Sincerely, MAB

Picture Credits: Edward Gajdel, Global

In my preview of Rookie Blue, I had a few misgivings, but was willing to give it a few episodes before making a final judgment on its place in my weekly viewing schedule. Well, I'm quite pleased that after four episodes (the latest of which aired tonight on Global TV), to offer you these thoughts on the show. I'll follow the movie review format, for lack of a better format for now.

Trailer:

Summary:

The promo starts by pronouncing that "everyone remembers their first day". I can only imagine that the first day for a rookie police officer that just graduated from the academy is no different. Rookie Blue follows the lives of five rookies, on the mean streets of Toronto. Well, you know it's Toronto, even though it's never explicitly stated. Anyway, a lot of people (myself included) have likened it to a Grey's Anatomy for the police set. This wouldn't be that far from the truth. Sexy interns... err, I mean rookies... Trying situations. Yep, it's got all the ingredients that made Grey's such a great show, especially in the first two seasons.

Liked:

• Awkward Cast

Okay, I know awkward cast does not generally go well together, especially for TV dramas, but let's be honest, these guys (and gals!) are rookies, and they're supposed to be awkward and unsure, despite their bravado and chutzpah. I doubt that the awkwardness is real, but it's definitely well portrayed. The cast does a great job of highlighting the difficulties of your first day on the job, especially when people's lives are on the line. Each member of the cast brings their own experience and style to the table, which I think has really helped flesh out the characters.


• Not Over The Top

One thing that I really appreciate is the credibility of the assignments that the rookies are given. They're not going to perform heart surgery on a stalled elevator (10 points for whomever catches the reference) on their first day, so when they're stuck at the front desk, or on a long stakeout, you can feel their frustration. Some of the rookies want nothing more than to get some glory and to prove themselves on their first day out, while others are unsure of their own talents and abilities.

• Three-Dimensional Characters

The biggest thing I was worried about in my preview was that each character exhibited a fairly one-dimensional archetype, although I gave the show credit for only being the pilot. You have Andy McNally (Missy Peregrym), the prodigal daughter of a fallen legend; Dov Epstein (Gregory Smith), full of bluster and bravado hiding the scared man underneath; Gail Peck (Charlotte Sullivan) who is an overly confident and glory-stealing woman eager to prove herself and separate herself from her mother's legacy; Traci Nash (Enuka Okama), who's afraid to reveal her motherhood status for fear of it affecting her career; and Chris Diaz (Travis Milne), the calm, self-assured type-A overachiever who's too wholesome and by-the-books for his own good.


• Strong Supports

The cast also benefit from a very solid support cast, acting as inspectors, training officers, chiefs, etc. These people are the ones responsible for helping the rookies navigate the challenges of the "first day". Each has their own skills, quirks and demons, which will only serve as excellent foils to each of the characters.

Disliked:

• Gail Peck

I hate her character, but I think I'm supposed to. I think this speaks strongly to Charlotte Sullivan's skills as an actor. I'm just saying that her character gets on my nerves and sets off an internal alarm. She seems really sweet, but I'm getting a conniving and unreliable vibe from her. Just saying... I've got my eyes on you Peck. *shifty eyes*

Final Thoughts:
This show has definitely made it on my regular weekly viewing, and is set to PVR all episodes as they air. Hubby works late on Thursdays, so we usually watch it after the show's started, so PVRing it is a necessity. I think this is going to be a great fun summer show, hopefully with a few seasons in it. The great cast (both main and supporting), credible storylines and interesting characters has definitely piqued my interest. In addition, the fact that it's Canadian made, starring a number of Canadian actors really pulls at my Canadian heart strings. I'm all for supporting Canadian TV, especially when it's good.

Disclosure: I pay for my own cable bill and PVR. I received no promotional consideration for this show. Also, the screencaps are courtesy of ABC via IMDB.