Filming on season five of the gritty crime drama Southland is now underway in Los Angeles. TNT announced the start of production on the critically acclaimed series, which returns on February 13, 2013 at 10pm.
Michael Cudlitz, Shawn Hatosy, Regina King, and Ben McKenzie are back in starring roles, with guest star C. Thomas Howell getting promoted up to series regular. Dorian Missick, L Scott Caldwell, and Emily Bergl will be returning in guest-starring roles.
The network also announced Chad Michael Murray will have a two-episode arc during the fifth season.
The Plot: In Southland, Cudlitz plays Officer John Cooper, a recovering addict who, this season, starts to wonder what he has really accomplished after more than 20 years on the force. Hatosy plays Officer Sammy Bryant, a detective-turned-beat-cop facing a whole new set of problems with his estranged wife. King plays Detective Lydia Adams, who meets probably the biggest challenge of her life – becoming a mother. And McKenzie is Officer Ben Sherman, whose growing maturity as a cop brings a darker attitude and increased tension between him and his partner, Sammy.
Now a series regular, four-season veteran Howell plays Officer “Dewey” Dudek, a recovering alcoholic who revels in his unpredictable behavior and off-color remarks. Missick reprises his recurring role from last season as Detective Ruben Robinson, who provides some experienced parental insight for his partner, Lydia. Bergl will return as Tammi Bryant, who has brought nothing but trouble upon her soon-to-be ex-husband, Sammy.
Caldwell will return in her recurring role as Lydia’s caring but sometimes intrusive mother. And Murray is set to appear in a two-episode arc as Dave Mendoza, a likable cop who is a bit of a loose cannon and whose off-duty behavior may not always be the best influence on Ben.
