Robbery Homicide Division (2002–2003) User Reviews

Short lived but excellent

[StarWarsMoviesSuck · 9/10 · 28 February 2023]

RHD was Mann's foray into digital production which resulted in Collateral after its quick cancelation. The show is great, showing the nightwork of detectives as they hunt, wheel, and deal their way through cases. It highlights the actual procedural work that detectives do compared to Law & Order which seems so dull despite all the legal lingo.

Sizemore was apparently under the influence of drugs during that period and I think it possibly gave his performances an additional edge that made him very captivating. Regardless, the episodes had an amazing look and feel that you don't get with other police procedurals. I do have one gripe, which is the short life of Mario Van Peeble's character, Alton Davis. He was the perfect villain for the series and deserved a continuation.

Television's version of HEAT!

[lifeinaslan · 29 September 2002]

Robbery Homicide is a television show that should not be missed, Tom Sizemore showing off one of his best performances to date. This show is quite like the Movie HEAT - which was also created by Michael Mann and starred Tom Sizemore (but he was a robber in the film - compared to the lead lieutenat in R.H.D.) The Show is gritty while stile keeping its entertaining edge - no doubt it will keep you watching until the final climax. Great co-star and guest star performances (First Episode starred Mario Van Peebles (who starred in ALI also directed by Michael Mann)). Think of this show similar to NYPD Blue or The Shield - but not as dark and dirty as The SHIELD. Similarities are common in many cop dramas - so you can make your own assumptions on what this show is like! The best part of it all, The CAMERAS are used very well and precise- showing exactly the right thing at the right time.

Amazing show.

[roxy3499 · 10/10 · 19 March 2023]

This show may have been short-lived but I cannot find a bad thing to say about this series. I wish it lasted another 5 years. The late Tom Sizemore who plays Lt. Sam Cole is the most likeable police detective of the early 2000s. I cannot get enough of the late Tom Sizemore in this show he is everything. Robbery Homicide Division is a show I am going to watch for years to come. The other supporting players were incredible in this show. It is a perfect 10 for me wishing it lasted longer it could have been really successful. Thank you Michael Mann for being involved in a series that is a pure work of art.

Better than any CSI or FBI or Law & Order

[tonyjdai · 10/10 · 23 May 2020]

Networks generally cancel shows that are too real, too gritty, and lack a soft side to appeal to a broader viewer. This show was hands down the best crime drama of it's time and transcends those that followed. Too bad! Recall Playmakers - canceled by ESPN because the NFL said it did not represent the reality of the league. LOL watch an episode and tell me ESPN didn't cancel because they wanted the NFL's money for TV games. And that show scared the NFL and they protected the shield.

MASTERPIECE where can you watch it?!

[govardhanaj · 10/10 · 2 January 2024]

It's a high-profile crime that there's no way to stream this show (other than an intolerably grainy youtube version). Tom Sizemore really shines and-REPRESENT!-gives dignity to all pigeon-toed people out there. The premise, a hardboiled unit of the LA police that only handles high-profile crimes, is always sensational. The hard-boiled banter is the delightful product of true chemistry among the actors/characters It's such a rare and delicate pleasure=pulp fiction refined into high art, and character actors given elevated by being the chance to shine center-stage. Somebody get this on a streaming platform!

The best show on TV

[snake77 · 20 December 2002]

Hands down. The episode "Had" is easily one of the finest hour's worth of television I have ever seen. What a nice change to see a show that has intelligent characters, complex stories and inspired direction. It's smart and moves fast and you have to pay attention as you watch, a sure sign it probably won't last - in fact by all appearances it's already done. Oh well, there's always insipid reruns of "Friends".

Excellent Though Shortlived Cop Series

[Alex-372 · 18 November 2004]

RHDLA is was a great series by the director of Miami Vice and Crime Story. Tom Sizemore leads a credible cast of middle aged detectives in a variety of stories. Ironically, it was Sizemore who in real life got on the wrong side of the law after beating up longtime girlfriend and ex-Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss during a cocaine and viagra fueled binge. So much for the real drama being on the screen.

This is a series from the director of Miami Vice and Crime Story, and the general feel is of a mix of the two, which is why it is a don't miss for fans of either series.

I don't know how much Sizemore's personal demons had an impact on the show, but they can't have helped and it ended far too soon.

It lasted only one and a half season (13 episodes), which is unfortunate. Try and catch it if you can - convoluted, action packed, and pulling relatively few punches - this show is highly recommended.

Loved It...Lost It!!!

[lessard25 · 15 February 2003]

I am starting to feel like I am cursed. Every time I like a show it stops airing. I loved RHD and now I cannot watch it because CBS pulled it off the air. I still check to see if they brought it back and it has not been showing (in my area at least) for a month or more. I am very disappointed that this show is no longer being aired. After reading the comments on this site and seeing that a lot of people agree that it was a good show, I cannot believe they took it off the air. CBS is a joke...I mean really, they shove that CSI crap down our throats for two seasons and even went as far as to create a spin off that is even worse and RHD gets cancelled...someone please explain the logic. I hope it returns...I have my fingers crossed.

This show is too good for CBS

[bob2 · 23 October 2002]

This show doesn't stand a chance.

It has everything. A great cast, excellent music and beautiful photography. It has nothing that will allow it to survive on CBS.

Another great show that had everything going for it was also on CBS. "EZ Streets" didn't last a full season. I don't expect RHD to last long either unless they somehow find a way to vote off members of the cast.

reality sets in

[Trevlin · 6 October 2002]

Robbery Homicide Division is the best new show of this season. I hope, i really hope, that it doesn't get canceled. Even the best shows are given little chance to grow these days if their ratings aren't immediately impressive. RHD has a great look, the high definition video is perfect for the subject matter. Yes, this is the TV version of Heat. Tom Sizemore is absolutely perfect. The pilot was amazing. I can't say enough good things about this show. It shows you a glimpse of the reality of being a cop in LA. Forget Boomtown, forget The Shield (well, maybe not The Shield) this is the real deal.

Excellent photography shots of Los Angeles

[Laurie_Brooks · 12 October 2002]

I really like Robbery Homicide Division. Tom Sizemore is excellent in this role. Whoever is doing the camera work is taking the best pictures of Los Angeles I have ever seen, from every angle and from every neighborhood. Tom Sizemore's office is in a high rise building in downtown Los Angeles and the view from the windows showing the freeways day and night make me feel like I am inside the building looking out and the view is magnificent. I also like the way the story gets right to the point. Tom Sizemore is a no nonsense, brilliant detective. This program is shown on channel 2 at 10:00PM on Fridays.

So refreshing vs East Coast Law&Order(s) wannabes..

[sbktex · 4 October 2002]

It may wear thin but so far two for two. Sizemore's quirks, real issues (so far cops for hire/scandal, gangs), and a very current juxtaposition of that great and tarnished "to protect and serve" enigma work very well.

Even with great casting and good writing, East coast based cop shows are embarrassing predictable and dangerously thin (How big is the L&O franchise now?). And let's can both CSI's - Vegas crime lab as big as Quantico? In Miami, Caruso and Delaney still have those psycho NYPD Blue nauseating 'quiet and tense' personas.

I abhor helicopter MOVIES so I can't explain why I thought the opening episode's 'Air Unit' tracking was so cool as a very routine fact of life in L.A. "Bag 'em" in L.A. is a stun shot, not your gritty and cute 'body bag' line back East. One hairline crack already though.. why didn't they stun him a second round instead of forcing his hand and wasting him on the front lawn??

Thumbs Up! Let's go 4KING20!

RHD is DOA

[bob2 · 13 December 2002]

I hate to say "I told you So."

CBS just put RHD on "indefinite hiatus", which means it won't be coming back.

It appears that CBS executives liked the show. That is never good news.

RIP RHD, you'll be missed.