Backstrom

This show could be amazing. It could become an incredible hit. It could be groundbreaking.

Alas, Fox, being the idiots that they are, brutally murdered it. There is no other way to describe what they did to "Backstrom". They barely marketed it. They put it in the worst possible time slot. And, to top it all, they made sure to air the episodes in the wrong order. And that, my friends, ruined the show's continuity. Of course, given the fact that the episodes are more or less stand alone, that is not such a big deal, but it sends a lot of the character development right down the toilet. Two Backstrom's team members fall in love, but instead of seeing their feelings gradually developing during the course of the season, in one episode we see them kissing and sharing deep secrets and in a later episode they act as if they just barely know each other. The same with Backstrom's self destructing nature. In one episode he can be a complete wreck and in the next one he can be a relatively normal, although flawed man.

And so on. Fox really messed the continuity of the show up, which is why it won't be surprising if some people think it doesn't make sense. And this is a pity, because "Backstrom" is a real jewel. It is laugh out loud funny and heartbreakingly sad, it is optimistic and pessimistic, it is... It is just that good. Backstrom is an incredible character, flawed and mean, but good at heart and with the soul of a child. The members of his team are all interesting characters with distinct personalities. The cases are well written, although very unrealistic. The dialogue is witty and funny, and the acting is great.

And, at least, the show does not end with a cliffhanger. Yes, Backstrom's final words are, "Now what?" but we are given a nice closure.

But, yes, Fox messed up. Badly. That is what they do. They either milk a show until it dies, and a few years after that, like they did with "Bones" and "House M. D.", or they actively sabotage it and eventually axe it, like they did with "Firefly", "Almost Human", "Dollhouse"... Why? Just... Why?

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.

I am a television viewer looking for entertainment. I decide to watch "Backstrom". Why?

Not because of the first episode, which was horrible. It presented Backstrom as a crime solver who just guesses.

Maybe because of the great cast that surrounds the star. Like Dennis Haysbert, whose role in the show is greater than the first episode showed.

Could it be because once the show gets rolling, Backstrom (Rainn Wilson) becomes more than just a misanthropic cynic with no apparent crime solving skills. In fact, later episodes show him to be a cynical realist who is able to put himself in the shoes of suspects and perps. His Special Crimes Unit works on one case at a time, allowing them to devote all their time and talents to cases that warrant special attention (or are politically important).

Backstrom is also not PC, making him more entertaining and more in tune with the truth. Like many detectives, he will do whatever is expedient if it allows him to solve a crime or convict a criminal--two goals which are sometimes mutually exclusive. This is a character with room to grow. I will watch to see where the series takes him.

Update 4/3/2015: I am changing my grade to "8". The show has been routinely entertaining and the backstory for Backstrom is addimg much more depth to the character. While he may have a dark center, there are occasional moments of enjoyment that he allows himself. I hope he learns to like himself just a little more as the episodes roll out.

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...

I love this show. Like another person also said, it is kind of a mix between House and Columbo.

But updated.

I like the banter that goes on. I hope this show continues.

I like the variety of characters.

I also like the suggestion of secrets in some of their lives. I can not wait to find out some of them.

I hope they do not run out of ideas for shows.

I am missing you this week. Anxiously awaiting next weeks show!

Keep it up! Your fan base is growing.