I started watching this based upon a good friends recommendation, and I wasn't disappointed. I hope you will not be either.
Just a few trope warnings for those of you who were raised on the basic elements of American TV, such as I, who can recall a time when you knew who the murder was just by seeing the opening credits. This title does revert to some rather typical cliches such as the fact that both junior detectives on the show could have been runner ups for Mr. and Miss Latino: Both buff and perfect while at the same time whip smart and super tech savvy. Miss Latino runner up even makes the cardinal sin of trotting though the station in skin tight everything and boots with heels longer than her feet. Now that I've got that off my chest, let me disclose that both minor meme characters are rarely seen. The ever more popular same sex married couple motif is deployed here, but except for one kiss in a hugely (I'd underline that if I could) wide shot is never misused for political points.
One important point to make clear is that even though this series deals with ghosts in the real world, there is very little religion discussed. For example, one ghost is told his chances are to end up somewhere warm, that's as close as it gets to anything remotely preachy. It's never even made clear just what exactly the "inbetween" may be or how one gets in and/or out. But in fact it's the ghosts that make the show work. The whole psychic-ghost-police hotline connection, provides this series with something new and untapped. In one case, the ghost contacts the lead character before anyone else even knows she's dead.
Speaking of the leads they are wonderfully diverse, very human and immanently watchable. The writing is very intelligent and at times captivating. The production values are quite good and they don't feel the need to revert to tossing the handheld camera around just for effect. (Ever seen seasons 2 or 3 of "The Closer"? It's enough to make you seasick.)
I'd recommend this show to anyone who may be looking for a break from some of the current shows on offer that are so intense and involved they almost demand a second viewing. Pilot (2019) is a nice change of pace and can be enjoyed by the masses.
Just a few trope warnings for those of you who were raised on the basic elements of American TV, such as I, who can recall a time when you knew who the murder was just by seeing the opening credits. This title does revert to some rather typical cliches such as the fact that both junior detectives on the show could have been runner ups for Mr. and Miss Latino: Both buff and perfect while at the same time whip smart and super tech savvy. Miss Latino runner up even makes the cardinal sin of trotting though the station in skin tight everything and boots with heels longer than her feet. Now that I've got that off my chest, let me disclose that both minor meme characters are rarely seen. The ever more popular same sex married couple motif is deployed here, but except for one kiss in a hugely (I'd underline that if I could) wide shot is never misused for political points.
One important point to make clear is that even though this series deals with ghosts in the real world, there is very little religion discussed. For example, one ghost is told his chances are to end up somewhere warm, that's as close as it gets to anything remotely preachy. It's never even made clear just what exactly the "inbetween" may be or how one gets in and/or out. But in fact it's the ghosts that make the show work. The whole psychic-ghost-police hotline connection, provides this series with something new and untapped. In one case, the ghost contacts the lead character before anyone else even knows she's dead.
Speaking of the leads they are wonderfully diverse, very human and immanently watchable. The writing is very intelligent and at times captivating. The production values are quite good and they don't feel the need to revert to tossing the handheld camera around just for effect. (Ever seen seasons 2 or 3 of "The Closer"? It's enough to make you seasick.)
I'd recommend this show to anyone who may be looking for a break from some of the current shows on offer that are so intense and involved they almost demand a second viewing. Pilot (2019) is a nice change of pace and can be enjoyed by the masses.
