Allegiance

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.

I have been pleasantly surprised by this series. The acting is excellent, bringing the characters to life, the soundtrack is great, a nice counterpoint to the story, helping bring it alive, the cinematography is well done, the camera work and sets are all excellent, the seasonal story arc is very interesting, i love shows that have a seasonal story running in the background of the episodic stories, and the episodic stories are all great, interesting and entertaining and lastly all the characters feel real, not generic or flat, so great casting, which is good because a show is so much better when the characters have depth and realness., Really enjoying Allegiance!

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.

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.

"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.