Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent

Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent makes a surprisingly good case for itself in its series premiere - using its Canadian setting to its advantage to introduce a new and fresh side to the franchise, with potential to become a fan favourite entry.

The characters are somewhat under-utilized, focusing more on the individual "case-of-the-week", opening the door for possible character development in the near future - if the show lives to reach one.

The cases are interesting and make for a good time filler, but as with any procedural, the appeal can wear off and the cases can become somewhat dull.

Case in point, Law & Order Toronto has its priorities set on establishing its Canadian roots while ensuring the cases-of-the-week shine - at least in the beginning.

I am a Torontonian and I was looking forward to Toronto being a character. The scene from the island was good because it showed people who have Never considered Toronto, what it looks like from it's best side. The local references were good except, the business being at 3 Bay Street, when it was obviously at Front and York.

The cliche Toronto sign at City Hall, Cherry Beach, those placed are fun to see in a favourite TV series.

There were at least 3 references to Muskoka, so I thought maybe we would see that, but nope, it was a dead-end part of the story. Also,,,The Filmore...really? Did you have to ?

The actors, well, as soon as I heard Graff speak I cringed because that is so obviously a put-on accent which no Toronto resident has. It's from "not quite sure where" or maybe just east of that. Non-local viewers are going to think that's what we sound like...we don't.

BUT, I know that these things take time so I will stick with it and hope for better.

The series debut was fine.

People seem to forget that this is Criminal Intent so we get a twisty plot, over-intelligent detectives who might be on the spectrum and not much courtroom action.

Although far from perfect I think the premiere delivered.

The quips exchanged by the lead detectives keeps things light when things are heavy (and it might hint at a deep relationship between the two) and the plot twists were just enough to keep the episode moving along.

The use of the city of Toronto is done well without bludgeoning the spectator with Toronto overdose.

My only qualms with the first episode is I'm not sure I enjoyed the police lieutenant, her dialogue seemed off and also there was way too much walking (fast) and talking!

All in all I'll be sticking around to watch other episodes.

I liked the first show, but they need to tone down the platitudes. The two main characters are interesting, but they are a little too intensely focused on delivering clever repartee instead of solid police work. A few too many cliches. There is one point where the two detectives are walking at a break neck speed across the plaza at city hall speaking to what is supposed to be someone in the Crown Attorneys Office. Are they trying to suggest the C. A. is a D. A.? It feels off. Are they also trying to quickly set the series scene with recognized landmarks? The scene would have been better in an office with more dialogue, where they could introduce other characters. Instead they chose the quick fix that was entirely without context.

The series first episode gets off to a lukewarm start, but it seems to have possible potential. That is if the writers can avoid some of the platitudes, and numerous cliches, and if the producers can restrain their rush to introduce a new series without letting characters, and stories drive the series. Do they have a tiny budget, or are the producers too inexperienced; I guess time will tell.

I am really liking this show. It has some of the feeling of the old L&O Criminal Intent. That was my favorite spin off from the original series. I like the actors, and I am enjoying the stories. As an American, it is always nice to watch a show shot and set in another country and with actors I am not familiar with. I feel like the formula works very well and moves along at a fast pace.

One thing I appreciate is the lack of political agenda in the episodes. All the American versions are so preachy and you can tell the political leanings of all the writers. I am glad it got a season two. I highly recommend this version of a classic show.