“On Call” is a police procedural series from Dick Wolf that streams on Prime Video. It is set in Long Beach, CA and shows the everyday aspects of patrol work through the eyes of two main officers.
Premise of “On Call”
The show features officer Traci Harmon a training officer as well as her rookie partner officer Alex Diaz. Together they will explore life in the streets all while hunting a cop killer in their precinct. The premise sets the stage for a very high intense adrenaline based story with personal storylines of the officers.
Short Format Design
The series features a format of 30-minute episodes as opposed to an hour format common in shows that have similar content. This is said to fit modern audiences as well as hearkening back to earlier cop dramas. Also the focus is put more toward realism with mostly all hand-held shots while using on location filming techniques rather than sets.
Unique Approach to Storytelling
"On Call" utilizes more serialized story telling styles by showcasing an overarching mystery that has developed over the season alongside one off cases in each episode. The central focus for all this to build is the bond between the partners of Harmon and Diaz which serves as the anchor for the series development.
Influence from Other Series
Although the creators use shows such as “The Shield” and “Adam-12” as inspiration they specifically wanted “On Call” to have its own path instead of being a show like “Law and Order”. This also caused a different level of structure where the series focused on the main characters experience over typical crime driven aspects.
Character Development and Relationships
The partnership of Diaz and Harmon is a focal point for exploration. It displays both perspectives of a new and veteran officer. A unique style of writing allows for more intimate moments while in the police car during mundane times as well as exploring personal challenges while handling extreme chaos of their job.
Character Dynamic
Both main characters learn their roles while dealing with ethical, moral and professional challenges. These create layers to how the storyline builds a mix of relatable human connections which brings more heart to their working lives. The internal battle the characters display also has the viewers see a more rounded approach to who these real life officers are.
Depiction of Law Enforcement
“On Call” has said it will attempt to explore complicated questions surrounding law enforcement with out leaning too heavily on one side. The idea is to create a more humanistic look at what it is to patrol the city and the lives within that community. The idea to not add opinions and to just focus on what they saw as truth made it a unique way of representing law enforcement as human.
No Overt Bias
The show intentionally seeks to show the life of police without explicitly making any strong social commentaries on if it is right or wrong and allows all opinions equal viewpoints while watching and learning more about modern policing . Many are seeking unbiased and objective truths which make “On Call’s” approach to deliver a series that focuses on individual experience rather than any predetermined messaging.
Cast and Characters
Troian Bellisario plays a tough no nonsense Harmon and challenges many viewers perceptions of her typecasting. Branden Larracuente plays Diaz a rookie to the world and all of its daily events. Lori Loughlin takes on the character Lt. Bishop a foul mouthed boss making it a different take on her roles prior. Eriq Lasalle stars in front and behind the cameras showing a unique dynamic. Monica Raymund as well was invited in for a guest appearance as the shows creator tried to maintain an independent world from previous franchises.
Stylistic Elements and Visual Presentation
"On Call" uses a style reminiscent of "Southland" where many scenes used a body camera, found footage or cell phone footage in various places to immerse viewers in the world. Hand-held cameras along with gritty on site locations will highlight the style in both pacing and the visual aspects of how all of this would deliver for the viewers.
Use of POV Shots and Limited Sets
The visual styling uses the “p.o.v” point of view shot to create a different approach on how law enforcement officers work and respond with realistic challenges. The limitations of limited studio filming highlight this raw and unrefined presentation. There is very little focus on characters homes and it allows the job to truly dictate their personality while viewers get more used to the realistic aspects of on-duty work.
Streaming vs Traditional TV and Series Vision
It was always a goal for the “On Call” series to do something that is specific to the streaming service versus the network route which had been the primary model for Wolf productions in the past. Instead of hour long episodes “On Call” delivers a limited season of a more unique storytelling approach that might resonate differently across varied platforms. This vision helped this series have new areas it wished to focus.
A Distinct Series Design
Creator Tim Walsh spoke on “On Call’s” intention to focus on character development and pacing instead of typical tropes of prior programs with similar plots. The goal to also not create any type of cross overs for future shows as well as remaining within the streaming platform made for a totally new type of design that would not fall in previous franchise expectations.
Key Takeaways
- On Call is a new crime series streaming on Amazon Prime.
- The focus is on two police officers handling day to day issues and the complications of crime that exists.
- It was the first attempt for a streaming scripted show using a well known style from Dick Wolf with his unique viewpoint.
- “On Call’s” visuals used techniques such as hand-held cameras, body cameras and dash-cam style of recording while using a 30 minute run time to give a new spin on procedural shows.
- A character driven show using common themes to dive into their stories and how police officers handle issues while creating a unique identity.