In my opinion, there are three important factors that need to be considered when making/watching the pilot of a series: the introduction of the plot, the presentation, and the potential for lastability. Backstrom did a good job of introducing the main character as well as his general personality, but many of the supporting characters were very poorly incorporated. Several obvious attempts at running gags were introduced (and then repeated an unnecessary number of times) and a simple formula for the episode was established. Despite this, the pilot did its job of establishing a standard dramedy. The presentation, however, was sloppy. The script was uninspiring, the actors were portraying different characters than their lines called for, and the humor was badly timed. It seems as though little communication occurred between the writers and the actors. The characters (both the ones the actors portrayed and the ones their lines portrayed) are very stereotypical and overdone. Unfortunately these are issues that have plagued the pilots of many great series', and are generally to be expected, however disappointing they may be. In terms of lastability, this show does have a chance, though slim. If they can improve upon their writing and acting disconnect, as well as create better scripts, then this show has the potential to become a great series. There are many amazing shows with very humble, sloppy beginnings (cough* The Office cough*) and I would love to see Backstrom join their ranks.
Review of Backstrom
