Backstrom

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.

It is like House, Jessica Fletcher and Columbo had a cranky lovechild, I am not easily caught by detective dramas, but oh my Dwight joined the police and I am loving the ride.

Well besides I want his boss to go ahead and say "Allstate" in every sentence, Wilson not only deliver his character Everett Backstrom no he completely blow it out of the ballpark then yank it back for another blow, I can recommend this for any Columbo/Fletcher fan.

I am just afraid it is not going to satisfy the network and they cancel it, it has a huge mark on it's back and me not likey that.

Watch Watch Watch then Watch again I already watched the first 2 epicsodes twice.

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.

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.