Flashpoint

I just love it. It is so different from the typical gung-ho super-commando, CSIs, Lost or Prison Breaks lasting forever. These guys have emotions, feelings. We see what led to the situation and that very often there isn't a simple solution to the situation. The negotiations are the very strong point and the will to solve it without guns. It shows what it is to shoot somebody - even for a highly trained and tough elite unit member. It takes its toll on every one. There is no going home in glory after a shooting - there is the procedure, debriefing and very strong emotions that not all are able to cope with. It is a unique series and I hope it stays for another couple of seasons. I'd miss it if it was gone.

Now I've never been to a SWAT training nor have I any background knowledge about proceedings. Well other than having watched quite a few shows and/or movies about it. This being one of them. And it could not be farther away from something like The Shield. Even though some may argue that the main guy (also head of the group) in both shows has some physical resemblance.

Other than that though this is more of a clean cut show. The Shield dove into the dark minds and went to the gutter one may say. While the people of this show also have issues, it is nothing compared to the other show. Having said all that this is really and technically really well made. It looks like a lot of effort has been made and a lot of thought has gone into this. The way the team and all act is or at least feels like very close to how they would respond in real life.

Overall the characters may seem a bit one sided at times and if you are nit-picking you can also see some cliches here and there. If you can set those and your cynicism aside, there is a really good show to enjoy here though

This show is in it's first season in Australia (glad to see we have a 2nd to look forward to!) Only a half dozen episodes in, but so far I'm really enjoying it. Love the way it gives you the 'teaser' at the start, then you get the full story leading into the situation. Although it would help if the network airing it here could show the episodes in order for a little continuity... Yeah, yeah, we all know it's not totally realistic - that's why it's called 'entertainment'. I work in police communications here in Melbourne Aus., and I can assure you we NEVER have anything this exciting happen, but that's probably not a bad thing. I find the at the end of each episode I'm wondering where the hour went!?!

Before I started watching this I thought it would be mostly action, kind of like S. W. A. T. But it's not. Some action but more centered around the story line. Each one is compelling. I can't binge watch this show because so many of the stories make me cry. They're mostly authentic about people grieving over loss or other personal crises.

First impressions from the Pilot show "Flashpoint" to be a hybrid of special forces, hostage situations, lots of weapons and character study.

The show seems to have a lot of potential, even if the dialog is a bit rushed and difficult to understand for the average viewer who isn't used to the office lingo of the special forces team that handles these high stakes situations.

The team, led by Sarge (Enrico Colantoni of "Veronica Mars") and Ed Lane (Hugh Dillon) seem to gel well so far, but future episodes will tell if they can pull off the show's premise.

There is some humor, but the Pilot also sported multiple slow-mo shots of character interaction, and each of their reactions to the reality of their job.

A bit rushed in places, and jaunty, as any series premiere is expected to be - hopefully "Flashpoint" will find its stride as a sleek, cop drama with brains, edge and heart.