Backstrom

I hesitated checking out Backstrom because of the bad to mixed reviews I've read about it but for Rainn Wilson sake I gave it a try. And was not disappointed.

I've seen the first three episodes and I've enjoyed all of them. I agree that the writing could be better but the cases were solid and solved in a believable way (no C.S.I-stuff). The dialogues and Backstroms monologues are quite fun and I laughed a few times during each episode. What I didn't like was that all the flaws and character traits of all the main characters were way to obvious and were introduced within the first 30min of the show.

It's not The Wire but then again hardly any crime show is but in my opinion it is right up there with Mentalist, White Collar and shows like that. No flawless depiction of police work but a fun show with an edgy main character and an outstanding cast.

In conclusion, yes the self-destructive, grumpy, jerky main character is hardly a unique idea and Backstrom sure does resemble Dr. House and yes the writing is sometimes a bit blunt and may also be factually wrong at times. If those things bother you, the show is not for you. But if you can overlook these flaws you'll have fun with Backstrom. And not to forget: Rainn Wilson!

This is a TV series modeled after House M.D. but instead of doctors and treatments you have detectives and crimes.

It's about a charismatic lieutenant of Portland Police Bureau who is extremely cynic and mean to others. Not to mention racist. He gets the job done though so people tolerate his over-the-top behavior.

Like House M.D. this is a dramedy too. You get the comedic elements between the lines of an actual drama. Some one-liners of the cynical type, some awkward situations...etc.

Rainn Wilson is leading the cast having the titular character of Backstrom and he is doing a good job in my opinion. The rest of the cast is OK but nothing stellar.

A special mention to Thomas Dekker (John Connor from the Sarah Connor's chronicles) who plays Backstrom's gay (and also cynical) son. Dekker gives a very efficient performance and has a convincing attitude.

The story (I only watched the pilot) was interesting with twists until the very end. The dialogs are delivered in a "deadpan" way that mostly works, but it may needs some improvement on that.

The direction of photography is somehow dark and that might be my biggest complain. I would preferred a lighter tone. Things to be more bright and more "visible".

Overall: Not bad. I personally will check out the next episodes...

As I am writing this review, we are 5 episodes in. From what I have seen so far, I am excited to what they've done with the concept.

Cop shows are often a dime a dozen, even when the producers claim they have something new and refreshing. But I certainly feel this one has true potential to be unique and innovative.

First of all, the storytelling doesn't shy away from some hard topics, like homosexuality, teenagers, abuse and self doubt among others. They use this to great effect, but they also use subtle, quirky comedy to keep us entertained.

Secondly, the main character is an antihero. This has been done before. But Everett Backstrom really has some issues. He isn't very friendly, he hates himself, he drinks on the job and breaks a lot of rules along the way. But despite himself and his ways, his peers respect him nonetheless, they even like him. He even has a homeless, abused tween living with him. He tells himself it's for the rent, but there is some sincerity there, that is picked up by his tenant.

Thirdly, it is set Portland, Oregon. This is fun too, because it takes us away from the cliché places like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle or other big cities that are often used for the backdrop.

All in all I feel this is a fun ride so far, and I hope they keep up the good writing. If it stays this good, I am here to stay as well.

OK, I loved House, and Hugh Laurie was great at delivering the lines. Lines That were better at being sarcastic and funny, also House had heart, maybe Backstrom will too when we come into the series. But Backstrom is still refreshing considering the competition, since after House there has been nothing like it. So even if its not House its better then the rest that is out there, and thats not to bad and its good enough for me. I agree that the characters surrounding are not great and actually agree with some other writers, but who are we kidding, the supporting cast for House weren't that great either compared to House himself. I think for Backstrom to we really great he needs someone to be as sarcastic as he is but at him to throw him off his game a bit.

I could barely make it through the first episode, but I'm glad I did. I find the show consistently entertaining and full of humor. Gradually, a depth of heart is revealed. The characters become real despite the somewhat tongue-in-cheek nature of the series.

I'm hoping that there will be a next season. I really don't want to write 10 lines. I don't have that much to say. Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog's back. Hi diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle. The cow jumped over the moon. I doubt it. I've been on dairy farms. I haven't really seen a lot of jumping in the old cow corral. Although, I, myself, jumped when I saw a bull heading my way. Up the lazy river in the noon day sun. The lazy lazy river ... blah blah. I was born this way do do do. If I just keep typing, eventually it will say that my review is now ready for submission.