Can you tell me swiftly what your preferred TV series is about an eccentric consultant using unusual tactics to aid police in solving crimes, despite the continuous complaints of a grumpy detective? If it’s Psych, I can relate. Both Psych and Monk were enjoyable. It seems like you mentioned Castle. Yes, that was another entertaining one, particularly for those who appreciate mystery writers unraveling murders; a tradition dating back to Angela Lansbury on Murder, She Wrote. And let’s not forget about Sherlock, which could be included in the same genre since it frequently showers and an umbrella would certainly be handy there.
As a movie aficionado, let me see… The Mentalist, White Collar, and Suits are all intriguing suggestions for shows that revolve around mental acumen and unconventional problem-solving. However, while the protagonists in these series possess remarkable intellects, their primary focus seems to be on legal matters rather than crime-solving per se.
In contrast, Columbo is a tricky case. Columbo is indeed a detective, but his unorthodox methods and tenacious approach make him an exceptional addition to our list. So, while he may not fit the exact mold of an outside consultant brought in to assist a detective, we can’t deny that his unique style of investigation deserves recognition.
At the end of the day, it’s our list, and if a traditionalist chief objects to our unorthodox choices, well, we’ll just have to remind him that results speak louder than rules.
What I’m getting at is that these types of shows, when executed skillfully, can still deliver quality entertainment despite their numerous versions being shown for almost as long as television has been around. They took a bit of a backseat during the surge of prestige TV, where every crime drama tried to market itself as an extended movie about a brooding character smoking cigarettes and cruising town at night. However, it’s comforting to have a variety available. Sometimes, you just want to unwind with some pasta and watch a crime unfold and be resolved in under an hour.
The positive aspect is that you have a pair of strong choices right now in this particular area. One of them is “Elsbeth,” a spinoff from “The Good Wife” starring Carrie Preston as a vibrant defense attorney in New York City who assists with homicide investigations due to a consent decree aimed at monitoring the police. “Elsbeth” certainly ticks many boxes. Is she unconventional? Absolutely, but in an engaging manner that Preston brings to life brilliantly. Does she deliver outcomes? Always. Are there NYPD members who are critical of her behavior? Of course. However, these critics are becoming less resistant as the series progresses into its second season (a 100% success rate in closing cases can have that effect), it’s worth mentioning that one of the now-relaxed critics is the show’s police chief, portrayed by Wendell Pierce.
Wendell Pierce delivers an exceptional performance on this series. It’s hardly unexpected given his past work like “The Wire” (see: The Wire). Nevertheless, it’s worth acknowledging. He manages to convey deep emotions with mere sighs or disapproving sounds that many actors struggle to convey even with entire monologues. Moreover, as this is a network-television procedural, he occasionally gets to deliver powerful lines of dialogue as a police chief. Among these, my favorite line goes like this:
[Wendell Pierce’s character]’s most memorable line in the show is undoubtedly:
[Insert Wendell Pierce’s character name here]: “You think you can intimidate me? I’ve seen things no man should see. I’ve done things no man should do.
No, I will not be providing context.
Elsbeth’s storyline mirrors that of Columbo, as each episode begins by revealing the murderer and their motives. The narrative then unfolds backward, with Elsbeth and the suspect engaging in a cat-and-mouse game similar to two awkward predators. This setup ensures that the killer has a significant role every week, attracting well-known guest stars. So, if you’re curious whether Nathan Lane portrays a man who snaps due to excessive opera noise, yes, there is a chance. It’s indeed an entertaining series.
Regarding Columbo, I find myself frequently bringing it up, so let’s take this opportunity to talk about Poker Face as well – another engaging series featuring an unconventional redhead solving mysteries in her own unique way. Unlike the shows we’ve previously discussed, Poker Face is streamed and boasts a renowned director at its helm. It deviates from the traditional structure of network or even basic cable television, with no commercial breaks and a non-standard run time. However, Natasha Lyonne’s portrayal in this show bears striking resemblances to Peter Falk’s performance in Columbo, making it always an interesting topic to discuss.
The show “High Potential” is quite the entertaining watch. It features Kaitlin Olson from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Hacks”, portraying a single mom and cleaning lady who unexpectedly joins forces with the LAPD to solve murders. This series ticks all the right boxes. Is she eccentric? Indeed, she’s a flighty genius with a high IQ, a mind like a funhouse, and a wardrobe that seems to have a zoo as its source, so let’s say yes to that. Does she deliver results? Absolutely, and often due to her keen eye for detail, which might just stretch the bounds of plausibility a tad. And to add a twist, there’s at least one doubtful detective who isn’t exactly on board with her methods, while there’s also a growing undercurrent of romantic tension.
If you find yourself thinking, “Wow, this series seems like a female-led version of ‘Psych’, the show about the eccentric fake psychic solving crimes,” you’re not far off. In essence, it shares many similarities with ‘Psych’, but with Judy Reyes in the chief role and, as of now, no Dulé Hill. However, James Roday Rodriguez, a ‘Psych’ star, has directed an episode on ‘High Potential’, so there might be some crossover possibilities. As for Dulé Hill, he’s certainly due for a dramatic role, if not a murder scene, given his past performances.
As I reflect on this captivating series, it’s important to acknowledge that terms like “comfort food” can sometimes be met with a touch of derision. However, just as comfort foods bring us solace due to their familiarity and the memories they evoke, shows with similar characteristics can provide an equally satisfying experience.
In this case, the combination of Carrie Preston and Wendell Pierce’s charisma, Kaitlin Olson in a striking leopard-print jacket sharing tales of California’s freeway system history, and a well-structured narrative (as discussed earlier) work together like fresh herbs and produce in a delightful culinary creation. This series is indeed a little dinner that delights the senses and warms the heart.
Shows such as “Severance” and “Succession” offer a culinary experience akin to fine dining, serving up intricate blends of plot twists you wouldn’t expect in a restaurant dish. On the other hand, shows like “Elsbeth” and “High Potential” are more like your comforting, familiar beef stew recipe that’s been passed down through generations. It’s thrilling to indulge in new and innovative shows at times, or even experiment with a gourmet twist on your classic beef stew, such as the one you might find in “Poker Face”, but remember that the joy of cooking lies not only in trying out new recipes, but also in appreciating the charm of those familiar ones.
Read More
- “I’m a little irritated by him.” George Clooney criticized Quentin Tarantino after allegedly being insulted by him
- South Korea Delays Corporate Crypto Account Decision Amid Regulatory Overhaul
- Destiny 2: When Subclass Boredom Strikes – A Colorful Cry for Help
- What was the biggest anime of 2024? The popularity of some titles and lack of interest in others may surprise you
- An American Guide to Robbie Williams
- Sonic 3 Just Did An Extremely Rare Thing At The Box Office
- ‘We Will Rebuild L.A.’: Rams Players Celebrate First Responders at Relocated NFL Wild Card Game Against Minnesota Vikings
- George Folsey Jr., Editor and Producer on John Landis Movies, Dies at 84
- Deep Rock Galactic: The Synergy of Drillers and Scouts – Can They Cover Each Other’s Backs?
- Not only Fantastic Four is coming to Marvel Rivals. Devs nerf Jeff’s ultimate
2025-01-31 21:54