PILOT REVIEW: Detroit 1-8-7

DETROIT 1-8-7

Starring: Michael Imperioli, James McDaniel, Aisha Hinds, DJ Cortona, Jon Michael Hill, Shaun Majumder, Natalie Martinez, Erin Cummings
Created by Jason Richman
Written by Jason Richman
Directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff

Detroit 1-8-7 is a gritty new cop drama set in crime-ridden Detroit. Originally conceived as a documentary-style show, it is now a more traditional drama and focuses on the Homicide Division. The ensemble is led by Michael Imperioli as veteran Detective Louis Fitch. Each episode will likely deal with a crime or two and in the pilot, the crimes ended up being connected. Jon Michael Hill is also a standout as Fitch's first-day partner Damon Washington and provided some of the comic relief in the dark pilot. Other members of the ensemble include tough and jaded Detective Ariana Sanchez (Natalie Martinez), veteran Sergeant Jesse Longford (James McDaniel), and Lt. Maureen Mason (Aisha Hinds). If the pilot is any indication, there will be lots of time devoted to the crime and the development of the characters.

Gritty is the most appropriate word that can be used to describe this powerful drama. The setting is an important piece to this show. Just as Hawaii Five-0 has the Hawaii backdrop to add some fun, this Detroit backdrop shows a declining city in crisis. That's not to say it's incredibly somber - there are light-hearted moments like the scene at the playground in the pilot, but it's certainly representative of the downtroddden city. Michael Imperioli's Det. Fitch is one of the season's most compelling new characters - a multifaceted detective who can seemingly talk to any suspect with different methods. He also calls his partner from across the room to insult him. It will be fascinating to see the development of this already good character. The rest of the cast is strong but Imperioli stands out. This show manages to walk the line between focusing on the story and focusing on the characters very well.

Detroit 1-8-7 is a show to root for. TV is in need of a good new cop drama and this could be it. The producers were wise to lose the documentary gimmick as it stands on its own very well. The pilot had a great story that was tied together well and the episode had a very powerful and surprising ending reminiscent of Hill Street Blues' gripping pilot over 30 years ago. This is a keeper.