James Woods lauds 'Shark' TV script

PASADENA, Calif., July 17 (UPI) -- Twice-Oscar-nominated actor James Woods says the role he is playing in his first TV series, "Shark," is the best he has seen in 10 years.

"You look around at television now, and it's just hands down -- time after time, event after event, moment after moment -- it's just better than the movies," Woods told the Television Critics Association in Pasadena, Calif.

Woods compared the complex character he plays in "Shark" to the abrasive doctor played by Hugh Laurie on Fox's medical series, "House," the New York Daily News said Monday. "You have to work to like that character a bit."

"Shark" focuses on large-scale legal battles, giving Woods the opportunity to explore current issues. Many people were torn by the trials of O.J., Michael Jackson and Robert Blake, he said.

"These big dream-team cases have a very visceral effect," Woods said.

Co-star Jeri Ryan said she hoped their characters could hold off any romantic involvement.

"Because once they've gone to bed, that tension is gone," Ryan said. "It's either a relationship, or it's just awkward."