Da Vinci's City Hall (2005–2006) User Reviews

Boy, is it back

[thesnowleopard · 25 October 2005]

Watching the new Da Vinci's City Hall after seven seasons of Da Vinci's Inquest is a bit like playing MahJong--same pieces, same board, totally different configurations. Or, as the show's new motto goes: "Same Da Vinci. Same Vancouver. More lives in the balance." DVI is not the first show to get a face lift. It's just more honest than other shows in changing its name when it did it. As usual, the beginning of this season is a lot brighter and harder, cinematographically-speaking, than the end of last season, reflecting the change in external lighting between Vancouver's summer (when filming for each season starts) and Vancouver's winter (when filming ends). But the new show also comes across as brighter and harder, especially in the opening scene of Da Vinci glad-handing under the harsh lights of a nighttime racetrack.

Everyone is in a different situation: Da Vinci is mayor; Mick Leary is coroner; Angela Kosmo is back in Homicide but paired up with an old enemy; Chick is in Homicide; Zack is working undercover for Da Vinci; Leo Shannon has retired and "moved on", as Chick puts it; Bill the Police Chief, and his familiar Charlie Klotchko, are still around but chafing at having Da Vinci for their new boss. And there are new friends and potential enemies to match the new font in the new show titles--Da Vinci's two "handlers", an angry businessman, an even angrier gay rights advocate and a really torqued off homeless advocate. Some of these new characters are interesting, but most are pretty flat compared to the regulars, who have the advantage of lots of show history; introductory exposition is kept to a skeletal minimum in this pilot. Hopefully, these new characters will plump out eventually, but if they don't, I'm sure the regulars will take up the slack. The irony of the premiere's title--"Zero to Sixty Pretty Quick"--is that not only Da Vinci is expected to get up to speed in an hour, but so is the audience. It's a brand, new show; but it's also season eight. Vintage Da Vinci.

Best drama I've ever seen

[wildblueyonder · 10/10 · 15 May 2007]

Being American, the first thing that jumps out at you is the different accents, cadence, expressions of the characters. The show is based in Vancouver and you really get a feel for a distinct area (never been to Vancouver or even close so don't know if its authentic, just unique).

The show is extremely fast paced with a large number of plot lines that move slowly throughout the show. Its really the kind of program you need to follow, now that its in syndication on WGN I've taped it daily so that's easier to do. The characters are very well developed and the plot lines intricate.

Show also has a nice soundtrack and is very well produced. Recommend it highly!

And just when you thought it could not get any better WOW !!!

[bobudd · 26 October 2005]

I have been a DaVinci fan for years since the first episode in fact. But this new season opener just blew me away it has to be the best yet.

I have never, to my knowledge seen a show so full of biting socially relevant issues in a drama format before. This is not season 8 of DaVinci's Inquest, this is the beginning of a whole new form of Television Drama.

I liked the way that there was no long drawn out explanation of how Dominic DaVinci got to be The Mayor of Vancouver, And that he was thrown to the LIONS on his first day in office without even having unpacked his stuff. I have lived in and around Vancouver for 25 years and have seen some of the Social and economic hardship that exists there.

My hat is off to all Cast and Crew and Production team you have outdone yourself once again.

My Favorite TV Show

[moonchildiva · 27 October 2005]

This is my favorite show period not just ON Canadian Broadcasting. I have long been a Nicholas Campbell fan. Remember Diamonds? I thought the change from coroner to mayor was a great idea and the first episode did not disappoint. I could feel the great story lines waiting in the wings! My only problem: no Donnelly Rhodes! I am really going to miss him, and hope he returns, after all. Ian Tracey was really good as a cop, I hope he has some good things going on as the new coroner. So far, it seemed like he mostly agreed with people. I didn't like that! I recommend this show to everyone who is tired of the American conveyor belt of TV shows... it's like I can't believe the WB canceled Just Legal, the new Don Johnson show!! It was just too fresh for American viewers, I guess, TOO BAD for us.

The best depiction of political horse trading

[calgarywino · 9/10 · 27 May 2013]

I was a fan of both Da Vinci's Inquest and if anything this incarnation was even more intense and captivating than the first Da Vinci series. If you want to know how people wheel and deal and want to see how politics really must work, this show really delivered the goods.

In politics and in business (really the same thing) as many personal agendas as well as corporate and social interests as possible must be served and this show was all about that. I loved watching the trading of favours and compromises that occurred in order 'make the deals and move ahead' and both wanted and had to watch carefully in order not to miss the intrigue.

It was a thinking person's show and for those who wanted cerebral versus physical action this was the best show since The Sandbaggers. Perhaps Da Vinci's City Hall was too intellectual to survive the test of ratings alone and needed time to collect the requisite viewers before cancellation but I hope that viewers will find a way to watch and appreciate the 'dance' that it portrayed so well.

Well Mr. Haddock, what's next ?

Sad to see Da Vinci go!!!

[skirkman · 1 March 2006]

My husband and I were so sad to see Da Vinci's City Hall go!!! We have been huge fans since Da Vinci's Inquest! Nicholas Campbell has been excellent in both roles. He really made the Da Vinci Character believable. It was so wonderful having the two series filmed in Vancouver that were actually set in Vancouver!!! It use to be so neat to see all the different places that they would use to film around the city. We hope to see either a made for TV movie or mini-series to properly conclude Da Vinci's City Hall. It was just left hanging in the air. Chris Haddock brought two brilliant series to CBC. We wish all the actors, writers and film crew the best!!!

It's OK

[gfmcniven · 7/10 · 1 December 2020]

It seems they took everything great about Da Vinci's Inquest and really downplayed it and they took everything boring about it and they made this show all about it. It's not a bad show but it doesn't hold a candle to Inquest.

Da Vinci City Hall

[elinorstock · 27 January 2006]

This is a very good show, but lacks the action and hands on attitude of the irascible coroner. I was such a fan of Da Vinci's Inquest that I would often watch the filming at various locations in Vancouver.

I find with Dominque in City Hall - he is attending meetings instead of crime scenes.

I also miss his secretary and of course Donnely Rhodes.

I will continue to follow the new show - but would really like to see the old format come back. Of course I continue to watch the reruns whenever I can.

The acting remains top notch, the script writing proves that Canadian TV is well worth watching.

General and specific comments on a great program.

[van_buchanan · 3 November 2005]

Even better than Inquest. Can't take your eyes off the screen for a minute, there's so much going on.

Nov. 1 episode blew me away. When was the last time you saw four women police officers conducting a bust? That and cultural diversity makes this show for all people. Nobody is left out.

I, too, miss Donnelly Rhodes. What a great character actor. Maybe they could bring him back from time to time.

And what happened to DaVinci's secretary (when he was coroner)? I'd like to see her again.

This show proves once and for all that Canadians can do drama as well as or better than anyone else. The only other drama that comes close to this is The West Wing.

Congratulations to cast and crew.

This is my favorite show of all time.

[janelouadams · 10/10 · 10 August 2007]

There is a soundtrack for this show. I took me a long time to find it but it was worth the wait. Its caiman.com. Actually they say to contact them, it is [e-mail] name of it is DiVinci's Inquest: The Sessions CD (Soundtrack). I have had it almost a year and still listen to it several times a week. If you love the show you'll love the CD. I still watch the show every day and never fail to see something new each time. You will recognize the music as you watch the show and of course both the beginning and the ending are there. You will be pleasantly surprised at how great it is. The soundtrack I believe won the Gemini one year also. The cover has pictures of all the musicians,and Chris Haddock and of course, NICK. FYI [e-mail]

DaVinci's City Hall -a great show but too dark,

[marianb-2 · 26 January 2006]

DaVinci's City Hall is a great show, there is just one huge problem - I could enjoy it much more if I could see what is going on . Why oh Why is it so dark. Each week I wait for some light to come on, but it never happens. We even got a big new 44 inch TV, it helps some , but I am still in the dark. The show is my favorite, the plot has me following and interested and looking forward to it every week. Perhaps it would be better as a radio show. Thanks for listening to my rant. I hate to make an unfavorable comment about a great Canadian show, but there it is. I wonder if there will be another season, and hope there will be.I have come to know all the actors in their parts , and look forward to seeing the development of the story lines and the characters .

Why oh why?

[liasmulevici · 10/10 · 11 August 2018]

Why isn't this excellent series available on DVD (nay, Blu-ray) in this U.S.-centric world we live in? Oh, wait...