Allegiance

Allegiance is just bad. It feels less like a cop show and more like some kid's Wattpad story. Cheesy dialogue, boring camerawork, and plot holes galore. I won't fault it for trying to push a moral in each episode, whether it's about safe supply or gun control, but the execution is so crude it just comes off as either propaganda or a kids show. The way the show tackles its issues is so shallow and one-sided, we might as well be reading the local NDP candidate's Twitter threads. Whereas earlier Canadian police procedurals like Rookie Blue and Flashpoint gave us a reason to care about the guest character of the week, this show seems to use them as props for our main character to pontificate about the week's social issue. If you're looking for chase scenes or action sequences, look elsewhere. Our Mary Sue main character can't run worth anything, conveniently letting the bad guy get away every time. Every action scene consists of people pointing guns at each other, somehow not getting extra ventilation holes, and being completely charmed by our main character's cheesy recycled pseudo-profound BS speech. The acting is overwrought, but it's hard not to be for dialogue like this (and most of it is exposition). The only character with any believability is the male rookie's training officer, Gabinski, for the few scenes he appears.

There are YouTube Originals that are better than this. If CBC wants to keep its funding under a more hostile government, it needs to do better.

"Allegiance", the new Canadian cop drama on CBC, transcends the typical police procedural. Set in Surrey, British Columbia, it follows Sabrina Sohal (Supinder Wraich), a fresh police academy graduate dealing with her father's arrest. The show delves into racism, class, and power, while maintaining gripping tension. With Canada's natural beauty as a backdrop, it's an intriguing watch that tackles universal issues.

Sabrina's journey is compelling, as she grapples with her duty as a cop versus personal matters. The series confronts racism head-on, challenging the "colorblind" argument and exposing the consequences of diversity efforts. Luke (Lachlan Quarmby), her white co-worker, embodies jealousy and privilege, adding depth to the narrative. Despite some predictability, "Allegiance" is an entertaining and thought-provoking addition to the genre, proudly showcasing Canada's distinctive culture and landscapes.

The hero is perfect, instinctively comes to the right conclusion by guessing and always manages to get to the heart of the criminal to have them surrender. It would be okay if the supporting characters were there for any reason except to be a soundboard for her brilliant thinking (and minutely helping to connect the dots) or showcasing her superiority over her peers. There is a lot of talent that is not being used to full potential. All of the actors are good but the script is too predictable, the only character that is developing is the main character, and she is turning so cheesy perfect that she really is not likeable. I think they are using the same Artificial Intelligence script writing for Departure, another show that I initially thought would be interesting.

I couldn't make it through the pilot episode of this new 2024 spy drama on CBC. The story follows a rookie cop named Sabrina (by Supinder Wraich) who faces turmoil when her politician father is accused of treason.

While the premise seems interesting, the execution is lackluster. The acting feels, even worse, stiff and unrealistic. The plot also has some glaring holes that are hard to ignore. I gave up halfway through because the amateurish directing and acting made it too difficult to stay engaged. There are much better shows out there to watch instead.

In short, 'Allegiance' falters with uninspired writing, weak acting, and a dull pilot that made me stop watching after one episode.

Rating: Only 4 out of 10 stars and I really can't recommend tuning in to future episodes.

Immediate comparisons to the Hollywood show "The Rookie" which is a somewhat ridiculous show partly because the rookie is the lead in all things and the crime world somehow revolves around the rookie. The same thing occurs in this Canadian production. The rookie solves all crimes and seemingly needs no training at all. So, it's silly from that point of view. Exactly the same storyline's could have been used with a seasoned veteran and would have made more sense.

The upside is that it's well made and well acted so it is certainly watchable. It does look like it will rise above a certain bland level but it'll occupy you pleasantly for an hour or so.