An episode of Southland without police officers Sherman and Cooper?

Indeed, this week's new installment of the NBC drama proved just how deep and versatile of a cast it possesses.

With Detective Lydia Adams (Regina King) at the center of a case that involved a dead, raped girl in an alley, and Detective Sammy Bryant dealing with his unbalanced wife, this was actually our favorite episode of the season.

Read all about "Sally in the Ally" now!

Southland still needs to get rid of its lame, censored cursing. But the show is improving each and every week.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.