I'm inclined to call Dark Blue "the best show you're not watching," except that I keep reminding myself that a decent number of you are. Enough of you to get it renewed for another season anyway. The inclination won't go away though, and I'm forced to try and figure out why that is. All I can come up with is that maybe it is just the best show no one seems to be talking about.
Fronted by Dylan McDermott, the gritty crime drama follows a special unit of undercover officers who "technically don't exist," as the show is fond of saying. Moving more toward The Shield than the majority of cop shows, Dark Blue plays for atmosphere, and dancing on the line between right and wrong. On their own in many ways, while in more dangerous circumstances than most cops will ever see, the officers on this crew often have to do whatever to takes to get the bust, and just to survive.
McDermott is surprisingly believable as the leader of the roughest cops around, and Omari Hardwick and Logan Marshall-Green are impressive in roles that are obviously quite complex.
What really makes the show is the talent acquired for the guest roles, because we see a lot more of the criminals than in most any show, and they have so far pulled off their parts to great effect. There is as much work here in writing solid characters into each week's bad guys as your average show ever puts into the main cast.
Though the intensity is occasionally a bit over the top, there is something undeniably attractive about the idea of undercover cops, and the show works that attractiveness with an almost detrimental commitment to the writing and reality. Reality perhaps in quotes here, but the show takes chances, and follows its train of purpose, even when the calls it makes might turn the show into something unwatchable.
Certain key elements stand out, especially once we get a few episodes in, that tell you in no uncertain terms that we aren't putting the show together with thoughts of what people want to watch, but what show we want to create. Hopefully, people want to watch that, but the show isn't exactly selling itself.
With interesting, diverse, and complicated stories, and characters who are honest enough to find most of their likability in their unlikability, Dark Blue is a show you shouldn't miss. Even if you don't become a fan, it's worth meeting something once in a while that doesn't care if you become a fan.
You also want to make sure you have the chance to catch up if necessary. Season Two hits TNT on August 4th.
Unfortunately, the DVD release is without special features, apart from a preview of season two, and that is becoming a difficult sell these days.
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Check out a clip of the show below.
Edgy, mysterious and atmospheric, Dark Blue is a high-octane cop drama that centers on a group of dedicated law enforcers who operate in the shadows and lead double lives. The series focuses on LAPD Lt. Carter Shaw (Dylan McDermott – The Practice), part of a special undercover task force so covert that many of their own colleagues don’t even know of their actions. The strong-willed Shaw often pushes the limits of the law, understanding that in order to capture criminals, one must first get on their level. The task force also knows that going undercover may require cutting ties with those who mean the most. Adrift, isolated and frequently faced with situations that strain the line between right and wrong, these officers know that all that matters is loyalty to each other and the task at hand – bringing down the bad guys.
In addition to McDermott, Omari Hardwick (The Guardian), Logan Marshall-Green (The O.C.) and Nicki Aycox (Supernatural) star in the first season of Dark Blue. Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman (CSI series), Danny Cannon (CSI series), Doug Jung (Big Love) and Rick Eid (Law & Order) are the executive producers of the series, from Jerry Bruckheimer Television (JBTV) in association with Warner Horizon Television.
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About Marc Eastman
Marc Eastman is the owner and operator of Are You Screening? and has been writing film reviews for over a decade, and several branches of the internet's film review world have seen his name. His reviews have brought him personal praise from the director of a major motion picture, and have been used as required reading in a course at a major University. These priceless rewards, along with just bags of cash, keep him from straying from freelance writing. He is also a member of The Broadcast Film Critics Association and The Broadcast Television Journalists Association.
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