Tru Calling (2003–2005) User Reviews

Who in their right mind would Cancel this!?

[ecwjedi · 8/10 · 5 February 2005]

Tru Calling had a great premise, unlike anything else on TV at the time, and most episodes were interesting and mysterious. Eliza Dushku was in top form and had an excellent cast behind her, including Shawn Reaves as her wheeling, dealing brother Harrison. Everything fell into place on Tru Calling but it was on Fox which seems to be a curse for so many potentially good shows. I don't understand how so many bad shows manage to last so long while the few good ones that get on the air don't last much more than a season. Tru Calling now joins the ranks of some of the best shows that never got a fair chance: Firefly, Undergrads, Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared, and Clerks. In the years to come when more and more people discover these hidden gems they will wonder why some of the best TV from 99-04 got the axe while other shows that nobody will even be talking about got season after season. Perhaps the reason that TC didn't last so long is that it was too smart for the average viewer. It helps when you think about TC when your watching it. Tru Calling is not the pop song that so many other shows are, it is an opera filled with all sorts of layers. Tru Calling had such a good set up and did not get the chance follow through on its potential. There were so many amazing stories that they could have told if given the chance. If you have not seen Tru Calling and are on this page I suggest that you pick up the DVD sets as you'll end up going back to it time and time again. The best new show on TV in 2003/4 can be the best new show in your DVD collection, as it is in mine. Its too bad nobody could go back in time and save Tru Calling....... and Firefly and Undergrads and Clerks.........

The candle that burns twice as bright lasts half as long.

The little show that could, but wasn't allowed to. One of many.

[filmbuff20 · 8/10 · 5 January 2008]

I have a new rule when selecting TV shows. If it's been cancelled, chances are it's worth a look. Sure, there are some exceptions. Blade The Series and Daybreak were cancelled with good reason. Mildly entertaining both, but not enough to sustain ratings or even individual interest in some cases. Then we have a group of tragic cancellations that were seemingly unnecessary. Firefly, Kevin Hill, The Class, Six Degrees, Commander In Chief have given way while shows like 24 and Lost, entertaining as they are, may have already jumped the shark a while ago and are in desperate need of either a makeover of a wrapping up. Ratings become more important than quality and shows like Unan1mous and The Simple Life splurge all over our screens in their stead.

In the case of Tru Calling, a clever little show riffing on themes of time travel and fate, a satisfactory ending was never allowed to see the light of day and, in the wake of some story lines heating up to the boil, was canned near the beginning of it's second season.

As we meet Tru Davies, her friend and boss Davis, her screw-up brother Harrison and (in season 1) best friend Lindsay, we are settled into a comfortable structure whereby Tru is asked for help by dead bodies and relives the day in order to save them. By episode 11 of the first season, The Longest Day, the formulaic episode structure is shaken up as Tru relives a day multiple times until she gets it right and begins to ask whether or not what she's doing is right. From here on in it gets juicier as we are introduced to Jack, Tru's counterpart who exists to make sure she fails so that fate can take it's course. It's here that the writers begin to question Tru and her abilities raising doubts in her heroic but distinctly grey re-shaping of fate. Jack is certainly a hardened, callous soul, but can we call him evil, or is doing the right thing just harder? He even goes so far as to state several times that he hates his job, and we believe him. Episode 4 of season 2 notes a challenge for Jack that he almost doesn't come back from and if developed, Jack and his arc would have been fascinating, especially with the direction the writers have said that they were planning to go in.

Unlike shows like Ghost Whisperer, in which the same thing truly does happen every week, Tru Calling was becoming more and more interesting, but a premature cut off at episode 6 of season 2 saw the end of a perfectly good show that could have been great.

Pretty good, but season 2 is GREAT.

[xBriarRose · 7/10 · 22 July 2006]

I watched the first season of Tru Calling about year ago on Sky One, and thought it was OK. It didn't stand out at first and the writing wasn't very good, but it really started to pick up! The stories got better and the characters developed, and I enjoyed watching it.

I got the complete DVD set a couple of months ago, and wow, the second season (well, all 6 episodes!) is AMAZING. Suddenly the whole thing gets better, with more intricate characters and surprises. There is great interaction between "Tru" and "Jack" and the show is suddenly entertaining to watch. It is such a shame that it was cancelled after only 6 episodes of Season 2! If only they had shown Season 2 on TV, I'm sure people would have watched them. It's worth buying on DVD to see the whole thing, and remains one of my fave TV shows.

How did they cancel this???

[productjunkie76 · 10/10 · 26 December 2020]

Loved this show! I can't figure out how they cancelled it just as they were about to reveal so much about the villain, etc. The stories were great! I would rewatch it if I could find it anywhere to stream. Someone needs to reboot this show!

Tru discovers she has the ability to relive a day and help people in the process. Great show and interesting stories!

A real look at Tru Calling, forget what you've heard, these are the facts...

[jmillar7 · 25 August 2004]

Tru Calling, it's hard to review Tru Calling as it's either a show that's loved or hated, I think that's become clear with different people's opinions on the show. I don't think I've read someone who's on the border of liking and disliking a show. I personally love and adore the show.

Eliza is top notch as Tru Davies, she's believable in her role, not making it too over the top. Her co-stars, Jason Priestly and Scott Reeves compliment Eliza perfectly, most notably Scott. For an underrated actor, who I personally hadn't heard of before the show, he holds up his performance alongside Eliza perfectly. He's believable as the rebellious son, but heartwarming as the loving brother of Tru. Jason Priestly, a late addition to the series cast plays the perfect villain against Tru. He's confident, smug and full of himself, he's everything that Tru isn't, it makes the character work.

The episodes are interesting, unique in there on way, it's not just a simple case of Tru goes back and saves someone, there's different twists that can effect the outcome of her reliving the day. Highlights for me of the first season include the Pilot, the shocking Daddy's Girl, Reunion, Valentine and the 2 part season finale D.O.A and Two Weddings and a Funeral. With the shocking twists that come along the season, Daddy's Girl sets up the series arc brilliantly, it's even furthered by the end of the 2nd part of the season finale. This show has a lot more depth than what it's given credit for.

Most people automatically snub this show because Eliza choose to do it over a Faith spin off from Buffy and Angel. I'm the biggest Buffy/Angel fan and would have loved to see a spin-off. But Tru Calling is an amazing show, that has proven it can hold it's own. Forget the negative comments you've heard about the show. Yes there are flaws, but the hour of enjoyment you receive outweighs them completely.

The only thing I really can say about Tru Calling is that it stumbled in it's first few episodes, gaining it's feet, and this was obvious while watching the episodes, however the writers managed to get the show into a good motion and by the middle of the series it turns out to be one of the only good shows currently airing on TV. With the loss of Buffy, Angel, Friends and Wonderfalls. Good TV is short in quantity, networks clearing these shows to make room for more reality shows that we really have no interest in anymore.

Personally I'd recommend Tru Calling to anyone who was a fan of Buffy or Angel, or anyone who loves supernatural, drama and comedy shows. Forget what the haters say, judge Tru Calling for yourself.

If Netflix was around in the early 2000s...

[rentprop · 10/10 · 10 August 2019]

This show had so much potential and Fox never gave season 2 a chance. If Netflix was around and picked up Tru Calling after fox cancelled it we would have gotten another 4 seasons. Netflix should remake this show now and let it have the run it deserves

Pretty repetitive at first, but started to get really interesting when it was canceled.

[Happy_Evil_Dude · 7/10 · 21 August 2008]

Tru Davies has a gift. When she's next to a corpse, sometimes it asks for help, at which point her day rewinds and she has to save the person before he dies.

Early episodes of Tru Calling are extremely repetitive. Corpse asks for help, Tru's day rewinds, Tru saves person. Sure, the writers made attempts to diversify the formula (several people must be saved, day rewinds several times, etc...) and advance the storyline (Tru forms alliances with her boss at the morgue and with her brother, etc...) but still, you probably wouldn't want to have a Tru Calling marathon.

This started to change about halfway through the first season with the introduction of Jason Priestley's character, and by the time the show was canceled (six episodes into the second season), things got extremely promising and viewers are left with the beginning of what would probably have been a fascinating story arc involving Eric Christian Olsen's character Jensen.

It's a shame Tru Calling got canceled when it did, as by that time it had started to show the potential it had. And when you think that the Jennifer Love Hewitt vehicle Ghost Whisperer is going strong by having the same exact storyline every week, it's extremely frustrating. Tru Calling is worth checking out. I wouldn't say it's a great show (though it could have become one) but it's still pretty entertaining and certainly offers more ideas than the aforementioned somewhat similar Ghost Whisperer.

I'm obsessed!

[kath0544 · 10/10 · 24 August 2018]

The first 3 episodes were really engaging, fast-paced and had great character and story developments. The show then becomes even better as Tru learns from the people she attempts to save and this show does a great job distinguishing each episode and making them unpredictable. Some episodes are even unforgettable. The main chemistry between Eliza, Zach and Shawn keeps you watching. The mythology of the show really picks up toward the end of the first season and the instant chemistry with Eliza and Jason is addicting. The entire second season revolves around those two and each episode is a can't-miss.

[7.3] No luck for Tru

[cjonesas · 7/10 · 25 April 2021]

A nice series that I enjoyed as a fan of Eliza Dushku; a bit repetitive at times, but always with a good acting, heart-warming stories and a smooth flow.

Saddening that it got axed after just one season and an incomplete 6-episodes second one. It surely had potential to be explored further, with at least the Studio committing to finish the second season.

• Screenplay/story: 7.5
• Development: 7
• Realism: 7
• Entertainment: 8
• Acting: 8
• Filming/cinematography: 8
• Music/score: 7
• Depth: 7
• Logic: 6.5
• Flow: 7.5
• Drama/suspense: 7
• Ending/closure: -

Superd

[martinrosamond · 10/10 · 20 March 2020]

Why this TV program stopped as it was getting interesting then suddenly that's it no more very stupid I would paid to see another season very unprofessional from who stopped it

Yeah,why cancel?

[lez-martin · 7/10 · 1 February 2006]

I got the box set on DVD after series two was not shown by sky TV in The U.K,and i have to agree that it should not have been cancelled,shows like this though will end up with cult status,and the TV execs will try to revive it,but then it will be to late...another cleverly thought out,cleverly filmed gem,with a strong cast and perpetual story lines that has slipped away into TV history,before cancelling a series the network should try and figure why viewing figures fall...us in Britain are at the networks mercy,a show thats popular here doesn't stand a chance if the American public hasn't been given the chance, to give it a chance.

Late Review

[MoodyCracker · 10/10 · 9 January 2019]

What was the point in cancelling this show? I remember the first episode I watched was the Valentine's day episode. I watched it with my grandma. I did eventually forget the show until years later. It's a good show.

repetitive

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 23 September 2013]

Tru Davies (Eliza Dushku) is a medical grad student in Boston. She gets a new job at the morgue. Davis (Zach Galifianakis) is her eccentric co-worker. Harrison Davies (Shawn Reaves) is her younger gambling slacker brother. Meredith Davies (Jessica Collins) is her older drug addicted lawyer sister. She discovers that she has the power to redo the previous day. She uses her power to help the dead in the morgue and her family. Jason Priestley joins the show later as villain Jack Harper.

The premise is interesting, but it never got compelling. The structure of the show is very repetitive. She runs the day. Then she gets called to repeat the day to help someone. She runs the day again. It's a groundhog day of doing the same story twice in each episode.

Is it just me?

[duna200 · 4/10 · 3 November 2006]

Or anyone else have noticed the fact that first bunch of episodes are inspired too much by 90's flicks?

I mean seriously wife who is trying get someone else to murder his rich husband so she can claim his assets. Med students who are temporarily stopping their hearts to reach memories that are lost; Flatliners. Bunch of college bodies getting together again to reminisce on the old days but are not fully comfortable because they did something in the past, Very Bad Things? Groundhog day is one of my all time favorite movies. Sadly enough the writing staff behind his turd is bunch of lazy bastards who can not come up with their original scripts.

Noble idea totally fubarred in it's execution.

Canceling this show was a sin

[OldSchoolRecords · 10/10 · 2 April 2012]

Tru Calling was one of the most enjoyable and thrilling TV show I've ever seen. The concept alone (a girl at a morgue who relives days to prevent certain deaths when chosen to) is very interesting, but the characters, their relationships and development made the show grow bigger episode by episode. Tru Davies is one inspirational character to people everywhere, with her determination and faith in what she does, balancing her own life and education, often even sacrificing to save the life that asked her to, no matter how much gratitude or care they show.

The best things about this show was that it tackled almost every subject you could think of in a crime scene (murder, suicide, accidental deaths, etc.), in basically any setting (hospital, beauty pageant, prom reunions..). Also worth mentioning is that Tru could try and fix some trivial or sometimes important issues with her friends and family, like allowing her brother to win a bet after he already lost in the erased day, or throwing her best friend a birthday party even though she originally forgot about her birthday. Special episodes also include one where Tru either fails to save a person, or succeeds but someone else dies in their place, which could often cause her to relive the same day more than once. This teaches her of the consequences and ripples resulted of her calling, which can be both a gift and a curse.

A series with potential to trump most scifi currently airing.

[cfeyrer2002 · 8 November 2004]

At first glance, Tru Calling may appear to be a "rip off". It has elements of The Dead Zone, Early Edition, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Quantum Leap; even Saved By an Angel. And with vetran writers from shows like Star Trek: Voyager, you might think that you've seen this all before. Well, you haven't!

But, isn't that the way of scifi television? Even Star Trek: The Next Generation could be considered a "rip off". Why do comic book heroes keep reappearing on the screen, after years and years of already knowing their superpowers?

The answer is simple -- good storytelling. And, especially in the second half of the first season, "Tru Calling" found its stride. What makes "Tru" different is that the show seems to seriously care about the themes it presents to you; murder, life, death, and dealing with the ability to change the fate of people facing this prospect. Tru successfully walks the line between tongue-in-cheek Back to the Future/Ground Hog day humor inherent to the premise, and the serious obligation that would be involved if you could change someone's fate. Tru is a great lesson in mortality and touches on how we all deal with death, with a comic book's playfulness. In this way it is like any great adult comic book that gives itself a bit of philosophy.

The first season DVD is highly recommended if in the US. At the time of this writing the show has been canceled by Fox television and the cliffhanger ending may leave you wanting to see the last six episodes, which have yet to air.

CJF

A good mixture of suspense and the unexplained.

[OllieSuave-007 · 9/10 · 23 January 2017]

This is an exciting TV show from FOX that is about an university graduate Tru Davies, who works in the city morgue, witnesses pleas for help from the deceased and is subsequently able to repeat the same day over again to prevent deaths and disasters.

Each episode has its own intriguing and unique flavor, not straying from the plot but also not dragging on to make the show dull. And, each episode gives its own taste of suspense and unpredictability, making you eager to find out the truth behind Tru's power and the purpose behind Tru's nemesis - main villain Jack Harper, whose purpose is to make sure things stay the way they are and the course-of-events are not altered by Tru.

This show has some excellent acting and episodes are well written - they definitely grab your attention from start to finish with its good mixture of suspense and the unexplained. But, just when things get more exciting, the show was abruptly canceled after two seasons. It is too bad - this show had great potential and was what I think one of the better TV dramas of the 2000s.

Grade A-

Proof that Fox really sucks

[epoen08 · 10/10 · 26 September 2009]

After hours, days, weeks of relentless searching, I finally found out the reason that Fox canceled Tru Calling. OK, Fox claims it was canceled due to poor ratings, but when you get online and search for any negative comment on the show, well, I have yet to find one. I don't recall how I got the information, but I think it was a response from Fox. I was informed that while Tru Calling was wrapping up season one (and anyone who was there when it was airing knows it was canceled after the first season originally), they changed owners. The new owner decided he liked reality shows much more than drama (so count your blessings on Bones, House and 24). Fans actually brought it back for the 6 episodes of season 2, which I think is amazing that we have that power! I hope the same comes for the terminator Sarah Conner Chronicles. Ironically enough, that is not what makes me the maddest about Fox Networks. The fact that a dumba$$ show like dollhouse or a show that should've lasted only two seasons at most like prison break or American Idol stay around way past their welcome. Reality is ruining television. We the people who hold hopes for a better future in television are constantly at war with our people dwindling everyday, leaving us behind, glorified by this new idea they have called a life which was not such a happening thing prior to the upbringing of reality TV. If you ask me, there should be one set of channels for just reality programming, charge a monthly fee for these like they do with sports packages, and give us back the good shows, and everyone will be happy. Quit canceling series just because they aren't reality TV, or more people will quit watching your channels, knowing that if they get into it, it will be gone within 2 years. The only reality show ever worth watching lasted 13 episodes, called Murder. Real people got a crash course in forensics and solved real murders...CSI meets reality...How did that go wrong?

eliza made a great choice by choosing TRU!

[AdrienneGrayceMusic · 10/10 · 20 May 2004]

Rather than going with a FAITH SPIN-OFF, Eliza Dushku wanted to do something different, and play a different kind of role. And what a great decision it was! I have never been a BUFFY FAN or an Angel fan, but have always been an Eliza Dushku fan. With Tru calling, Eliza gets to play something that she never usually plays. " A GOOD CHARACTER." Tru goes back in time to save the lives of those who were not meant to die. Her mother died when she was little. Her relationship with her brother is very strong and unique. You don't see that with many bro-sis relationships. The whole cast is amazing. Tru- an amazing person, Harrison- a cool funny guy, Lindsay- her caring and clueless best friend, Davis- her creepy but friendly boss, and Luc- her adorable former boyfriend. Then there is Jack! The mysterious handsome guy comes along, and then BAM! secrets arise and now we know that Jack is Tru's sworn Nemesis ( her polar opposite ). Jason priestley ( JACK ) has brought so much to the show and it is headed in an exciting and new direction. We now have a season 2, and us fans are excited to see what becomes of jack, Tru, and Tru's father ( whom we now know had the power to relive days just like tru and her mom ). Hope this show stays around for a long long time. Although the show is sometimes dark, it also has a little comedy, drama, and suspense all in one! All in all and excellent show. Good luck with the show Eliza and the rest of the cast! DO not let the "FAITH HOPEFULS" bring you down. Just know you did the right thing by choosing tru calling over the faith spin-off. Here's to many many more seasons of tru calling!! Thank you for giving us this awesome show FOX!

Tru Calling show needs to come back

[xtankgiirlx · 10/10 · 22 February 2008]

I was pretty enraged when I found out that this show got axed. I really like this show so much, Eliza Dushku is my favorite actress, how could fox ax this show. I don't care if it was for the ratings, I am wondering if there is any way this show could come back.. I really love this show :-( I'm really sad to see this show being cut for no obvious reasons. Why don't someone bring this show back. Whoever had the bright idea of canceling this show must be high on some kind of drugs, maybe crystal meth, maybe crack, or even heroin! Of course this show is too smart for average viewers, but I'm no average viewer, because I'm one of those small percentage of viewers that are very intelligent. Hey, next time someone cut this show again, FIRE HIM/HER!!!

Nice idea that fell short

[cwoliver-1 · 5/10 · 15 February 2007]

Tru Calling was good but it could have been great. The concept was intriguing and allowed for seriously strange and frightening story lines that might have been explored in future. Unfortunately the writing and an actor let the show down.

The writing wasn't too bad but there were holes. In episode 13, "Drop Dead Gorgeous", an incredibly toxic poison was supposedly used to kill the victim. This was so toxic and killed so quickly the victim had no time to run or even scream for help. Yet there was no plausible explanation for how the killer obtained such a powerful poison.

In episode 15, "The Getaway", the off-duty policeman responded unrealistically. In the second diner scene he (meekly) tells the robber to drop the gun and when she doesn't follow the order, and in fact turns the gun in his direction, he allows it to turn into a standoff and then escalate into a hostage situation – the very situation he'd been warned about. His response should (would) have been to shoot the robber when she failed to follow his order and upon her turning the gun on him. There are other faults in the stories but I'll leave it with these two examples. In spite of the writing faults I did like the show.

The other problem I had was that I just could not accept Eliza Dushku in this roll. In my opinion she is too inexperienced and lightweight to carry this part. She never walked anywhere, she marched; and far too often she came to an abrupt stop on her mark.

She also lacked any really emotional facial expression or intonation. She either has a pensive look or a cute smile; rarely are other emotions apparent. When she tries to appear dramatic she begins her line looking away and 'then' turns her eyes to her fellow actor. Or alternatively she begins her line looking at her opposite and then looks away. Both are annoying when done as a replacement for true emotion. An example of her lack of intonation is in episode 20, "Two Weddings and a Funeral", during her second wedding speech is devoid of emotion (eg. hearts in our hearts).

I liked all of the other actors in their respective parts and they were all believable. With improved writing and a lead change Tru Calling might have made it.

Really Cool!

[SonicStuart · 25 March 2004]

The show Tru Calling is really cool and I never miss a episode! Except I missed the first episode the night when it premired but luckily I caught a repeat of it. This is the best drama show on Fox since Dark Angel! The show is about a 22 year old girl named Tru Daives who has a brother named Harrison and a older sister named Meredith and their mother was murdered right in front of Tru and when Tru was younger she wished she could go back to the day and prevent death from even happening but a few years later her wish was granted. So at first Tru tries to get a job at a hospital and then she gets a job at a City Morgue and then she gets these powers to go back and prevent people from dying in the first place and also reliving the whole day. The whole going back and reliving the whole day thing sounds pretty cool! Now that this is one of my favorite shows I have a major crush on Eliza Dushku and AJ Cook (who plays Tru's best friend and Harrison's girlfriend, Lindsay). I hope this show does well especially that Jason Priestly is added to the show that will help also.

User Rating: 10/10

BOTTOM LINE: Best Drama TV-series on FOX since Dark Angel!

My Favorite Show

[AnUnnamedGalaxy · 10/10 · 17 September 2005]

Tru Calling is my favorite show, even after its cancellation it still remains a fact.

A young girl by the name of Tru witnesses her mothers murder and at the funeral, she hears her mother's voice telling her it will be alright.

Ten years later, a 22 year old Tru just graduates college and races to the ceremony. She is sad that her father, Richard, sister Merideth and brother Harrison don't show up.

That night she celebrates her graduation at a bar with her best friend Lindsay and we learn she has an internship starting that the hospital.

Her internship falls through and a doctor tells her of a job at the morgue. Tru decides to check it out and eventually takes the job.

Her boss Davis is a shy odd man who eventually goes on to help Tru throughout the show.

Her first night on the job a woman with a gun shot is brought in and eventually opens her eyes and asks for Tru's help. Tru wakes up to find its the same day over again and she sets out to stop the woman from dying.

Tru Calling is a wonderful show and Eliza Dushku is a terrific actress. Tru Calling would not have been the same without her.

As the first season progresses she learns of her sisters drug use, learns that her mother had the same calling. Also Harrison and Davis help her out as best of their abilities, she finds love but also loses it due to her calling, finds out there is someone she knows that also has the calling and then learns the same person is working against her, which sets up for the second season.

In the second season, which was sadly cut short, Tru is now a medical student and has a sworn nemesis, who tries with all their might to stop the person from living. Tru gets new friends and a possible love interest who would of had a huge story arch.

Once again, Tru was a truly great show and did not deserve what it got, a cancellation from FOX.

Surprisingly Different

[stullmelissa · 10/10 · 13 October 2018]

I don't normally go for sci-fi stuff, but I loved this series.

Why was it canceled?

[supernaturalfan1 · 10/10 · 25 March 2007]

This was a great TV show that was ahead of it's time. Unfortunately it's network canceled it when it was filming its 7th episode of the 2nd series. Tru (Eliza Dushku) starts working at a morgue to help her get a job as a doctor. On her first night at the morgue a corpse wakes up and asks her for help. The day starts again and Tru tries to save the victim and gets the opportunity to know what will happen and get a second chance to do something about it.

The show was great and so was the concept. It had humour, suspense and get kept you wondering if Tru could save the day. The characters were great and they unfolded every week so we learned more about them.

Tru calling is available on DVD with the complete first season and the 6 episodes from the second series. Go out and buy it you won't regret it.