Pretty Hard Cases

I can't understand the level of vitriol targeting this show - I mean, it's a pleasant little Canadian cop show, people need to relax a little. I also wasn't too impressed after the first episode but wow, the show has grown by leaps and bounds since then and I now look forward to it each week. Yes, of course the American actress is the best actor on the show, but what would you expect? Everyone else puts in a good effort and I think after this rookie season the show will be as good as any other cop show on TV, in fact, much, much better than the usual US fare. If people don't like it, they don't need to tune in, but I'm enjoying it immensely.

A few episodes in and the story lines and character development are getting really good! We're getting to see that these two cops are actually very good at their jobs. The depth of the supporting characters brings a lot to it too, the development of the same story line over multiple episodes means that we get to follow the bad guys too, and some of them are turning out to be pretty creepy. (I do find it strange that this is Toronto and we haven't seen any Asian characters yet, I feel like you might have to make extra effort to achieve that.)

The first 2 episodes are awkward. The show improves by the third episode when the characters find their rhythm. Frankie Drake had a similar rough start.

The chemistry between the main characters is improving as the series progresses. The over-the-top gibber jabber was annoying in the pilot.

The writers have done a better job writing a more balanced script in the most recent episodes.

You have to give the show a chance. It's hard to judge any show from it's pilot.

Update: Season 2

Season 2 is an improvement over season one. The bad guys are better cast with more realistic characters. They made a wise decision to write her son out of the show. It also helps Tig is no longer part of the series.

Parring down the cast has improved character & story development. So far, the show appears to have found it's stride in season 2.

I don't get the lo; ratings. I absolutely love this show.

The two leads are complex, vastly different styles and it's been fun to see them clash. And both are great at holding their own rhythms and are written and played with truth. They feel like real humans. The supporting all have hints of depth and I'll be interested to see where they take this cast. The stakes got good and high in Ep. 4 so that has me bought in. It always takes a series most of first season to lay a foundation and then writers can play with all the connections. Hopefully they go for surprising and not by the book for this sort of cop show.