"Boomtown" (Los Angeles) is a one-season-wonder TV cop show series which focuses on a pair of detectives, a couple of beat cops, a DDA, a paramedic, and a reporter with the usual sundry side characters (spouses, lovers, friends, etc.) as it develops its self contained episodic dramas set in the mean and not-so-mean streets of Los Angeles.
The series' hallmark, a storytelling format which moves each episode forward by flashing back to review the episode's central story from the perspective of each the characters involved, may be interesting for some and annoying for others. Although it hampers coherence, it allows for the development of multiple parallel story threads making it both an asset and a liability for the audience - probably more of the former as audience adjustment becomes easier as the format become more familiar.
The series is well cast with an ensemble of competent players with not-too-familiar faces, all of whom seem a tad too young, lean, and attractive for their roles. The writing is good but uneven over the full series giving it a lumpy consistency with some weak and some strong episodes. Character development is adequate but not on par with "NYPD Blue" and the series generally has the glossy Hollywood tinselization of a "CSI" mixed with the look, feel, and smell of Los Angeles. The series is a fearless endeavor, unflinchingly conjuring creativity which sometimes plays out more like brain farts or bad ideas detracting from its "realness".
"Boomtown" fared much better with the public than the network, garnered some awards during its short life, and will probably play best with cop show junkies and younger, less jaded TV audiences. Personally, I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable DVD watch ranking slightly below L&O:SVU, CSI, Homicide, and NYPD Blue. (B+)
The series' hallmark, a storytelling format which moves each episode forward by flashing back to review the episode's central story from the perspective of each the characters involved, may be interesting for some and annoying for others. Although it hampers coherence, it allows for the development of multiple parallel story threads making it both an asset and a liability for the audience - probably more of the former as audience adjustment becomes easier as the format become more familiar.
The series is well cast with an ensemble of competent players with not-too-familiar faces, all of whom seem a tad too young, lean, and attractive for their roles. The writing is good but uneven over the full series giving it a lumpy consistency with some weak and some strong episodes. Character development is adequate but not on par with "NYPD Blue" and the series generally has the glossy Hollywood tinselization of a "CSI" mixed with the look, feel, and smell of Los Angeles. The series is a fearless endeavor, unflinchingly conjuring creativity which sometimes plays out more like brain farts or bad ideas detracting from its "realness".
"Boomtown" fared much better with the public than the network, garnered some awards during its short life, and will probably play best with cop show junkies and younger, less jaded TV audiences. Personally, I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable DVD watch ranking slightly below L&O:SVU, CSI, Homicide, and NYPD Blue. (B+)