‘On Call’ Review | Bodycams Tell a Heart-Pounding Story

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Why not give “On Call” on Prime Video a try right now? It’s challenging to find a more engaging 30-minute crime series for binge-watching at the moment, as there aren’t many around. The innovative new show is produced by Dick Wolf (known for “Law & Order,” Chicago, FBI-branded series), Tim Walsh (Chicago PD, Hightown, Night Stalker), Elliot Wolf (Dark Woods, Hunted), Eriq LaSalle (Chicago PD), and Peter Jankowski. Created by Elliot Wolf and Tim Walsh, the show aims to immerse us in and out of the grime within half an hour, which is quite unusual for crime dramas. This approach works wonderfully for this series, and combined with its strong cast and crisp storytelling, “On Call” offers a thrilling experience.

This series offers an intensely realistic viewing experience, raw and intentionally rough around the edges, showcasing authentic street dangers. Yet within each 30-minute episode, it delves profoundly into the human stories behind the badge, exploring the moral complexities of law enforcement and community service. While it may seem similar to other Dick Wolf procedurals, it stands out as something far more innovative. Instead of feeling like a conventional cop show, it presents itself as if you’re witnessing the day-to-day struggles of the Long Beach Police Department in real-time. The suspense and action are skilfully woven together using bodycams and handheld cameras, creating an immersive, unparalleled viewing experience. This is its unique selling point.

Meet Your New Best TV Cop Duo

The core focus of the series “On Call” revolves around the dynamic development of its primary characters, Officers Traci Harmon (Troian Bellisario, known for “Pretty Little Liars”) and Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente, from “The Good Doctor”). Harmon is an experienced officer with her share of imperfections, fresh from a whirlwind of workplace politics. In contrast, Diaz is a greenhorn eager to make a difference but ripe for a reality check. Their partnership, spanning different generations, has the potential to create one of the most enticing new cop duos on TV, reminiscent of Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Stabler (Christopher Meloni) from “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” or Sipowicz and Simone (Dennis Franz and Jimmy Smitts) in “NYPD Blue”.

Officer Harmon urges Diaz, her fellow officer, as they prepare to venture into a risky situation at a motel. ‘No fear,’ she emphasizes, ‘no hesitation, no shock, no uncertainty.’ In the fourth episode, this exchange serves as a pivotal moment, revealing the unique bond between these two characters and showcasing an instance of exceptional television storytelling – a point where two individuals, initially unlike each other, are seen joining forces to confront the escalating chaos of their world.

The Series Sails on Gritty and Suspenseful Storylines

Bellisario’s interpretation of Harmon is right on the mark. This police officer is as hard-boiled as they come, and when we first encounter her, she’s already fending off department rumors and grappling with ghosts from her past. She’s resentful about having a rookie partner – the reason behind this becomes clear later – and Diaz feels just as uneasy about being paired with her. The initial friction sets the stage for high-stakes drama that unfolds over eight episodes.

Moving away from the initial idea, collaborators Elliot Wolf and Tim Walsh serve up captivating episodes, albeit not always suspenseful, brimming with crime, drug lords, domestic conflicts, gang wars, bizarre situations, and a generous dose of hardened crimes that make the tough characters in Breaking Bad seem soft. The histories of Harmon and Diaz form integral plotlines interspersed among the high-stakes drama. This is an intricately designed journey offering heaping portions of emotional and psychological turmoil.

A Rich Supporting Cast Keeps ‘On Call’ Afloat During Dramatic Diversion

In addition to the main stars, the supporting actors in the series also shine brightly. Any show that can make Lori Loughlin, known for her role in ‘Fuller House’, appear competent following the old college scandals, deserves extra praise. To be fair to Loughlin, she is a talented actor and she effectively portrays both confidence and gravity in her character as Lieutenant Bishop.

Eriq La Salle (of “Chicago PD”) delivers a strong performance as Sergeant Lasman. He seems less than fond of Harmon, and his character seems deeply entrenched in a patriarchal system. Rich Ting portrays Officer Tyson Koyoma, who could potentially be an ally for Harmon. Simultaneously, every actor playing the criminals and suspects does a great job. Interestingly, this series explores the vulnerabilities of the law enforcement characters, particularly Harmon and Diaz, giving the show a greater sense of authenticity by making it feel more realistic.

The series occasionally takes a creative dip, thankfully not excessively so, as it delves into the personal lives of the officers. These scenes might need more development to become genuinely moving and crucial to the show at this point. Occasionally, these glimpses into their home lives seem slightly out of sync with the overall intense, fast-paced atmosphere of the series. However, the delight lies in its nostalgic echo of classic cop shows like Adam 12, N.Y.P.D, Honey West, or Felony Squad. We’re hooked! The potential downside is that we might be overly fond of this series.

All eight episodes of On Call will be available on Prime Video starting January 9. You can watch it via the link below:

Watch On Call

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2025-01-09 11:01