‘One of the Good Ones’ hits Prime Video as Tom Paolino takes on legal accountability with comedy

(NEW YORK, NY) – 2/9/2026 – The indie comedy-drama One of the Good Ones will premiere on Prime Video in March 2026 via Indie Rights, with additional releases to follow on YouTube and Google Play.

The 84-minute feature centers on an honest Buffalo attorney who has made it his life’s mission to hold fellow lawyers accountable. Popularity is not part of the plan.

An Audience Award winner, the film is inspired by real events inside Buffalo’s Lawyers’ Discipline Office and is based on Vincent Scarsella’s four-book Lawyers Gone Bad series. Scarsella served 18 years as Deputy Chief Counsel of the LDO, investigating more than 15,000 complaints involving alleged unethical and illegal conduct by attorneys.

Dean makes truth personal on screen

Tom Paolino stars as Dean and serves as executive producer. A veteran of Blue Bloods, FBI, and Law & Order: SVU, Paolino steps into a role that is less procedural, more personal.

“It’s fun to stop people pleasing and tell the truth.”

Dean is modeled directly on Scarsella. “Vince taught me what it meant to ‘dig’ at the LDO when investigating his peers for bad behavior and corruption.” While the film incorporates real cases — including the character of Gladys Stanfield — Paolino acknowledges selective dramatization.

“There was not a murderous District Attorney, however….What surprised me most was that most of them were found to be invalid.”

Comedy first, drama close behind

The film deliberately labels itself comedy/drama — in that order.

“Absolutely necessary. Especially when it comes to violations of trust between civil servants and the public, comedy helps the audience receive and stay connected to the story.”

Dean occasionally speaks directly to camera, a break from Paolino’s prior network roles.

Bold on screen risks pay off

“That doesn’t happen in those shows, at least not thus far.”

The tonal risk resonated with audiences.

“That joyful, creative risk is really paying off for us.”

As executive producer, Paolino says the hardest lesson wasn’t performance — it was visibility.

“My biggest challenge was being visible when I made mistakes as a leader. I learned that the greatest opportunity to unify your team is to openly admit mistakes when you make them.”

Director Julie O’Hora, who co-wrote the film with Scarsella, kept the performance grounded.

Julie stood by and sparked questions

“Julie had my back with occasional reminders such as, ‘…More Dean, please!’”

The film raises broader questions about institutional power.

“Checks and balances must be applied, no matter how supposedly noble a given profession may be.”

Legal sensitivities were handled by Scarsella and entertainment attorney Robert Sciglimpaglia, allowing the production to stay focused on story rather than litigation.

Buffalo as backbone

Filmed in Buffalo — the “City of Good Neighbors” — the location shaped the tone.

“If you can help someone, why wouldn’t you?”

Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame member Rob Ray appears as himself, adding lived-in credibility.

“Rob Ray is a natural-born actor because of his raw honesty.”

Composer Ludek Drizhal, whose song “Nothing’s There” was short-listed for the 80th Academy Awards, produced the score.

“Ludek’s score really pulls the film together.”

Redefining “good”

Dean is flawed but not cynical. Paolino drew inspiration from Ken Burns’ The American Buffalo to approach the character with humility.

“As an embodied Buffalo, Dean saw himself in those he investigated and thereby remained rooted.”

The title itself carries a broader meaning.

“It means remembering that your essence is love, and you can return to love anytime.”

Paolino hopes the Prime Video release shifts conversation away from binary judgment.

“I want the paradigm to shift away from seeing each other as good/bad and instead see each other along a spectrum of well to sick.”

Buffalo screening sparks curiosity about film

The ensemble includes Susan Gallagher (Cobra Kai), Jacob A. Ware (supporting lead in Sundance thriller Prime), and Amy Zubieta (The Chair Company).

A red carpet screening will be held March 8, 2026, at 11:30 AM (doors at 11:00 AM) at North Park Theatre in Buffalo, followed by a Q&A with cast and filmmakers.

With Scarsella’s four-book Lawyers Gone Bad series offering additional material — including a second installment, Personal Injuries, already adapted for potential 2027 production — One of the Good Ones may be the start of a longer conversation about accountability, integrity, and what it means to stay rooted while investigating your own.