‘Devoid Of Any Character’: Critics Have Harsh Reactions To Dick Wolf’s New Streaming Drama On Call, But Will That Stop It From Running 10 Seasons?

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Dick Wolf is renowned for numerous hit procedural dramas that still command prime slots on the 2025 TV lineup, including the Law & Order series and the One Chicago shows. His next venture, On Call, debuting on Amazon Prime Video on January 9 with a subscription, marks his initial foray into half-hour episodes within the streaming realm. Will Wolf’s transition to the streaming world match the success he’s enjoyed in network television? Early reactions from critics following Season 1 of On Call might suggest otherwise, but I don’t believe that should halt the momentum of Dick Wolf Entertainment.

In “On Call,” Troian Bellisario portrays Long Beach PD training officer Traci Harmon, who’s dealing with the loss of a fellow officer while mentoring new recruits, including her partner Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente). Fans accustomed to Dick Wolf productions might get a thrill seeing Monica Raymund from “Chicago Fire” pop up in a cameo role. As for the show’s unique aspects, Thelma Adams of The Wrap suggests that viewers shouldn’t anticipate a radical departure from the tried-and-true formula.

The fresh characters from On Call have ample opportunity to create lasting impacts, yet they fall short against the memorable standouts from Law & Order. The script is deliberately minimalistic, missing the sharp humor and quick-witted dialogue that characterized past one-hour series. Although these characters are not necessarily poor officers, they lack the intensity required to make a mark in a highly competitive market. While the Wolf pack labeled the show On Call, there’s no need to add it to your speed dial just yet.

Angie Han from THR is relieved that each episode of “On Call” is under 30 minutes long, as it never seems to warrant the extended runtime common in other procedurals. Throughout the series’ eight episodes, the writing demonstrates a lack of interest in exploring the characters or the world they reside in, according to the critic. In simpler terms, the critic suggests that “On Call” doesn’t appear to justify its longer running time compared to other procedurals, and it seems that the show has little curiosity about its characters or their environment.

Watching “On Call” fails to draw us in deeply due to its hesitance to delve too deeply into what’s on-screen. However, not all shows demand such close scrutiny. Some are happy as mere background noise. If you’re searching for a series that offers a deep and ambitious look at modern American policing – as Diaz often says, ‘this isn’t it.’ But if all you’re after is the feeling of flipping through channels to land right in the middle of a Law & Order episode without fear of missing key plot points, then this show should fit the bill nicely.

According to Isabella Soares from Collider, the series receives a score of 6 out of 10. She appreciates the engaging chemistry between Harmon and Diaz, and finds the incorporation of bodycam footage and innovative camerawork results in thrilling action scenes. However, similar to other critics’ opinions, she notes that the show does not delve deeply enough to persuade viewers to watch the next episode. In simpler terms, Soares suggests that while there are enjoyable aspects, it lacks depth that might compel viewers to keep watching.

Despite its innovative main duo and distinct filming approach, this police drama seems to lack the longevity typically found in streaming series. Beyond the personal struggles of the main characters, Wolf’s latest creation doesn’t align well with the binge-watching model. Granted, each episode is brief, but the storyline feels shallow and may not motivate viewers to consume every episode in one go. A more suitable strategy would have been to air episodes weekly, building and maintaining viewership that way, rather than releasing them all at once and relying on viewers to stay engaged.

Looper critic Alistair Ryder’s review of “On Call” is more critical, as he scores it a 3 out of 10. In his words, watching the series is less enjoyable than getting apprehended. He finds that the storyline is filled with tired tropes and the characters lack appeal. However, he suggests that if there’s any silver lining to this show, it might motivate you to revisit more engaging cop dramas instead.

In simpler terms, On Call doesn’t have characters as captivating as others, with personalities limited to their roles. The storyline, a familiar struggle between following rules and bending them, has been seen in cop shows for ages. A touch of character depth could have made this common theme more palatable. The series is known for its frequent, jarring close-ups during scenes that disrupt the feeling of reality and might confuse viewers if they think their TV’s motion smoothing setting is activated.

As a cinephile diving into this series, I can’t help but notice that the brief 30-minute runtime might be the culprit behind the underdeveloped characters, both main and supporting. The intricate dialogues that could have enriched their stories feel sparse, leaving them feeling shallow. Initially, the body camera work appeared innovative, but as the series progressed, it started to feel repetitive and failed to propel the storyline forward in any meaningful way. In the end, I can’t help but think that a longer runtime could have provided more depth to this production.

Essentially, On Call delves into the intricate details and regular tasks of police work, with endless calls, paperwork, and daily challenges that include making countless decisions and dealing with unforeseen situations to survive. However, by confining its characters and viewers within this particular patrol timeframe, the drama fails to fully realize its potential. Rather than providing an engaging perspective, the series becomes tense and frequently feels routine. Since viewers are always on duty without a break, there’s little incentive to return for the next episode.

It seems as though On Call could potentially have benefited from an additional half-hour, allowing them to further flesh out the characters or delve deeper into the presented issues. Given Dick Wolf’s successful track record with series over the years, it wouldn’t shock me if there’s a demand for these brief, fictionalized glimpses into police work.

As a movie enthusiast, I highly recommend you tune into “On Call” – available right now on Amazon Prime Video, a top-notch streaming platform that never fails to deliver quality content. If you’re looking for something captivating to watch, this series is an excellent choice!

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2025-01-09 21:08