SPECIAL COMMENTARY: Save "Detroit 1-8-7"

In place of the Weekend Rewind this Sunday, I would like to offer a commentary and a plea to ABC to renew my favorite new show of the 2010-2011 season, Detroit 1-8-7, which will air its season finale tonight at 10pm.

I am well aware that the ratings for Detroit do not merit a renewal. It had a ho-hum debut ratings-wise and has really slipped badly this winter without a Dancing with the Stars lead-in. But it's not like ABC has more dramas than they know what do with (which is CBS's current problem). ABC has not launched a successful drama in a couple years and many are thinking they will renew one of their struggling freshman. While many are predicting that will be Off the Map or still-to-come drama Body of Proof, I would love for them to consider Detroit 1-8-7.

Detroit 1-8-7 was originally conceived as a "mockumentary" drama with a ride-along camera crew going around with the cops. This was changed after Detroit laws changed following a controversial shooting. The show took a few episodes to get itself on track with that change but it has really found its voice. The early episodes were generic police procedural (although still captivating) but the recent episodes have really focused on character development. The show was also originally criticized by the people of Detroit for not being true to life but they have also changed their tune. Plus, it's been a small help to the Detroit economy and they need all the help they can get.

It's the cast though that really makes Detroit worthy of a renewal. It all starts with Michael Imperioli who has been fantastic as the brilliant but flawed Detective Louis Fitch. He's such an intriguing character that the writers are just starting to scratch the surface with. His back story and his personal life are just starting to come into focus and it would be a shame to see that storyline cut short. Another standout is James McDaniel as the veteran Sgt. Longford. His character's back-and-forth with retirement has given him some more depth. Natalie Martinez is strong as Det. Sanchez as is Jon Michael Hill as young cop Det. Washington. The relationship between partners Fitch and Washington is one of the show's strongest (and often funniest) pairings. The recent plot twist that killed Dt. John Stone (DJ Cotrona) made things seem very real.

The gritty backdrop of a hurting city has also been a strong point. Unlike the glamor of CSI in Las Vegas or Miami and Law & Order in New York or Los Angeles, the problems of Detroit are heartbreaking. Recent reviews I've read from actual Detroit dwellers say that the show is doing an accurate job of portraying the dark sides of the city and the rampant crime and violence.

This hasn't been a great year for TV dramas. There have been many flops and no real critical standouts on any network. Detroit 1-8-7 does not deserve to be renewed for ratings but it deserves to be renewed for quality. It is the best freshman drama with the most upside. Come on ABC, give it another chance.