Backstrom is described as a character-driven police procedural but it really is outside of the box. This show has strong cult classic written all over it. Whether it will be allowed time to achieve its market potential is, as of this writing, up in the air (as far as I know ;)
What is its magic? It includes: * A fabulous cast of actors creating believable multidimensional characters within excellent, non predictable plot lines. * Really smart direction, cutting, costuming meticulous for each character, and the absolute beauty of endlessly wet Portland. * Huge diverse multi generational market potential. * Irreverence. Really smart irreverence.
The show is funny, and in many scripts in this first season, took excellent aim at some of the sacred cows of television stereotypes; non-heroic firefighters, anyone? Just get it done justice? Perhaps the most charismatic believable preacher ever to strap on a gun? The cutest pair of brothers ever to share television housing? (If you quibble on that - take the average.) Even the romantic pairings are beautifully weird; the relationships can't work, they are doomed - and they work perfectly to mesmerize.
The turns and twists of the social commentary in this contemporary Don Quiote are perfectly aimed; it is the empathy which irresistibly grows on the viewers as the series develops which keep us laughing, nodding and shaking our heads; it has THE hallmark of a really excellent long term series.
Let's hope the people who make the decisions see the remarkable potential in this show.
As a side note - I am amazed at the number of negative user reviews posted in January of this year - before the episodes aired. Mostly these reviews compared the show to other comedy-drama procedurals, poorly. Too bad those reviewers didn't see the series - but they prove: this show is different. Beautifully and a little disturbing different.
What is its magic? It includes: * A fabulous cast of actors creating believable multidimensional characters within excellent, non predictable plot lines. * Really smart direction, cutting, costuming meticulous for each character, and the absolute beauty of endlessly wet Portland. * Huge diverse multi generational market potential. * Irreverence. Really smart irreverence.
The show is funny, and in many scripts in this first season, took excellent aim at some of the sacred cows of television stereotypes; non-heroic firefighters, anyone? Just get it done justice? Perhaps the most charismatic believable preacher ever to strap on a gun? The cutest pair of brothers ever to share television housing? (If you quibble on that - take the average.) Even the romantic pairings are beautifully weird; the relationships can't work, they are doomed - and they work perfectly to mesmerize.
The turns and twists of the social commentary in this contemporary Don Quiote are perfectly aimed; it is the empathy which irresistibly grows on the viewers as the series develops which keep us laughing, nodding and shaking our heads; it has THE hallmark of a really excellent long term series.
Let's hope the people who make the decisions see the remarkable potential in this show.
As a side note - I am amazed at the number of negative user reviews posted in January of this year - before the episodes aired. Mostly these reviews compared the show to other comedy-drama procedurals, poorly. Too bad those reviewers didn't see the series - but they prove: this show is different. Beautifully and a little disturbing different.