Detective series have always been able to captivate viewers, but few manage to reinvent such an explored genre. With On CallPrime Video offers a first season which, although perfectible, marks a real break with the conventions of the genre. Through eight episodes, this series offers us a raw and immersive vision of the daily life of patrol officers in Long Beach, California. From the first scene, On Call imposes its tone. Rather than relying on a classic model where each episode introduces a case that is quickly resolved, the series weaves an emotional and narrative thread that connects each plot.
Former training officer Traci Harmon and recruit Alex Diaz deal with the loss of another officer and the consequences of policing politics within the department and on the streets of Long Beach.
This continuity is reinforced by a bold choice: the use of on-board cameras, whether dashcams, bodycams or even cell phone recordings. This visual style gives the series a documentary aesthetic, reinforcing the feeling of authenticity. Long Beach, an atypical setting for a Californian series, plays a central role in this immersion. Unlike the glamorous settings often associated with this state, the city is depicted as a harsh place, where social and economic reality weighs heavily on the characters. This choice helps to differentiate On Call other detective series and brings an almost tangible dimension to the story. At the heart of the series, two opposing but complementary protagonists: Harmon, a seasoned officer, and Diaz, a young recruit still imbued by his origins in a difficult neighborhood.
Their dynamic constitutes the narrative backbone ofOn Call. Far from the cliché of the male mentor guiding a novice, the series reverses the roles and offers a refreshing perspective. Harmon, although marked by traumatic events, remains a figure of stability and professionalism. Diaz, meanwhile, must fight against his often impulsive instincts and his troubled past. Their relationship evolves over the episodes, moving from distrust to mutual trust. However, this progression is never linear. The underlying tensions, misjudgments, and moments of doubt make their partnership as captivating as it is believable. Harmon is haunted by the shadow of Delgado, a former colleague whose tragic death opens the series.
This loss influences not only her behavior but also her relationship with Diaz, which she forms while battling her own demons. Where On Call What really stands out is in the way it explores the agents’ moral and personal dilemmas. Unlike many detective series, which focus on investigations, this one is more interested in what those investigations mean to those who carry them out. Harmon, for example, is held back in her career by a direct superior, Lasman, who at first appears to be an antagonist. But the more the episodes progress, the more the nuances of their relationship emerge, revealing common motivations and opposing visions of the profession.
Diaz, for his part, is faced with the duality between his professional responsibilities and his loyalty to his family. His brother, involved in illegal activities, is a constant source of stress and conflict. These personal struggles enrich the story and offer viewers a dive into the psyche of the characters. Despite his strengths, On Call does not escape certain weaknesses. The broadcast format, with all episodes available simultaneously, seems counterproductive for a series of this type. The pace of the storytelling, focused on reflection and introspection, lends itself more to a weekly release, allowing audiences to digest each episode before moving on to the next.
Additionally, some subplots, such as the tensions between Harmon and his direct superior, Lieutenant Bishop, lack depth. Although Bishop plays a key role in the denouement, his development remains superficial, which weakens the emotional impact of certain scenes. In terms of implementation, On Call shines with its visual approach. The action scenes, captured from various angles using on-board cameras, provide a rare intensity. Car chases, violent altercations and moments of relative calm are filmed in a way that completely immerses the viewer. This style sometimes recalls the excellence of series like SouthLAndwhich excelled in their realism.
-However, these aesthetic choices are not limited to action. They also serve to illustrate the ethical dilemmas the characters face. The viewer is invited to judge for himself, without the series taking a position. This avoids the pitfall of police propaganda, a criticism often leveled at this type of fiction. The conclusion of this first season leaves a bittersweet taste. As the characters seem to return to square one, it is evident that they have evolved, although they may not be aware of it. Harmon and Diaz are no longer the same people they were at the beginning, but their personal progress remains hampered by an environment that pushes them to stagnate.
This open ending, if frustrating by its lack of resolution, suggests enormous potential for a second season. With more time, the showrunners could delve deeper into the dynamics between the characters and offer answers to questions left unanswered. On Call manages to stand out in a saturated genre thanks to its realism, its human approach and its bold stylistic choices. Although it suffers from some narrative and structural weaknesses, this first season lays the foundations for a rich and complex universe. Harmon and Diaz, buoyed by strong performances, embody a captivating duality that deserves to be explored further.
Hopefully Prime Video will give On Call a second chance to flourish and reveal all of your potential. For fans of detective series looking for a new and immersive approach, On Call is a work not to be missed.
Note : 7/10. In short, a successful series that makes you want to see more (even more if it corrects some of its flaws).
Available on Amazon Prime Video
