Watch Picket Fences
- 1992
- 4 Seasons
-
7.8 (5,225)
Picket Fences is a legal drama series that aired on FOX from 1992 to 1996, created by David E. Kelley. Set in the fictional town of Rome, Wisconsin, the show revolves around the lives of the townspeople, particularly Sheriff Jimmy Brock (Tom Skerritt) and his family, as well as the cases they handle.
Sheriff Brock is a calm and collected lawman who tries to maintain order in the town, often dealing with bizarre and offbeat crimes. His wife, Jill (Kathy Baker), is the town doctor and a strong-willed woman who often clashes with her husband over his duties. Together they raise their two children, Kimberly (Holly Marie Combs) and Matthew (Justin Shenkarow).
The rest of the cast includes a variety of colorful and eccentric characters, such as Assistant District Attorney Douglas Wambaugh (Fyvush Finkel), who has a knack for winning cases despite his unorthodox methods; Deputy Maxine Stewart (Lauren Holly), who is tough and street-smart but has a softer side; Dr. Carter Pike (Costas Mandylor), Jill's colleague who is in love with her; and Judge Henry Bone (Ray Walston), who often dispenses his own brand of justice in the courtroom.
Each episode of Picket Fences presents a different case that the characters must solve, ranging from murder and assault to more unusual crimes such as spontaneous human combustion or a man who claims to be a werewolf. The show tackles sensitive issues such as racism, homophobia, and abortion, and offers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of these topics.
Despite dealing with serious subject matter, the show is also known for its quirky and often darkly humorous tone. The residents of Rome are portrayed as quirky and unusual, adding a touch of whimsy to the legal drama format. This unique mix of drama and comedy earned Picket Fences critical acclaim and a loyal following.
The show also boasts a strong cast, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles. Tom Skerritt is particularly effective as Sheriff Brock, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the character's strength and vulnerability. Kathy Baker is equally strong as Jill Brock, balancing her character's intelligence and compassion with her fierce determination.
Other notable performances include Fyvush Finkel's hilarious and often scene-stealing turn as ADA Doug Wambaugh, and Lauren Holly's tough yet empathetic portrayal of Deputy Stewart. Additionally, Holly Marie Combs and Costas Mandylor bring strong supporting performances as the Brock children and Dr. Pike respectively.
Overall, Picket Fences is a well-written and skillfully crafted legal drama that pushes the boundaries of the genre. With its mix of humor, drama, and social commentary, the show stands out as a unique and memorable entry in the television landscape of the 1990s.
Picket Fences is a series that ran for 4 seasons (88 episodes) between September 18, 1992 and on FOX
