5.8 / 10 (based on 153 reviews)
Being police officers has stripped Max and Donny bare, to the point where they’re about as morally ambiguous as the criminals they chase. Max has developed his own methods for dealing with bad guys, having lost interest in conventional police work, while Donny has become slightly unhinged by the job yet remains faithfully optimistic. The partners’ paths cross with local drug dealer Carlos, who’s caught in a turf war and whom Max uses to infiltrate the neighborhood’s criminal underworld.
Genre: Action, Drama
Main Cast: Ron White, Daniel Kash, Clé Bennett, Sarah Manninen
Creators: Dani Romain, George F. Walker
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2 seasons, 15 episodes
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This Life (2015)
7 / 10 (based on 221 reviews)
Set in contemporary Montreal, This Life is a family saga focusing on Natalie Lawson, an accomplished columnist and single mother in her early forties whose terminal cancer diagnosis sends her on a quest to prepare her teenage children for life without her. Her tight-knit family – sister, two brothers and parents – do the best they can to help her, while coping with their own responses to this revelation. THIS LIFE is a funny, honest, heartfelt series about a regular family whose world turns upside down overnight. Faced with the uncertainty of life, each Lawson does their best to embrace the absurdity of the journey, while confronting the drama that comes with all of their choices big and small.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Torri Higginson, Lauren Lee Smith, Rick Roberts, Kristopher Turner
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6.7 / 10 (based on 42 reviews)
When large man-made machines and structures fail, teams of experts examine the aftermath and try to determine what went wrong. Join in as the History Channel reveals the answers in When Big Things Go Wrong.
Genre: History, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Daniel Dickrell
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1 season, 6 episodes
The Big Holiday Food Fight (2021)
7.3 / 10 (based on 13 reviews)
Celebrating the holidays with traditions, family recipes and a side order of fierce competition.
Genre: Game-Show
Main Cast: Kym Whitley, Tina Lifford, Darnell Ferguson, James Wright Chanel
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1 season, 5 episodes
Warehouse 13: Grand Designs (2012)
7.6 / 10 (based on 174 reviews)
While playing catch during some downtime at the Warehouse, Pete’s inadvertent pass to Trailer breaks several artifacts and chaos ensues.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Eddie McClintock, Joanne Kelly, Saul Rubinek, Allison Scagliotti
Creators: Jane Espenson, D. Brent Mote
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1 season, 10 episodes, 38.0-minute runtime
In the realm of television, where police dramas and crime series are as common as coffee shops in a bustling city, finding a show that stands out for its unique approach can be a daunting task. Yet, every once in a while, a series like “The Line” (2009) comes along, offering a fresh perspective on the well-trodden paths of law enforcement narratives. This Canadian series, created by George F. Walker and Dani Romain, dives into the murky waters of morality, ethics, and the personal lives of officers and criminals alike, providing viewers with a gritty and realistic portrayal of life on both sides of the law.
The Premise
At its core, “The Line” is a crime drama that focuses on the lives of police officers and drug dealers operating in an unnamed Canadian city. The series doesn’t shy away from showcasing the complexities and gray areas of its characters’ lives. It’s not just about the chase or the capture; it’s about understanding the human element behind the badge and beyond the criminal acts.
Characters That Break the Mold
One of the standout features of “The Line” is its character development. The series introduces viewers to an ensemble cast, each with their own flaws, strengths, and personal battles. Max, played by Ron White, is a veteran cop grappling with his moral compass, while his counterpart, Donny, portrayed by Daniel Kash, is a detective whose methods and motivations often blur the lines of legality. On the other side, we have Carlos, a drug dealer seeking to maintain his empire while navigating the complexities of his personal life.
These characters, among others, are not your typical cookie-cutter representations seen in many other crime dramas. They are multifaceted and evolve throughout the series, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the challenges and decisions faced by those living on the edge of society’s norms.
Storytelling That Goes Beyond Black and White
“The Line” excels in its storytelling, weaving complex narratives that explore the consequences of actions, the pursuit of justice, and the personal cost of living a life entangled with crime. The series doesn’t present issues in black and white but rather shades of gray, forcing viewers to question their own perceptions of right and wrong. This nuanced approach to storytelling is a breath of fresh air in a genre often criticized for its oversimplification of moral dilemmas.
The Impact of “The Line”
Despite its relatively short run of two seasons, “The Line” made a significant impact on its audience and the landscape of Canadian television. It provided a gritty, realistic look at the lives of those involved in the criminal justice system, without glamorizing or vilifying either side. This balanced portrayal has garnered the series critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase that appreciates its unflinching honesty and complex characters.
A Cult Following
While “The Line” may not have achieved blockbuster status, it has cultivated a cult following among viewers who are drawn to its raw and authentic depiction of crime and law enforcement. Fans of the series often praise its realistic dialogue, character-driven plots, and the way it tackles themes of morality and redemption without preaching or offering easy answers.
Influence on Canadian Television
“The Line” has also left its mark on the landscape of Canadian television, demonstrating that there is an appetite for homegrown series that are willing to push boundaries and explore the darker aspects of society. It has paved the way for other Canadian productions to take risks and tell stories that resonate with viewers on a deeper level.
Why “The Line” Deserves More Attention
Despite its accolades and the strong following it has developed, “The Line” remains relatively under the radar, especially outside of Canada. This is a shame, as the series offers a lot to viewers who are looking for more than just another police procedural.
A Unique Perspective
What sets “The Line” apart from other crime dramas is its commitment to portraying the complexities of its characters and the situations they find themselves in. The series doesn’t rely on sensationalism or stereotypes but instead focuses on the human stories at the heart of the criminal justice system.
Stellar Performances
The cast of “The Line” delivers powerful performances that bring depth and authenticity to their roles. The actors’ ability to convey the emotional and moral struggles of their characters adds a layer of realism to the series that is often missing in more mainstream crime dramas.
A Reflection of Reality
Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to watch “The Line” is its reflection of the realities faced by those on both sides of the law. The series doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy resolutions but instead presents a world where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred. This realistic portrayal challenges viewers to think critically about the issues presented and consider the broader implications of crime and justice in society.
Final Thoughts
“The Line” is a standout series that deserves a spot on the watchlist of anyone interested in crime dramas that offer more than just surface-level entertainment. With its complex characters, nuanced storytelling, and unflinching look at the realities of the criminal justice system, “The Line” is a series that not only entertains but also provokes thought and conversation.
In a genre filled with clichés and predictable plotlines, “The Line” offers a refreshing change of pace. It’s a series that respects its audience’s intelligence, challenging viewers to look beyond the black and white and consider the shades of gray that define our world. So, if you’re in search of a series that combines compelling storytelling with deep, meaningful exploration of its characters and themes, “The Line” is definitely worth your time.