Over There (2005) User Reviews

Better than most.

[james-finley · 9/10 · 4 July 2006]

Interesting that various people have seen this as either right or left wing propaganda, and that some see it as portraying the troops as idiots or wimps while others see it as honoring them. That indicates that some people are seeing their own biases more than what's actually on the screen. The more pre-set their views, the less they appear to like this program.

I'm a retired Marine - served 20 years, enlisted and officer, a lot of it in the infantry and related fields - and I think this is more realistic in its portrayal of the atmosphere and interactions than 90% of films about the military. I dealt with some Sgt. Screams and Lt. Mad Cows in my time, and those characters are believable. The troops strike about the right balance of smarts and immaturity, newbie awkwardness and trained-in automatic competence, for kids new to combat.

This program deserves a wider audience and more seasons.

Excellent series

[megz21-1 · 9/10 · 18 June 2006]

I have just bought the season on DVD for my dad and we finished watching it a few days ago. I was so into the show I decided to go online to find out what happens in the next season only to find out there wasn't one as the show had been canceled. I was so disappointed. I don't understand the networks excuse for canceling the show. They said it wasn't getting enough viewers but its numbers were only marginally less than some very well established shows on the same network. I am very disappointed and think that maybe they should continue to film it and sell it overseas as it would get a great audience in places like Australia (plus thats what Australia has done with a few of their own shows ie. farscape: wasn't shown in Aust much but was huge overseas). I loves the series, the characters and the filming. It also made me really think. I never considered what our soldiers are going through over there but know I do think about it.

Good show

[elinden-58404 · 9/10 · 26 June 2021]

A unrealistic as it maybe is it's a good show.

I'm a war veteran and I still get tears in my eyes watching this show... because of its drama... the action maybe far fetched but the drama is real... the drama from the ones at home... the drama for the ones being over there...

Excellent so far

[riverjib · 24 August 2005]

This is one of the few shows in a while I've actually looked forward to watching every week. I know it's probably every bit as unrealistic as many military personnel have described here, but it's fiction. It's meant to tell a story, and just like any movie or (non-reality) TV show, it takes plenty of artistic license. I'm in the medical profession and I love "ER." Of course I laugh at how unbelievably inaccurate it usually is, but I enjoy it nonetheless. Additionally, I don't blame the doctors and nurses who act as advisors to the show; they don't produce it and have little more control over the script and special effects than imparting their own knowledge.

I'll definitely continue to watch "Over There."

Outstanding War Drama

[ReelCheese · 10/10 · 11 July 2006]

Fifty years from now, when television historians look back on this era, they will shake their heads in disbelief that a program as masterfully crafted as OVER THERE could not survive more than 13 episodes.

A product of the FX network, OVER THERE followed the lives of a diverse group of American soldiers on their first tour in Iraq. Chronological storytelling was used to perfection as viewers are with them from the moment they board the plane en route to their frightening new reality. We share their horror and shock when innocent civilians are mistakenly struck, when roadside bombs obliterate limbs, and when the best of intentions produce the most dreadful of results. On a more personal level, we see them contend not only with bullets and bombs overseas, but with adultery and family tragedy back home. We see Iraq not through a political lens, but through the eyes of those fighting for survival every single day.

None of the effectiveness of OVER THERE could have been achieved without the right cast. Producers deserve a lot of credit for this ensemble, led by Luke MacFarlane (Pte. Frank "Dim" Dumphy), Erik Palladino (Sgt. Chris "Sgt. Scream" Silas), Keith Robinson (Pte. Avery "Angel" King) and a surprisingly good Kirk "Sticky" Jones (Maurice "Smoke" Williams). Adding a female perspective are Lizette Carrion (Pfc. Esmerelda "Double Wide" Del Rio) and Nicki Aycox (Brenda "Mrs. B" Mitchell). These soldiers are all too complex and human. Dim is a college man shell-shocked by the carnage before him. Angel is a man of strong faith who signed up out of anger. Sgt. Scream drops hints he wants out of the army but has nothing to go back to. The interaction between such distinct personalities is one of the series' strongest assets.

For a show that was with us for so short of a period, OVER THERE certainly did not lack memorable moments. There are ethical dilemmas, such as when the soldiers find a stash of money that one of their own could desperately use back home. There are inspirational times, like when a soldier who lost his leg in an explosion valiantly continues with his life. Cultural barriers, media manipulation, and challenges in training Iraqi soldiers were among the many other topics covered.

One of the biggest criticisms of OVER THERE was that it never took a stance on such a contentious conflict. Few seemed to understand that this was part of its genius. Rather than get locked into a political debate, the show sought merely to present the war as it is. Whether the numbing violence we see is worth it or not is up to us. Indeed both sides of the war could study this program and use it to back up their point of view. You will be entertained regardless of your position.

In the end, OVER THERE was canceled because not enough people appreciated it. It's been said that the public may not have been ready for such a faithful adaptation of an ongoing conflict, with men and women still dying each and every day. That is understandable, but it doesn't necessarily make the loss of such a brilliant piece of work any easier to take.

A great show about the lives of soldiers fighting a meaningless war.

[docstrange · 10/10 · 31 October 2005]

Despite some predictable nitpicking from the would-be experts, "Over There" succeeds in conveying an accurate impression of what life is like for soldiers in a hostile environment.

The strongest aspect of "Over There" is the way the various characters are developed. Their lives are fleshed out to the point that you feel like you know them and care about what happens to them. Of course, being a TV show, there's an excess of drama in everyone's life. But, that said, the characters, their situations and the troubles they face are all believable and realistically presented.

The ensemble cast is exceptional and the acting is consistently excellent. Even with such a large cast every character remains distinct and memorable and the show avoids relegating any of them to second-tier status. The two female soldiers, Lizette Carrion (Doublewide) and Nicki Lynn Aycox (Mrs. B), do a great job of illustrating how deployment affects women, and remind us that even supposedly non-combat jobs like driver or mechanic are just as hazardous in Iraq as foot patrols. Erik Palladino is excellent as soldier's soldier Sgt. Scream, who highlights the fact that experienced noncoms like him are the backbone of the army as well as the difficulty the services have in retaining them.

Some shows manage to alienate their audience with characters that are so annoying or unlikeable it's impossible to care about them, but "Over There" accomplishes something rare: even when one of the characters does something unforgivably stupid, cruel or selfish, they remain sympathetic and keep you invested in what happens to them.

There have been complaints about the way the soldiers are depicted, but I think the show does a good job of being realistic while highlighting these soldiers' professionalism, self-sacrifice and constant struggle to do the best job they can in what are often difficult and dangerous no-win situations.

The producers also deserve a lot of credit for not sugarcoating the war or the soldiers' attitudes about the Iraqis. If anything they could do more to make clear what the US media has mostly overlooked: the horrific toll of war on the civilian population. Many people opposed this war on humanitarian grounds. Just as in Vietnam, just as in every war of the modern era, there are 10 innocent civilian casualties- mostly women, old people and children- for every armed insurgent or "terrorist" killed. War should always be a last resort, never an affirmative policy objective.

The war in Iraq took a bad situation and made it worse, compounding the error through ignorance, arrogance and incompetence. At a time when major news organizations have grown so timid they are only willing to show a sanitized, non-controversial version of the war for fear of offending those in power, we need more shows like "Over There", shows that are willing to tell the whole, unvarnished truth, uncolored by any agenda.

Excellent show

[JuzAGirl · 10/10 · 13 August 2006]

Over There is one of the best TV drama's I have ever watched. It really hits home what it's like to be in the middle of war, with great acting by all the cast, in particular Erik Palladino in his role as the sergeant. Most of what is shown seems pretty realistic and believable. We see what it's like to be amidst war as well as the soldiers' personal lives back home and exactly what they have to deal with. So many issues are confronted such as religion, family, effect of deployment, unity etc. I definitely recommend this to everyone - even if you don't agree with war. Too bad the show was axed after the first series.

Online Petition For a New Season of Over There

[majic2151 · 10/10 · 7 June 2006]

This is generally not the type of show that I would normally watch but it was recommended to me by my sister so I decided to tune in. Now I love it so much that I have purchased the Season 1 DVD's. I must admit, I really don't know a lot about the military, especially the US Military (as I am from Australia) so I have no idea how accurate the details of the show are, but I do know how watching this show has touched me and given me an even greater respect for the men and women not only in Iraq but from all wars across time. If this show has touched you as much as it has me, then please go to the site below and voice your support by signing the petition. Let's show the powers that be over at the FX Network that we are serious about wanting another season.

http://www.petitiononline.com/s2overth/

Success

[ktrader1 · 7/10 · 27 May 2016]

I am enjoying the show. Is it great Television no, then again it's better than a lot of TV shows to choose from.

Both my brothers fought in Iraq. I know people who remind me of the characters in the show. From the soldiers to the wives, to the idiots.

Is this a window into the struggles of the Families that where affected by the War in Iraq, quite possibly.

When I watch the show I see this young kid that works with me. He was there it wasn't pretty. He was blown up by an IED and is deaf in one ear.

So in some aspects the show has successfully done exactly what the writers wanted to achieve. For that I give it seven stars.

"Stuff Happens, People Die"

Excellent series about the war in Iraq

[Jamesdlennox · 10/10 · 3 July 2006]

Over There is an excellent series about the war in Iraq. It paints in detail the hard ships endured by the soldiers while over seas and their families who remain behind. Over There does not take sides to whether the war is right or wrong, it just tells a story from the soldiers point of view. In over there we follow the lives of Dim, Double Wide, Mrs. B., Sargent Scream, Bo, Angel, and Smoke, as they serve their country. The series lasted 13 episodes before it was cut due to a loss in ratings. The series first aired on FX in the U.S.A. and on the History Channel in Canada. The actors did an outstanding job in their roles as soldiers, and it is hard to remember that they are just paid actors.

I love it!

[bizurke · 10/10 · 29 April 2006]

I absolutely loved "Over There" I waited all week for the next episode and me, my roommates, and friends, all sat down to watch it with excitement. I think we even had a NO TALKING rule in place during the show and half the time we would watch it again when they replayed it afterwards. I'm very disappointed in FX for canceling this show, and from the looks of it there will be no DVD of the first season. I'll be stuck wondering what's going to happen forever. I am wondering if the people in charge of this show will try to get an other cable network, or even regular network, to pick the show up? I'm sure it will never happen but a guy can hope can't he? I just found out today, after months of waiting to see more commercials on FX, that this show was canceled in November of 2005 and I'm very sad and sickened by this. The reason I have seen is because it received 3.1 million viewers in comparison to Rescue Me's 3.8 million. Though I understand this from a business point I think they should have given it an other season to pick up, or at least let them make a final episode/movie for the series to tie up all the loose ends.

Over There is Over Blown

[espike007 · 1/10 · 5 August 2005]

Steven Bochco's "Over There" is to Operation Iraqi Freedom what "Lost In Space" was to the Apollo program. As an OIF vet, and an officer with 24 years experience in uniform I watched the pilot episode on FX and was appalled. I watched the whole thing and gave it a chance, but It was garbage, totally unbelievable with implausible situations, characters, and dialog. Who is the military consultant on this show? Michael Moore?

Bochco and co-producer, writer Chris Gerolmo have made US Soldiers look stupid, unprofessional and completely inept. Portraying them as regulation-breaking, pot-smoking, back-talking, and risk taking was insulting to the hard-working pros that make up the vast majority of military members, especially those serving in Iraq. This production is not helping our soldiers at all; it makes them look bad at a time when we can ill afford to damage their credibility with the public. Their use of worn-out stereotypes of screaming sergeants, racism against black soldiers, sexism against female soldiers, and contempt of officers is outrageous and could not be further from the truth. They have simply taken characters out of old war movies and recast them in desert camouflage.

We don't throw rookies into the fight without any training. Troops in Iraq have been together for a long time in the US training for many months before going overseas. When they arrive in theater, they train some more. When they reach their base, they train some more. Our soldiers know each very well way before they find themselves in a firefight. The idea that new recruits would be dropped into a fire fight is Viet Nam era thinking. It just isn't done today. Our professional non commissioned officers (sergeants) do not swear at officers, or scream at their soldiers. They do not threaten them..."I'll shoot you myself." And they would never make one sergeant stay behind to train "virgins".

It is clear they had no current or former members of the Army participating. Their reference sources are "Platoon" and "Apocalypse Now", plus the headlines from newspapers. They are not at all interested in what is really happening in Iraq, how Army units operate, what tremendous progress is being made, or how many lives have been changed for good now that the freedom loving people of Iraq are free from Saddam Hussein and his dictatorship.

From the POV of a former drama student (Possible spoilers)

[kknauer · 17 August 2005]

I have found "Over There" to be unmissable. It's not trying to be a war documentary. The point of a television series is to create drama, and that's why things may not play out like real-life. How come the characters don't know one another by the time they have their first combat experience? Because the audience doesn't know the characters. Those scenes are designed so that the viewer is learning who these people are. It's an example of the necessity of taking artist license. The dialogue has to be functional. The characters shouldn't be talking just for the sake of it. Information needs to be conveyed to the audience.

I find that the show thoughtfully examines the Iraq war through the eyes of soldiers who represent different viewpoints of the American public. People who have never been in the military could not necessarily relate to an experienced soldier's feelings about the various incidents that occur in each episode. Part of this show's purpose is to put the non-military audience in the soldier's place; to understand what it is to be faced with the dilemma of killing someone who may or may not be trying to kill you. Who is simply a civilian, and who is enemy? The episode in which the characters are manning a roadside checkpoint is a splendid example of just such a scenario.

The public may be able to relate to the show when they see characters who may represent their viewpoint. On tonight's episode I saw the character, Angel, (a Christian if I'm not mistaken), make a remark that he had more in common with the enemy, because of spiritual belief in the afterlife, than in his black, American comrade who grew up running around in gangs. Ryder's replacement is an American of Arab origin, who at first is viewed with suspicion by some of the soldiers in the group. The character, Dim, seems to represent the "conscience" that comes from idealism, but already he is beginning to understand that sometimes one has to kill or be killed despite best intentions.

The show also has a nice storyline about an amputee determined to go back into combat in some capacity, and the close relationship he has with his young wife. It goes further into the civilian side, following the families of the soldiers back home, and how they cope with having to maintain a seemingly normal life and handle emergencies in the absence of their loved-ones.

I'm sorry that a vet might find the show offensive. From my POV, the show does not make these soldiers look stupid. It simply emphasizes the guts it takes to do what you guys do. From the standpoint of drama, it does a very nice job, and over time it could grow into one of Bochco's best series. It's not fair to judge it by the pilot episode alone, which I enjoyed, but even as uneducated in modern military matters as I am, I saw mistakes it should have avoided. Hopefully over time, it will get the technical attention it's apparently lacking, (although I don't enough to know what's wrong most of the time.) The rest of the time, I just see good drama, and that's what it's all about.

Over There is Educational and Important

[lydias-1 · 10/10 · 6 June 2006]

We definitely need another season of this show! Over There was a great show that did inform it's viewers of many of the things going on over seas. With out this show people will forget whats going on Over There. Over There wasn't just a war show, it displayed the various social issues that many service men and woman and their families deal with on a daily basis. Over There helps people feel a social and emotional connection to an unjust war miles away while educating the viewers. PUT OVER THERE BACK ON WE NEED IT FOR OUR COUNTRY SO THAT PEOPLE CAN VISUALLY SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING. The actors of Over There knew how to create a sense connection between the viewers and the actors. I found this series to be emotion while entertaining. I was inspired to learn more about the war in Iraq so that I can be educated to make an informed decision in the next election. Don't let another president hurt our country by sending our soldiers and family members to fight a war that we can never win.

"Over There" makes us appreciate our military's sacrifices

[brookie62 · 10/10 · 3 July 2006]

I just wanna say that my husband is deployed for the third time and I faithfully watched "Over There" every week it helped me understand what my husband has been through and how to be sensitive to his needs while being deployed.I also want to say that seeing this movie really helped me to appreciate all of our military for the sacrifices that they make for each and everyone of us, I think they did a great job and would love to see another season of it.I have been with my husband for two deployments and each time the harder it gets, but I'm so proud that he is willing to put his life on the line for the future of our country ..our children and our grandchildren's future that is what I call a man.

gritty and realistic

[digits2002 · 10/10 · 9 September 2006]

I just finished watching the entire first season and I'm impressed. As a Veteran I can only say that Steven Bochco really got it right. If you've never been in combat or been shot at by hostiles this gives you a little bit of what it feels like. A cherry unit led by a short timer coalesces in spite of cultural, spiritual, and diverse back grounds. That's the way it is in real life. Sgt. Silas is the consummate leader and the diverse backgrounds of his new squad is so dramatic. You get to watch as these people learn how to overcome their prejudices and bond into a unit that can get the job done. During some of the episodes I'll admit that I became a bit "misty eyed", but I've got kids that age and they have friends over there. I volunteered to go at the outbreak of hostilities but was turned down because of my age. It's a shame to see some of our best and brightest next generation giving up their lives.

An amazing series

[charlene_boyle · 10/10 · 19 June 2006]

I don't think I've seen a series on television that I have related to better then "Over There." Of the 13 episodes that were released I think that I cried through parts of at least 1/2 of them, and I assure you i'm not easily moved by television shows. Each episode contained something that reminded me of friends I have either serving in Iraq or who have served. There are some inaccuracies in the film when comparing it to what is going on "Over there" but for a fictional series about Iraq I was very pleased with how it was written and acted. Many details were included such as soldiers handing out candy to the children, which was something a friend of mine, who is an Infantry SGT. told me of when he got home from serving.

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding this series along with low rating that has caused it to be cancelled. This I feel is a major pity. People seem to want to avoid thinking about what happens to soldiers when they serve in Iraq, it's easier to not think about it and criticize the troops who are fighting. A series like this forces us to think about the situation by making soldiers "real," by making a war that is across the world "real" to us.

We need a series like this one to make us aware of the horrors these men and women face everyday to protect us. This series with interesting plots tackling many situation situations is excellent. The actors were all amazing, allowing us to see the diverse personalities of those men and women who serve, because of their good acting. Some characters you come to hate while others you grow to love, but the main thing is you grow to want to know how they're stories end. It's unfortunate we'll never know....

This is a great mini series

[jason1085 · 10/10 · 20 June 2006]

I am a 7 year vet and have actually been to Iraq during the opening days of the war in Mar of 03. This show means so much to the people who have served there. It is so sad and hard for me to believe that the show has been canceled due to lack of interest. I am praying that the creators will notice the profits from their DVD sales and begin thinking of a second season. I don't think it should be a on-going TV show, but maybe just make one last season to end it so we are not lost in the character development. I only wish that the creators of this show bring this back. Think of HBO's Band of Brothers. They made a beginning and an end for this mini-series. Its only fair to us and the actors who put in so much effort to entertain us.

Amazing action packed series!

[devilpupkosmicki · 10/10 · 1 November 2010]

This series was beyond amazing. Words cannot even describe how perfect this series was! I am so disappointed that it didn't go beyond the first season. Believe me, I'm not the only one who wishes they'd continue this show. I admit, I was skeptical to watch it at first but after the first episode, I was hooked! And being all motivated for my own branch (the Marine Corps) I was more hesitant to watch some "hooah" series. But it freaking blew my mind! Amazing!!! And I'm sure I'm not the only one who fell for "SSG Scream". ;) The writers couldn't have been more accurate when they were looking in on how the military actually is, or how it effects families. The "Iraq" setting looked nothing like Iraq, but the action that goes on over there (no pun intended)...they nailed it! I will recommend this show to anyone that asks about it. I love this series THAT much! And believe me, I'll keep watching the first series...it never gets old!

Great unintentional comedy

[simonpark · 1/10 · 19 January 2007]

This program first aired in the Uk about April last year (2006) and i sat down with a few friends, one of which was a major in the British army another is a TA officer (Uk equivalent of the national guard) who served in Iraq during the initial invasion. All three of us had high hopes for the series having been impressed by the adverts we had seen on TV however the first action scene which takes place behind a large mound was so comical all three of us couldn't help laughing, they where only getting shot at from one direction and where barely outnumbered and not even out gunned yet they are behaving like they are all about to die! The acting is over the top and frankly awful, neither one of my friends with combined army experience of over 20 years who experienced both gulf wars had ever experienced moments when their troops had lost their heads at all during combat, no where near as much as the characters in this show where! These are meant to be professional soldiers and if this is something to judge the whole of the U.S. army on its no wonder we're getting no-where in Iraq! So in conclusion this show is cringe-worthy at best so if you want a decent war drama steer well clear of this one!

I highly recommend this show!

[maryjl · 27 October 2005]

Over There is an amazingly well acted and thought provoking show. It really brings home the people part of war and what's happening in Iraq. I'm really getting attached to these characters. The casting of this show was well done. I am a new fan of each and every one of these soldiers, although Eric Palladino has always been a favorite of mine. I'm glad to see him in this role, which he is so well suited for. As with anything, I'm sure there are aspects of it that are not completely authentic, but it's close enough to convey the spirit of what takes place in war. I also like the way the show deals with the personal lives of the soldiers, showing the struggles that occur and accelerate when people are separated in this manner.

Ciprian

[greenberet_bycipri · 10/10 · 30 December 2006]

I like so much this film and i think it is great, and i like also the view of US Army in this movie. I am a big fan of this film and i like all the actors how play, in special Erik Palladino, Josh Henderson, Luke MacFarlane, Keith Robinson, Sticky Fingaz, Omid Abtahi, Lizette Carrion, Nicki Aycox and all others actor. I like you all. And i hope to make some other season because i am locking foreword to see the new episode. And i wish to meet all of you but i think this it not possible because i don't think i can came in USA but you don't know maybe i will.

With all respect and truthfulness Ciprian from Alba Iulia (Romania,Europe )

over there

[lostinboston903 · 10/10 · 22 May 2008]

OK first i would like to say that i love this show i bought the only season on DVD,as for the political aspect of the show i don't care, last i knew it was freedom of speech,so why did the show get canned..? if a show brings reality into your living room and you don't like it then change the channel or turn your TV off,i for one like reality and what the show was Showing us as far as the what the military was doing, i know that its not all real but think many people could not distinguish the two, my point is that there are a lot worse shows on TV now why are they still on ? is it because they don't have an impact on real life issues? do you think the government has to much to say about our rights as a nation and what we can and cannot watch i do. peace lostinboston

Great should have never been canceled

[Prophetik · 10/10 · 11 May 2020]

This show had great potential, should been continued

Great Show!

[nae21915 · 10/10 · 8 May 2008]

If i could give this show a higher rating I would! I know this is a little late for a review or comment, but never really thought about posting something online until now. I live overseas with my parents whom are American, but go to school in the states and when i brought this show back over to Saudi Arabia for them to watch, i never got my DVD's back. The show then got passed around the camp ever sense then and I've watched and recommended this series still to this day to anyone who asks for something to watch. This is so real to what goes on over there. There are people who are friends of our family and live on the camp we do in Saudi still asking if there is a season two coming out. So if there ever were another season to come out there's plenty of support from the overseas expats.