The new Prime Video series "On Call" attempts to offer a fresh perspective on law enforcement with its portrayal of veteran training officer Tracie Harmon (played by Troian Bellisario) and her rookie trainee Alex Diaz (Branon Larracuente). The setting is Long Beach, and the story delves into the high-stakes emergencies they respond to. Despite trying to reinvent the cop procedural genre, the show ultimately falls short of expectations.
From the outset, Officer Diaz faces challenges as he starts work at the Long Beach Police Department’s West Side Division, pairing with the seasoned Officer Harmon. Together, they navigate various situations ranging from drug overdoses to domestic disputes and murder. While the show aims to provide insight into ordinary police shifts, it also tackles broader departmental issues related to crime and community relations, notably the escalating conflict with a local gang, East Barrio.
However, the structure and design of "On Call" hinder its potential. Each of its eight episodes are no longer than 30 minutes, limiting the scope for character development and sophisticated dialogue. The result is an array of supporting characters that feel one-dimensional and leave viewers with unresolved questions. Additional directorial choices, such as the use of constant body camera footage and a grayscale tone throughout the series, detract from the narrative rather than enhancing it.
Despite being pitched as marking Lori Loughlin’s grand return to series television, her character, Lieutenant Bishop, is minimally featured. Furthermore, Bellisario, while talented, fails to fully convince in her role as a hardened female cop. The plot falls short, offering minimal room for character growth and development. However, one bright spot is Episode 5, “Not Your Savior,” where the strained relationship between Diaz and Harmon enters sharp focus, highlighting the challenging nature of police work.
Nevertheless, "On Call" successfully illustrates the strain of continually dealing with violence, death, and chaos on the mental wellbeing of law enforcement professionals. While Harmon seems adept at compartmentalizing her emotions, Diaz grapples with impulsivity and emotional control. Unfortunately, minimal glimpses into the characters' personal lives restrict the viewer from understanding their full humanity.
Closing with the thought that the series never fully becomes the compelling viewing experience it could have been due to the daily minutia of cop work, viewers are left feeling more exhaustion than anticipation for the subsequent episode. The series premieres on Jan. 9 on Prime Video.
