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The Guardian is an American drama series which aired on CBS from September 25, 2001 to May 4, 2004. It is currently showing in re-runs on the Sleuth Channel in the US. The Guardian has also aired in the United Kingdom on the Hallmark Channel, ABC1 (April 2006) and more recently five USA (May 2009) and as of August 2009, Five. In Australia the show aired on Network Ten with re-runs airing on Arena.

Synopsis

The series revolved around protagonist Nick Fallin, a corporate attorney sentenced to 1500 hours community service with Legal Services of Pittsburgh as the result of a drug conviction. The plot focused on Nick's community service and recovery from drug addiction, as well as his strained relationship with his father who was president of the corporate law firm where Nick was employed full time. It included guest stars such as Farrah Fawcett and included scenes with the Pittsburgh Police in multiple episodes.

Cast

• Simon Baker as Nicholas "Nik" Fallin - a lawyer sentenced to community service working for the community due to drugs charges. The central protagonist, he is a repressed individual whose work and relationships are the focus for the serial.
• Dabney Coleman as Burton Fallin - Nik's father and senior partner at the law firm where Nick works. They do not have a close relationship. He fosters Shannon Gressler.
• Alan Rosenberg as Alvin Masterson - In charge of Legal Services of Pittsburgh, where Nick serves his community service. Alvin dates Laurie and is arrested with a prostitute
• Wendy Moniz as Louisa "Lulu" Archer - Nik's de facto boss from mid-season one, and his main love interest. She marries another man, but Nick's feelings still run deep.
• Raphael Sbarge as Jake Straka - As close as Nik gets to a best friend, Jake is somewhat misguided but not malicious.
• Charles Malik Whitfield as James Mooney - works at Legal Services of Pittsburgh. Has a gangs and drugs background, and is shot in the season two finale.
• Erica Leerhsen as Amanda Bowles - an ambitious but caring associate, who leaves mid-way through season one.
• Amanda Michalka as Shannon Gressler - Shannon's mother dies in the season one finale, and Burton Fallin comes to care for her. Troubled kid.
• Kathleen Chalfant as Laurie Solt -hard working social worker who provides a lot of guidance for Nik.
• Chris Doorley as Jimmy Maden

Notable guest stars

Farrah Fawcett appeared in four episodes as a troubled single grandma and love interest of Burton Fallin. Lolita Davidovich appeared in two episodes as a social welfare advocate and love interest of Alvin Masterson. Will Ferrell guests as Larry in the season two finale.

Production notes

The show was set in Pittsburgh, and was filmed in the city from time to time. The theme song from season two onwards was "Empire in My Mind" performed by The Wallflowers.

DVD releases

On July 27, 2009, CBS Home Entertainment (distributed by Paramount) announced they will be bring the first season to DVD, which was released on October 27, 2009. [1]

CBS/Paramount only controls video rights in the USA (where CBS Television Distribution has ancillary rights). Outside the US, Sony Pictures Television International controls distribution rights, and any international DVD releases will be from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

External links

• The Guardian at the Internet Movie Database
• The Guardian at TV.com
• The Guardian at epguides.com