Law enforcement remains a contentious subject and profession in United States, yet police procedurals such as Blue Bloods, The Rookie, and Chicago P.D. rank among the most beloved dramas on television. With their latest series on Prime Video, On Call, creators Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf expand the extensive Dick Wolf Universe, marking the company’s inaugural scripted streaming venture. The narrative centers on seasoned training officer Tracie Harmon (Troian Bellisario) and her rookie partner Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente) as they tackle a range of emergencies in Long Beach.
Right from the start, On Call strives to challenge the conventional cop procedural mold. However, in its effort to transcend the familiar elements that have made Wolf Entertainment’s productions so cherished, On Call ultimately falls short of its potential.
Storyline
On his inaugural day at the West Side Division of the Long Beach Police Department, Officer Diaz finds himself teamed up with the tough-as-nails Officer Harmon, a seasoned veteran who doesn’t exactly win popularity contests among her peers—particularly with the traditionalist Sergeant Lasman (Eriq LaSalle, who also plays a role behind the scenes).
Together, this unlikely duo embarks on a series of calls that range from overdoses and domestic disputes to mental health crises and even murder. On Call delves into the daily realities faced by officers during their shifts while also exploring the broader dynamics within the department.
A recent event has heightened tensions between the police and the community they serve, particularly in relation to the increasingly aggressive East Barrio gang.
Direction
Moreover, some stylistic choices are quite jarring. While the direction by Eriq LaSalle is generally competent, the frequent use of body camera perspectives and the pervasive grayscale filter throughout the series feels out of place.
What initially seemed like an innovative storytelling technique quickly becomes repetitive and detracts from the narrative, pulling the audience away from the story’s essence. Additionally, the color grading fails to enhance the show’s realism.
Positives
On Call could have thrived as a feature-length film or a one-hour drama, yet Episode 5, titled Not Your Savior, stands out as a remarkable moment in the series. This episode masterfully captures the intense distrust and tension between Diaz and Harmon, creating a gripping atmosphere.
The harrowing crisis they face not only underscores the genuine horror and terror inherent in their profession but also illustrates the ongoing challenges of performing their duties effectively over time.
Performance
While Bellisario demonstrates her talent as an actress, she sometimes struggles to fully embody the role of a hardened policewoman. It’s important to note that Harmon is somewhat limited by the script, leaving little opportunity for character development.
Furthermore, although this series has been promoted as Lori Loughlin’s significant comeback to television, her character, Lieutenant Bishop, has a minimal presence throughout the show.
On Call may stumble at times, yet it compellingly highlights the toll that relentless exposure to violence, death, and chaos takes on the mental well-being of law enforcement officers. While Harmon demonstrates a commendable ability to compartmentalize his experiences, Diaz grapples with impulsivity and emotional regulation.
Drawbacks
The primary concern with On Call lies in the length of its episodes. With only eight episodes, each running 30 minutes or less, the series sacrifices in-depth character development and meaningful dialogue. This results in supporting characters that feel more like stereotypes than fully realized individuals, leaving viewers with more questions than satisfying conclusions.
Furthermore, the series only offers fleeting glimpses into the officers’ personal lives. A deeper exploration of their lives outside of their uniforms would have allowed the show to present a more complete picture of their humanity.
Additionally, with more space to delve into this world, the writers could have examined the complexities and dynamics of the East Barrio gang. Instead, the dialogue often resorts to clichéd terms, such as the overused woke in discussions about reform, and residents frequently label their surroundings as the hood.
Conclusion
On Call delves deep into the everyday details and rhythms of police work. The relentless flow of calls and paperwork mirrors the countless decisions and unexpected situations officers face each day while striving to stay safe.
However, by confining its characters—and consequently its viewers—to this particular patrol period, the drama falls short of its true potential. Rather than providing an engaging perspective, the series often feels overwhelming and formulaic. With no respite from the demands of the job, viewers may find little incentive to tune in for the next episode.
The highly anticipated eight episodes of On Call debuted on Prime Video from January 9.