Stumptown

Dex Parios (Cobie Smulders) is a hard talking, hard drinking, hard gambling, troubled war vet, private investigator in Portland, Oregon. She drives a crappy car and cares for her mentally challenged brother. She owes money to casino owner Sue Lynn Blackbird (Tantoo Cardinal). Sue also happens to be the disapproving mother of her late love of her life. Her friend Grey McConnell (Jake Johnson) owns a bar. Detective Miles Hoffman (Michael Ealy) and Lieutenant Cosgrove (Camryn Manheim) are Portland police. Artie Banks (Donal Logue) is an amoral PI.

I like Cobie Smulders and Jake Johnson. This has just enough edge to be a little interesting. It can be uneven at times but she keeps driving and driving that crappy car. Dex brings a mix of damage and sass that is very enticing. It does need to develop the overarching case a lot more. The show actually reaches a good level of story development and creates a fun cast of characters. It did get renewed for a second season until covid hit.

This is beyond normal American TV in that the characters are flawed, yet likeable. I am a fan of British TV characters as they are rarely put together, but get the job done. This moves beyond the normal gender bias "save the girl" nonsense we normally see. Dex is strong and flawed. A welcome reprieve and good writing.

Listen, if you are looking for a complex and edge of the seat drama then maybe this isn't for you. If you like a bit of light hearted and entertaining detective drama, with likeable characters then definitely go for it. I enjoyed it and will carry on watching it.

I have only one question Why they cancelled the show ??

I must say I didn't expect to like this show as much as I do. It's refreshing to see a show about someone who is damaged and self destructive yet cares a lot about other people.

The soundtrack is filled with 70s and 80s which I love. Dex drives a piece of crap car and listens to a mixtape which plays random songs that are paired perfectly with what's going on. She's tough, smart and stands up for the little guy, despite having her own issues she's a likeable character.

The supporting characters do a good job. And the back story behind her best friend should prove to be interesting.

All in all this show shows a lot of promise. Excited to see where it takes us.