Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent (A Brief Review)
‘Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent’ sticks to the proven formula of a Dick Wolfe production; while combining cultural aspects of Canada – to great success. As a longtime fan of the franchise and a self-admitted “procedural drama junkie”, I’m a fairly good judge of what makes a cop-show work. Dialogue and pacing is one of the most important factors. Each episode is a self-contained mystery, so the story needs to be engaging yet delivered somewhat opaquely. Anticipation and intrigue is key.
The pilot episode’s plot is fairly straightforward:
A crypto mogul is missing after attending an event on Lake Ontario, taking with him hundreds of millions in cash from his clients. Has he absconded with the money or is it possible that foul play is involved?
The episode has a serpentine plot that’s reminiscent of a classic Columbo tale. Indeed, there is even a “light nod” toward the famous 70s “gumshoe” in the form of an homage – when the lead detective of ‘Law & Order Toronto’ utters the iconic line, “One more thing…” and then proceeds to poke holes in the suspect’s story. That is Columbo’s line, no mistaking it.
I’ll admit – as a fanboy of Mr. Peter Falk and his portrayal of the griseled inspector…
This made me sit up and pay attention.
Aden Young
Hilariously, the character, “Det. Harry Graff” is a sort of self-aware riff on the 70s crime-drama; a Canadian Columbo if you will – his knowledge is shown to be immense – he’s often dropping philosophical quotes and lines from famous literature that serve as an analogue for deductions he’s proven, thus far. It’s not the most realistic, or grounded take on a character, but I think it works well as a throw-back aesthetic, alluding to cop-shows of a bygone era or “paying homage to the classics”, if you prefer. He really nails the gruffness of a contemporary noir-thriller – and I imagine the actor (Aden Young) would do well in a grittier Frank Miller adaptation. He’s definitely an emerging star to watch in the Canadian film industry.
Kathleen Munroe
Munroe plays Sgt. Frankie Bateman – famous for her roles in blockbusters, such as: ‘The Void’ (2016), ‘George Romero’s: Survival of the Dead’, ‘A Family Man’ (2017), and many more. Her performance in ‘Law and Order Toronto: Criminal Intent’ is highly naturalistic, and it really works. Procedural crime-dramas with co-leads usually utilize an “odd couple” pairing, IE: good cop vs bad cop (Law & Order SVU), skeptic vs believer (X-files), or old cop vs young cop (The Rookie, Lethal Weapon), and this iteration of Law & Order is no different. Therefore Munroe’s “Sgt. Frankie” is essential to the makeup of the show – allowing for moments of reprieve in between the over-the-top performances by villains of the week, and most importantly her opposite – Det. Graff. The former is bombastic by necessity and the latter acts in a way that is reserved and inquisitive. Their chemistry is admirable; ensuring that this show doesn’t fall by the wayside. Brilliant Canadian actress, and I look forward to seeing her in season two of ‘Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent’.
Yeah – that’s right, it’s already been confirmed for a second season.
Eh okay with me.
“The second season of Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent was confirmed on April 18, 2024. It is slated to premiere sometime between September 2024 and February 2025.” May 31, 2024 [1]
LawandOrder.Fandom.com
“Rogers renews Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent for two more seasons. Good news Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent fans, CityTV just revealed that the hit show has been renewed.” Jun 10, 2024 [2] NowToronto.com
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Rating: 8.5
A Peameal Bacon Sandwich.
Originated in Toronto, and it’s delicious.
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SOURCES:
HAPPY CANADA DAY FROM WELLDONEMOVIES.COM