Theo James is a hot shot young detective destined to be police commissioner in 7 years. In fact, the show flashforwards to show him as commissioner. As a lead, he's too angry and too unlikeable. He doesn't have enough charm or charisma to root for. Kevin Alejandro is a competing detective out to get the young upstarter. Their competition is at the center of this show. Bonnie Somerville plays the Kevin Alejandro's partner detective. Chi McBride is the old wise detective tasked to partner up with the rookie. Chi is probably playing the only likable character.There is just too many flawed concepts in this. It's dark tones just drag it down as a traditional police procedural. The 7 years jump ahead is a clunky gimmick. Everything is tied down and restricted. It's a gimmick that adds nothing good to the storytelling.

This has got to be the worst cop show ever made for TV. It ranks up there with that psychotic doctor show that was taken off the air after two shows a month ago. Come on now NYC police commissioner in his mid 30's, what has this writer been smoking or is this going to be like St. Elsewhere. The arrogant little turd would probably get a blanket party his first week until he learned his place in the food chain. Immediately going behind his partners back, telling a high ranking boss that he wanted homicide and nothing else or he was going to throw a hissy fit, cry and tattle to the police commish, just for doing his job and probably something a lot of cops do. Let's make them all police commissioners. the druggy sister. GIVE ME A BREAK and he has one of those faces you just want to punch. I would give it a half star or less if that was possible.

Ever since the original Law and Order was taken off the air, I've been looking for a new crime drama to entertain me. With Golden Boy, it appears to have finally come! In the Pilot episode the characters are developing quickly and their stories are coming together right out of the gate (top notch writing.) The flashes forward are a nice touch and the final scene of the pilot has me hooked. The hint of Walter Clark's past are very intriguing, and the fact that he is a "Jr." has me wanting for more. In a market flooded with crime drama's, it appears Golden Boy has a found it's niche.

"Golden Boy", is the most original cop drama since, "Law and Order"! Rarely do you see law enforcement television dramas from a rookie's perspective. The story is told from the point of view of the fictional Director of the FBI, a golden boy, who is the youngest ever to head the FBI. Through an episode long flashback, he chronicles his rise in the ranks, allowing viewers to experience his triumphs and shortcomings as a rookie homicide detective. I just hope that the episode long flashbacks are a tad bit shorter, allowing his present day position as FBI Director to be experienced also. I've never seen actor Theo James, who portrays the golden boy, rookie homicide detective, in a movie or TV series (that I can remember). His chemistry with his veteran homicide detective partner, portrayed by Chi McBride, is hilarious at times. Overall, you can sense that there is a competitive streak in all of the detectives, an innate need to establish dominance among their coworkers, thereby chiseling their presence within the homicide unit. You get the feeling that some detectives are willing to intentionally sabotage their fellow detectives careers, in order to make themselves look good. It's fulfilling to see the veteran detective guard and steer his rookie partner through all the bureaucratic B/S.