Made in Jersey

Made in Jersey is an American legal drama television series that aired on CBS from September to December 2012. Although its run in the world of TV was comparatively short-lived, the show introduced audiences to a quirky yet compelling mix of a Cinderella-style narrative with the traditional legal drama, echoing undertones of shows such as 'The Good Wife' but with a unique twist of its own.

The show centers around the character of Martina Garretti, charmingly portrayed by British actress, Janet Montgomery. She’s the protagonist embodying the heart and soul of the story; a street-smart, working class Jersey girl who conquers New York's top law firm, Stark & Rowan. Juggling the expectations of her blue-collar, close-knit, Italian-American family and her glamourous, high-stakes professional life, Martina exudes an irresistible charm that's both refreshing and relatable.

Raised in a large family with two different generations living under one roof, Martina is no stranger to chaos, confrontation or negotiation - all skills that prove handy when dealing with legal disputes. Although her personality, approach, and even her accent set her apart from her uptight, Ivy League colleagues, her resourcefulness and practical way of reasoning make her an secret asset to the firm.

Setting Made in Jersey apart from other legal dramas is its engaging blend of family themes and courtroom proceedings. Martina juggles dealing with cases, her family's dynamics, and the social scene of the high-end law firm, connecting her two very different worlds as she fights for justice for her clients. Martina’s different perspective isn't always accepted readily in her firm, but her tenacity and determination to protect her clients often yield unexpectedly beneficial outcomes.

This contrast between Martina's home and work life breathed a new kind of energy into the fairly trodden path of legal dramas. Where others in the genre often portray their protagonists as superhuman or infallible, Made in Jersey gave viewers a unique protagonist who's simultaneously navigating two worlds that are polar opposites. This balance between the courtroom and family drama is a key ingredient in this show's unique flavor.

The show's secondary characters are vibrantly crafted and play meaningful roles within the narrative. Martina's family members, including her opinionated mother, sexy older sister, smart-aleck teenage niece, and gruff but lovable butcher father are reliably authentic and capture the essence of a lively Italian-American household.

The work environment contrasts sharply with tough, couture-clad senior partner, Donovan Stark, played by Kyle MacLachlan, and Donovan's sardonic British assistant, named after the river Nile are among the eclectic cast that constitute the prestigious law firm. Martina's interactions with these ensemble of characters creates amusing, poignant and often thought-provoking moments.

Interesting to note is how the show leverages the whole Jersey girl angle to create a unique identity within its genre. The show's creators rely on Martian's Jersey upbringing not just as a gimmick but use it to shape her character, her relationships, and shine through in her legal approach. This combined with the often clandestine world of New York's top law firms genuinely adds zest to the show.

In Made in Jersey, CBS served up an appealing mix of drama, wit, and the underdog spirit all tied together by a spirited and likable lead character. Whilst its stint was brief, this series provided a refreshing take on the legal drama genre, demonstrating that sometimes the best results come from the most unexpected places. Despite Martina's insistence that she is a typical Jersey girl, her shining intelligence, ambition, and distinct approach to her work make it clear she's anything but typical, and the same can be said about the show. Audiences can definitely enjoy her unique flair and maneuvering through the elite staleness of the corporate law world, all the while staying true to her roots.