" thinks it's got you by the throat, and that's true, because you feel like you're being led around on a leash. …
Newsday says:
… is there anyone out there silly, foolish or bold enough to predict that his newest show, "E-Ring," will not be a hit? … Oh sure, there's plenty of hooey and cornpone here, with a lot of square-jawed generals saying the sort of stuff Hollywood writers imagine square-jawed generals should say. … Hopper's McNulty is a survivor who knows the boundaries of bureaucracy, and says stuff - mostly to Tisnewski, who does not know those boundaries - stuff like, "the road to hell is paved with initiative ..." (After a bit, one wonders when his character will run out of well-turned cliches to say.) The inevitable collision between Tisnewski and McNulty over protocol gives this show some fiber that's even more satisfying than the action sequences. But love it or hate it, "E-Ring's" going to be a hit; and there's nothing anyone can do about that.
USA Today gives it one and a half (out of four) stars and says:
… a hokey, clunky bit of macho claptrap that is the first Jerry Bruckheimer TV series to call to mind the worst of the Jerry Bruckheimer movies. Imagine Top Gun without the planes, the action or any other conceivable draw. The bizarrely paired stars here are Benjamin Bratt and Dennis Hopper, competing to see who can deliver the more grating, scenery-chewing, testosterone-crazed performance. Bratt wins, but it's a close contest. …
TV Guide says:
… What’s the opposite of gung ho? E-Ring wants to be a flashier JAG, but the opener is a clichéd, preachy Mission: Unmemorable, with the action climax unfolding while the heroes watch on satellite screens …
9 p.m. Wednesday. NBC.
for just $129.99!! That’s like all 144 hours for – what? – 90 cents per hour!! A better Christmukkah gift is unimaginable!!!
