Homicide: Life on the Screen

by Tod Hoffman

Go past the Police tape. Were it merely another run-of-the-mill cop opera, Life on the Street would hardly warrant the attention of a book. But it is much more than that. Celebrated for the consistent quality of its writing, the unprecedented cinematic feel it brings to television, and the excellence of its ensemble cast, Homicide is unique. Its detailed and chilling stories of murder and justice hold up a mirror to urban America in the 1990s; they make it accountable. Along the way, the drama gives viewers the most realistic glimpse of big-city policing you can get from a safe distance. Life on the Screen is the first comprehensive account of the series on screen and behind the scenes. Benefiting from the cooperation of Baltimore Pictures and NBC, Tod Hoffman’s book makes use of unprecedented access to the set and exclusive interviews. Hoffman spent time in Baltimore absorbing a feel for the city that is such an important character on the show. He spoke with each member of the cast, several writers, and Executive Producers Barry Levinson and Tom Fontana. He met with the real Baltimore homicide detectives upon whom many of the stories are based. With all of this in hand, he critically evaluates the series’ content. This book promises to appeal to all those readers who loved David Simon’s book ― A Year on the Killing Streets ― fans who watched all seven seasons of Homicide on NBC, as well as those who will discover it in syndication. It’s also essential reading for those with an interest in policing and its treatment in popular culture.

Genres: Nonfiction, Media Tie In

250 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets" by David Simon is the best nonfiction book I have ever read. The detail, the heart, the drama, the inside scoop in this book made it one of the few nonfiction books I've finished in a day. The television show that followed, "Homicide: Life on the Street" was without question one of the best television shows ever on network TV. Just like the book, it wasn't all sunshine and roses, with the bad guys getting their just desserts every episode. If you haven't read the book, or caught the first 5 seasons of the show, I urge you to do both.

This book took on both the television show and the book on which the television show was based. Not great on detail for either, but I did learn some stuff I didn't know.

Brief bios on the characters didn't give me much insight, other than more detailed interviews with some of the actors, bemoaning the lack of development of their character or stating how they never wanted to work in television.

Because it was written when the show was still on, it didn't cover the final season, where the show completely fell apart.

For a fan of the show, this is a good read.

[Michael P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superior book about the background of a superior television series.