Flashpoint
What would you do if you were toe-to-toe with an armed, volatile and frantic person who had intent to harm themselves and others? For the officers of the CBS network show, Flashpoint, that is their everyday life. While Flashpoint has been off the air for half a decade, you can still watch it online on various sites.
You’re probably wondering… why should I? With more shows coming on the air each year, it’s hard to keep up with what is new and “binge-worthy” these days. You may say that you should stick to TV still on the air and forget about what is already done and gone.
That’s where you’re wrong. Good TV doesn’t have an expiration date and some shows, like Flashpoint, can still resonate with viewers long past their series finale. Here’s why this show is one of them.
A Mix of Action and Profiling
Flashpoint is like S.W.A.T. meets Criminal Minds. Flashpoint follows the lives of an SRU Unit, otherwise known as a Strategic Response Unit with the Canadian Police Department. Unlike American SWAT units, they are also trained to read people and understand what leads them to the show’s title, the “flashpoint”. It is up to them to prevent this from occurring.
Through roughly 42 minutes of intrigue and ass-kicking, this team breaks down walls and barriers to try and get everyone home safe that night, including some of the most notorious criminals in the Toronto area. The team might not like it, but that is their job. And only the most elite, well-trained officers get in. It takes a rigorous physical, emotional, and mental capacity test to qualify.
So, if you are a fan of both brute and brains, put one checkmark next to this show. But what else?
The Characters
The show follows SRU Team Number One headed by Team Leader and Sargent, Greg Parker. He is surrounded by his outstanding team, including Ed Lane (and his right-hand man), Jules Callaghan, Sam Braddock, Michelangelo “Spike” Scarlatti, Kevin “Wordy” James Wordsworth, and Lewis “Lou” Young.
Each member of his team is equipped with different skills that prove them valuable. Spike is great with technology, and Sam has military experience. Both Jules and Ed are expert snipers while having the ability to talk just about any suspect off the edge. The show has a guest star or two over the seasons fulfilling roles for various reasons, but to keep this review spoiler-free, you’ll just have to watch and see why.
These aren’t your run of the mill, superhuman cop characters like some police procedurals portray. They feel real and believable and are aware of their own shortcomings. Even in the pilot episode, this is shown between our team’s dynamic. Throughout the show’s five seasons, you see each character’s journey. This includes how they deal with the stress of the job and the mental toll it takes on each of them.
Without a doubt, you will find a character you can relate to. Whether or not you are in law enforcement, have family, or simply just love a good police show. There is romance, angst, tragedy, and humor.
But I’m not done…
It is a Police Procedural…
So, for people who like to skip around, you can do this with Flashpoint. While there are storylines threaded through each season, most episodes can stand alone and be enjoyed without going back to watch previous episodes.
I would not say this is mindless TV. I myself have been captivated by storylines. More so, curious about certain cases and have not been able to look away because it’s just that good. But for those who may enjoy putting a show on and multitasking, this can probably be done. Just don’t come back and blame us when you get engrossed and your laundry wasn’t done. We warned you. 🙂
But, One Con…
Sometimes the episodes can be slow. There have been episodes that are action packed and I can’t look away. Then, there are episodes heavy on the profile side of things that make me wonder: “Will they ever go after the bad guy?” Alas, with any procedural this can be the case. For a show that knocks it out of the park 9.5 times out of 10, it’s fair to say you shouldn’t ignore it.
So why is it relevant?
Especially in today’s world, there is a divide between police and civilians. The show touches upon many sensitive topics including this, racism, and even wrongful shootings. Often, you can put yourself in the shoes of an officer and the struggles they face to do the job that on television and more so real life is often thankless.
Flashpoint doesn’t shy away from the stress of the job, the toll it takes on its officers, and the long-term effects it can have on the people, both in uniform and civilian.
It puts a woman in a unit that is not often seen; she is not merely a backdrop to fill a casting role. She is a badass and you’ll want to be her best friend, if not be her.
And most of all, it reminds us that everyone is human and makes mistakes, something we can all fundamentally agree on as human beings. So, what are you waiting for? Open up your CBS, Amazon, or Hulu account today and see why Flashpoint is more than just your everyday police drama.
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