The Line

I wanted to like this series, but it tries too hard to be edgy and gritty instead of being real. It's hard to empathize with any of the main characters since the reason for their personal dilemmas seem to be all self-induced - adultery, drug abuse, alcoholism, collusion, etc. We've seen it before a thousand times -- and most of them done better.

Every cop cliché is played out in full here. The acting (and directing) is uneven at best - and at times, atrocious. Ron White, Daniel Kash and Sharon Lawrence are competent enough, given the sometimes hokey dialogue and extreme character traits they've been saddled with, while the minor ethnic characters get to revel in ethnic stereotypes with little regard for authenticity. The exceptions are the comedic foils Milton Barnes & Shawn Singleton - who, for some reason, aren't credited on IMDb. They have some funny moments, but their contribution is so jarringly out-of-place, it feels as if they've been transplanted from an episode of The Jeffersons.

Creator and co-writer George F. Walker made his name with gritty, East-end Toronto stories for the stage. The urban pastiche he created for the theatre, however, doesn't translate to the intimacy of the small screen. Where his plays are invasive, abrasive, and vibrant, the same full-bore scattergun approach doesn't work when it's just you and the TV.

This seems to be a repeating theme in all the previous comments. This show is all grit and grim with absolutely no flashy gimmicks. It has a really dedicated ensemble cast. Given a chance to thrive (with everyone growing into their respective roles) The Line will be the 'dark horse' show to watch out for.

What draws you in are the characters - rogue burnt out cops, a self-loathing legal aid, a fearless no-nonsense janitor and an anxiety attack ridden, drug dealer caught up in the middle of two rival gangs. The show in essence is a police drama yet there are no heroes here - just emotionally, psychologically and physically scarred human beings 'just trying to make a living' as Hector the drug dealer states in the second episode.

No flash, no pizazz - no putting on of shades trying to look cool between takes - just pure drama. From violent heartache to disturbing humour, this show makes no apologies for what it is.

Good solid entertainment!

I have only been able to see the first two episodes of this wonderful show however, I look forward to seeing the entire season when it airs. The show is gritty and real which may not meet everyone's taste but I think it is extremely well done. The characters are real and convey real emotion which is is nice change from what we ordinarily get to see on television these days. The humor is dark (which again may not be everyone's cup of tea) but I found it every entertaining.

I look forward to seeing the views of others once the show airs. This is not your standard cop show. It goes beyond the surface and looks into areas most shows would rather avoid.

I applaud the all involved and look forward to seeing more!

watched this show on the online preview on the movie network's website and just have to say - wow - what a funny and interesting show this is - firstly, it's nice to see Canada giving a chance to drama like this, not that i have anything against more conventional television but not everything needs to be a procedural - and this is anything but a procedural - yeah it's about cops and criminals and such but it's a very novel approach to the whole genre. although the actors for the most part are not famous, they give nuanced and real performances. plus this show is funny and not afraid to be sad all at the same time. thanks for the free preview... i may have to subscribe to the pay channel now to see the rest...

I've seen the first episode of this show and it's smart, funny, thoughtful and complex. The characters are rich and surprising. The dialog is terrific. It has an energy and pace unlike anything else on television. Although it's about cops and drug dealers etc it doesn't remind me of anything we've come to expect of this genre. Clearly this is an ensemble drama with a large, very interesting cast of performers. It's not clear from the pilot where the show is going but that's the best kind of television... I get the feeling that it's not the kind of show where things are wrapped up neatly. Hopefully it continues to get more and more complex and rich. Can't wait to see where it goes.