Backstrom (2015) User Reviews

Backstrom, a curmudgeonly character who is interesting

[atlasmb · 8/10 · 6 February 2015]

I am a television viewer looking for entertainment. I decide to watch "Backstrom". Why?

Not because of the first episode, which was horrible. It presented Backstrom as a crime solver who just guesses.

Maybe because of the great cast that surrounds the star. Like Dennis Haysbert, whose role in the show is greater than the first episode showed.

Could it be because once the show gets rolling, Backstrom (Rainn Wilson) becomes more than just a misanthropic cynic with no apparent crime solving skills. In fact, later episodes show him to be a cynical realist who is able to put himself in the shoes of suspects and perps. His Special Crimes Unit works on one case at a time, allowing them to devote all their time and talents to cases that warrant special attention (or are politically important).

Backstrom is also not PC, making him more entertaining and more in tune with the truth. Like many detectives, he will do whatever is expedient if it allows him to solve a crime or convict a criminal--two goals which are sometimes mutually exclusive. This is a character with room to grow. I will watch to see where the series takes him.

Update 4/3/2015: I am changing my grade to "8". The show has been routinely entertaining and the backstory for Backstrom is addimg much more depth to the character. While he may have a dark center, there are occasional moments of enjoyment that he allows himself. I hope he learns to like himself just a little more as the episodes roll out.

It is like House, Jessica Fletcher and Columbo had a cranky lovechild

[digitalbrian · 8/10 · 30 January 2015]

It is like House, Jessica Fletcher and Columbo had a cranky lovechild, I am not easily caught by detective dramas, but oh my Dwight joined the police and I am loving the ride.

Well besides I want his boss to go ahead and say "Allstate" in every sentence, Wilson not only deliver his character Everett Backstrom no he completely blow it out of the ballpark then yank it back for another blow, I can recommend this for any Columbo/Fletcher fan.

I am just afraid it is not going to satisfy the network and they cancel it, it has a huge mark on it's back and me not likey that.

Watch Watch Watch then Watch again I already watched the first 2 epicsodes twice.

Solid crime show with room for improvement

[matt-silesia · 7/10 · 19 February 2015]

I hesitated checking out Backstrom because of the bad to mixed reviews I've read about it but for Rainn Wilson sake I gave it a try. And was not disappointed.

I've seen the first three episodes and I've enjoyed all of them. I agree that the writing could be better but the cases were solid and solved in a believable way (no C.S.I-stuff). The dialogues and Backstroms monologues are quite fun and I laughed a few times during each episode. What I didn't like was that all the flaws and character traits of all the main characters were way to obvious and were introduced within the first 30min of the show.

It's not The Wire but then again hardly any crime show is but in my opinion it is right up there with Mentalist, White Collar and shows like that. No flawless depiction of police work but a fun show with an edgy main character and an outstanding cast.

In conclusion, yes the self-destructive, grumpy, jerky main character is hardly a unique idea and Backstrom sure does resemble Dr. House and yes the writing is sometimes a bit blunt and may also be factually wrong at times. If those things bother you, the show is not for you. But if you can overlook these flaws you'll have fun with Backstrom. And not to forget: Rainn Wilson!

Wasted potential...

[AzSumTuk · 9/10 · 29 August 2015]

This show could be amazing. It could become an incredible hit. It could be groundbreaking.

Alas, Fox, being the idiots that they are, brutally murdered it. There is no other way to describe what they did to "Backstrom". They barely marketed it. They put it in the worst possible time slot. And, to top it all, they made sure to air the episodes in the wrong order. And that, my friends, ruined the show's continuity. Of course, given the fact that the episodes are more or less stand alone, that is not such a big deal, but it sends a lot of the character development right down the toilet. Two Backstrom's team members fall in love, but instead of seeing their feelings gradually developing during the course of the season, in one episode we see them kissing and sharing deep secrets and in a later episode they act as if they just barely know each other. The same with Backstrom's self destructing nature. In one episode he can be a complete wreck and in the next one he can be a relatively normal, although flawed man.

And so on. Fox really messed the continuity of the show up, which is why it won't be surprising if some people think it doesn't make sense. And this is a pity, because "Backstrom" is a real jewel. It is laugh out loud funny and heartbreakingly sad, it is optimistic and pessimistic, it is... It is just that good. Backstrom is an incredible character, flawed and mean, but good at heart and with the soul of a child. The members of his team are all interesting characters with distinct personalities. The cases are well written, although very unrealistic. The dialogue is witty and funny, and the acting is great.

And, at least, the show does not end with a cliffhanger. Yes, Backstrom's final words are, "Now what?" but we are given a nice closure.

But, yes, Fox messed up. Badly. That is what they do. They either milk a show until it dies, and a few years after that, like they did with "Bones" and "House M. D.", or they actively sabotage it and eventually axe it, like they did with "Firefly", "Almost Human", "Dollhouse"... Why? Just... Why?

Perfect

[gracealmonrode · 10/10 · 19 March 2015]

TV has been pretty boring this year with an overabundance of superhero/action SI-FI shows taking over our screens wherever we look. When I decided to watch Backstrom I found something different, I found a fresh look at the crime genera that brought in comedy with it's darkness, amazing acting, edge-of-your-seat plots, a writing to kill for.

Rainn's character is portrayed to be horrible in the likeness of BBC Sherlock and Gregory House but he holds his own at the table of hateful geniuses. He is offensive, but his insults aren't prejudice seeing as he insults everybody the same wheres House could be offensive as he tended to hate on women and disabled people more than the rest.

The comedy is funny in a very unique way. It's odd, dark, and often something you'll feel guilty about laughing over but you will laugh, Hysterically in fact. As each character is the show is completely different they all bring a new side of humor to the scene and each one is spot-on.

As a member of the LGBT community i'm used to having maybe one, and if i'm lucky two characters that fit in my demographic but we're only a couple episodes in and we've already had an anti- stereotypical gay guy, plenty of trans characters, and an episode devoted to the crossdressing world. Needless to say, I freaking love it.

Backstrom is in my opinion, the perfect show and seriously needs views so go people, go watch it.

What is Fox's problem ?

[dinalt10 · 7/10 · 16 January 2017]

So many good series cut short by Fox Exec's, usually thanks to poor scheduling etc.

The tragedy is they pick up a proper audience when sold to other countries, or shown on Netflix etc.

Backstrom had the potential to be a great TV show (as with most of Fox's canceled shows). I'm just watching on Netflix, and am annoyed to know there probably won't ever be another series.

Anyway, the characters were progressing well. As with many first seasons, it takes a few episodes for the characters to develop. Hence why I've only scored it 7. Had the potential to score higher, if Fox actually had confidence in their shows.

As it is, the whole world suffers more and more 'reality' show garbage, while TV shows aren't given a chance.

Leave it to Rainn Wilson

[Bingedrinker · 9/10 · 26 February 2015]

As I am writing this review, we are 5 episodes in. From what I have seen so far, I am excited to what they've done with the concept.

Cop shows are often a dime a dozen, even when the producers claim they have something new and refreshing. But I certainly feel this one has true potential to be unique and innovative.

First of all, the storytelling doesn't shy away from some hard topics, like homosexuality, teenagers, abuse and self doubt among others. They use this to great effect, but they also use subtle, quirky comedy to keep us entertained.

Secondly, the main character is an antihero. This has been done before. But Everett Backstrom really has some issues. He isn't very friendly, he hates himself, he drinks on the job and breaks a lot of rules along the way. But despite himself and his ways, his peers respect him nonetheless, they even like him. He even has a homeless, abused tween living with him. He tells himself it's for the rent, but there is some sincerity there, that is picked up by his tenant.

Thirdly, it is set Portland, Oregon. This is fun too, because it takes us away from the cliché places like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle or other big cities that are often used for the backdrop.

All in all I feel this is a fun ride so far, and I hope they keep up the good writing. If it stays this good, I am here to stay as well.

House goes to Portland Police Bureau !

[Dr_Sagan · 27 January 2015]

This is a TV series modeled after House M.D. but instead of doctors and treatments you have detectives and crimes.

It's about a charismatic lieutenant of Portland Police Bureau who is extremely cynic and mean to others. Not to mention racist. He gets the job done though so people tolerate his over-the-top behavior.

Like House M.D. this is a dramedy too. You get the comedic elements between the lines of an actual drama. Some one-liners of the cynical type, some awkward situations...etc.

Rainn Wilson is leading the cast having the titular character of Backstrom and he is doing a good job in my opinion. The rest of the cast is OK but nothing stellar.

A special mention to Thomas Dekker (John Connor from the Sarah Connor's chronicles) who plays Backstrom's gay (and also cynical) son. Dekker gives a very efficient performance and has a convincing attitude.

The story (I only watched the pilot) was interesting with twists until the very end. The dialogs are delivered in a "deadpan" way that mostly works, but it may needs some improvement on that.

The direction of photography is somehow dark and that might be my biggest complain. I would preferred a lighter tone. Things to be more bright and more "visible".

Overall: Not bad. I personally will check out the next episodes...

Decent acting, terrible writing, needs a real show runner

[drbits · 7/10 · 24 January 2015]

My vote is 5 for the pilot, plus 2 for potential.

Another review indicates that the writers do not know Oregon law enforcement. That and many other issues indicate the need for a good show runner (producer who is as involved with the writers and casting as a director is with the actors). They also need a real Portland police officer to read each script before shooting.

Until the 1990s, women were used as screamers, love interests, or as a surrogate for the audience. In a modern procedural show, all supporting cast must fulfill a significant role. Audiences are let down if a female detective is not written as intelligent and hard working. That is the only way that a woman can attain the rank of detective in a major US city.

Aside from Oregon not using lethal injection, the writers obviously do not know the difference between felony (second degree) murder and first degree murder (killing with intent and planning). An accomplice who commits a felony, but is not part of planning to kill is committing second degree murder. No US state executes people for second degree murder.

Attention to detail is the heart of producing a procedural. There are several lapses in continuity. The worst lapse in detail is that no police station should display the US flag at night in the rain. Every boy scout and every desk sergeant knows that this is a federal crime.

The show Grimm is set in Portland and is a little loose with the law and other details. However, a fantasy show is allowed a lot more latitude by the viewers than a procedural show.

Finally, the discussion of generations of police officers is wrong. The behavior of detectives depends more on the police chief when they are promoted than the age of the detective.

Hope someone picks it up

[shevlinka · 10/10 · 12 May 2015]

This show is funny and I hope someone picks it up ...It is a good show compared to all the reality shows and deserves a chance .It would probably have higher ratings if the time slot was changed and it played another day .But it is definitely worth the time to watch . Instead of all the squeaky clean characters that normally appear on cop shows this one has real people who have screwed up and are trying to get their lives back together along with keeping their jobs and they actually work great as a team . Hopefully some station realizes that is a great way to have a show and decides to take a chance and grab it. They would probably find out it being followed by a lot more people than the networks show.

Has potential, but feels hamfisted

[connor_wellington · 6/10 · 1 February 2015]

In my opinion, there are three important factors that need to be considered when making/watching the pilot of a series: the introduction of the plot, the presentation, and the potential for lastability. Backstrom did a good job of introducing the main character as well as his general personality, but many of the supporting characters were very poorly incorporated. Several obvious attempts at running gags were introduced (and then repeated an unnecessary number of times) and a simple formula for the episode was established. Despite this, the pilot did its job of establishing a standard dramedy. The presentation, however, was sloppy. The script was uninspiring, the actors were portraying different characters than their lines called for, and the humor was badly timed. It seems as though little communication occurred between the writers and the actors. The characters (both the ones the actors portrayed and the ones their lines portrayed) are very stereotypical and overdone. Unfortunately these are issues that have plagued the pilots of many great series', and are generally to be expected, however disappointing they may be. In terms of lastability, this show does have a chance, though slim. If they can improve upon their writing and acting disconnect, as well as create better scripts, then this show has the potential to become a great series. There are many amazing shows with very humble, sloppy beginnings (cough* The Office cough*) and I would love to see Backstrom join their ranks.

A unique detective show

[Gigles0927 · 8/10 · 12 March 2015]

I love this show. Like another person also said, it is kind of a mix between House and Columbo.

But updated.

I like the banter that goes on. I hope this show continues.

I like the variety of characters.

I also like the suggestion of secrets in some of their lives. I can not wait to find out some of them.

I hope they do not run out of ideas for shows.

I am missing you this week. Anxiously awaiting next weeks show!

Keep it up! Your fan base is growing.

love Rainn Wilson

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 8 May 2015]

Everett Backstrom (Rainn Wilson) is the lead detective of the Special Crimes Unit of the Portland Police. He's a drunken self-destructive unhealthy mess and lives with hustler Gregory Valentine on his boat. Nicole Gravely is the young idealistic second in command. Backstrom makes fun of new age cop Peter Niedermayer. Frank Moto is the muscle of the unit. Nadia Paquet is the tech savvy French civilian. Backstrom's ex Amy Gazanian (Sarah Chalke) is the new chair of Oversight and he hates his hard-nosed small town sheriff father (Robert Forster).

This is House as a cop. Rainn Wilson is fun in this role. He's the main reason I like this show. The rest of the cast is a mix bag. I like most of them with a few traces of awkwardness. I think the group chemistry would have improved over time. The hustler-friend-half-brother is an interesting relationship. The doctor is not really funny enough. Niedermayer may say some new age stuff but looks like a boy scout. Gravely looks like she could break if the bad guys push her over. No matter, I still love Rainn Wilson.

Disappointing

[impendingdelusion · 4/10 · 23 January 2015]

It seems like a stale attempt to emulate "House", its gimmick of "I'm a..." quickly gets old and annoying, and in the very first episode, it demonstrates a total lack of research on the city it's set in.

A) one of the characters is being tried with the death penalty. Oregon DOES NOT HAVE THE DEATH PENALTY.

B) It takes the factoid that Portland has lots of strip clubs and then portrays those strip clubs according to every tired 90s stereotype, including the "girls become strippers because they have daddy issues" trope. Portland's strip club culture is heavily punk-themed, and most of the employees at the prominent clubs are well-educated and sex positive. In fact, sex positivity is a humongous part of Portland culture. The worst possible thing you could do in the pilot of a show set in Portland is portray its strippers as evil, manipulative succubi.

C) Some characters are said to go to U of O. U of O is in Eugene, two hours South of Portland.

Portland has a very distinct vibe. "Portlandia" might screw up its portrayal of that vibe, but this show doesn't even try.

Bring Back Backstrom!

[mathmaniac · 10/10 · 1 June 2017]

Please! I miss this guy. The pot belly (he's not ashamed to show it) and the stinky cigar. The nasty quips. Some women just go for the sloppy curmudgeon.

I am watching the first season again, just because the dialogue makes me smile. "I don't see the worst in everyone. I see the 'everyone' in everyone." I warn anyone who considers watching this wonderful show to beware of the tendency to start every conversation in a Backstromish way: 'I am the postman. I have shoes that are worn down to the heel. My breath stinks of Pepsodent and gin...' You'll have to be especially careful when you start that 'I am...' business with your third-grader's teacher. She may not 'get it.' Please bring Backstrom back. I love this guy. Rainn Wilson, great job!

Solid good show.

[extravagantev · 10/10 · 13 February 2015]

I think Backstrom had a really solid pilot if you ask me. Up to the current episode, it's a win for me. Very entertaining and always keeps me wanting more.

Rainn Wilson portrays the lazy, humorous detective with complete genius. Yes, he is that good as an actor.

The show so far has been likened to House M.D. I really don't think they even tried to be like House with Rainn's character.

I read and heard some people saying that the supporting cast isn't up to the level, and some people even bashed on Rainn Wilson. I mean what do people want? People nowadays always want the next big thing to swoop over the TV and they rush into conclusions about shows based on watching ONE episode or reading reviews. People should not over hype EVERY new show that is about to be released. The supporting cast was very good and decent.

The show isn't ground breaking in no means. It is however a very solid and entertaining show to watch with a witty and dark lead character portrayed perfectly by Rainn Wilson.

Need to watch a few episodes before an opinion.

[wildthing226 · 7/10 · 7 February 2015]

I don't normally give any new television shows a shot. There's just too many channels and too many shows and only so much room on my DVR LOL. A pilot episode is too small a sample to determine if you're going to watch a show ever again. In the first episode the show was kind of boring the first half and then got better the second half. The second episode was better, more time to establish characters. I set the show to record the entire season on my DVR and so far I'm going to keep watching. Rain Wilson is enjoyable and anything he does and I'm going to give his first lead role on TV a thorough chance. I anxiously await Dennis Hayebart to make some kind of reference to his car insurance commercials.

Save Backstrom

[mrbamathews · 10/10 · 27 June 2015]

Honestly one of the best shows made in the last 10 years. Fox is so foolish for canceling it. Everyone should call netflix at 866-579-7172 and request that they pick up & save the series! I honestly feel it had great acting, great writing, great humor, wit, and intelligence. Way to many garbage shows on TV nowadays and then a fantastic show like Backstrom gets canceled after 1 season because Fox is too ignorant to realize that the rating are not going to skyrocket after 1 season when it airs at the same time as two hugely popular shows in Blacklist & Scandal. Please Fox give Backstrom another chance! It has a cult like following and if you give it another time slot it will do really really well. Rainn Wilson is perfect for the role & the writers did a fantastic job making his character inappropriately likable.

Entertaining but overstated...

[s3276169 · 6/10 · 22 February 2015]

Backstrom makes a lot out of this crime dramas obnoxious and at times amusingly, self destructive lead detective. Regrettably its not really enough to save this series from the label of "just another crime drama".

The series is well acted but the recipe it draws upon has, pardon the pun, been done to death. There's nothing especially original or sophisticated about this series, that would truly set it apart.Many of the crime scenarios presented thus far, are more than a little stale and the ad-hoc detection methods employed by the lead Backstrom, are never really reconciled when the crimes are, inevitably, solved. Indeed, if you pay attention, much of Backstroms detecting is shallow and full of holes. Often its the writers decisions, not his detecting, that make him "right", when the "ah-ha" moment arrives and the villains are unmasked.

The result is an "OK" series that's watchable but in no way remarkable.Six out of ten from me.

Absolutely not!

[Judd-Half-Nelson · 9/10 · 24 January 2015]

I really think that this show is NOT trying to be like House or Bones or Castle or Fitz (OK, maybe trying to be a little Fitzy, without the alter-ego character - yet).

I think this show is on another plane of existence, where it is poking AT those shows' formulas. Just think of the different ways they use the phrase "Absolutely not". You din't get funnier than that, unless there is a writers strike.

And that doesn't happen often enough.

So, is this show funny? Ya, IF you like humor. Is this show dramatic? Ya, IF you like to see blood. Is this show at all like Scrubs? Yes, but WITH a plot.

So far, so good!

[N_Lincoln · 9/10 · 25 January 2015]

I thought this was a very good show, it held my interest. Backstrom was offensive, yes, but he shows signs of softening his attitude. He offends everybody equally, sparing no one from his barbs. The interaction with the doctor was good, and the revealing humor in 'absolutely not' was on target. Denis Haysbert is a solid presence. I do think Wilson's character (beautifully captured) requires a very strong counterpoint, so his partner (or another positive character) could up the ante. The approach that Backstrom goes a bit inside the character's minds to determine possible guilt, much like Jane on the Mentalist, is effective. I note that many compare this to House. So far, I think Backstrom holds his own in comparison.

Recipe for Disaster

[p_imdb-508-242700 · 4/10 · 24 January 2015]

How to cook Backstrom:

* Assemble ingredients from the pretty good fiction of a Swedish criminologist.

* Take characterisation and blend cold until mostly uniform.

* Gather all plot elements and mix into a stodgy dough ball.

*Measure one cup of decent scriptwriting and dilute significantly.

* Add medium-quality actors, plot, characterisation and watered-down script to a large pot on low heat and attempt to bring to the boil.

* After about 10 minutes of simmer, attempt to separate out characters to the side to retain some hints of true flavour. No need to be too attentive to the pot, there will be no boilover.

* Add the odd spice of a stereotypical character or two for appeal to local taste. Do not worry if these jar with the flavours of the original dish; consider them a regional adaptation.

* Cook for around a further 40 minutes, or until the dish has a brownish consistency, devoid of colour, flavour, intensity and is indistinguishable from your regular TV dinner.

Great Potential Ruined By Fox

[sweatyburrito · 10/10 · 22 May 2015]

The show is excellent. The wit by the cast along with the unique ways they figure out the climb comes from great writing and great acting. Yet, the buttheds at FOX decide to cancel it !!!!? Why does crap like Two Broke Girls stay on TV and a show like Backstrom does not even get a full season? Try a different time slot or put the show on another network. Everybody should be complaining about this cancel. If you have not watched the show then watch the 13 episodes from the short season and you will see the charm and fun this show possessed. Rainn Wilson finally gets to get out of his big dumb guy role and then gets wacked. No more Fox for me.

Outside of the Box, GREAT TV

[phoneacct · 10/10 · 29 April 2015]

Backstrom is described as a character-driven police procedural but it really is outside of the box. This show has strong cult classic written all over it. Whether it will be allowed time to achieve its market potential is, as of this writing, up in the air (as far as I know ;)

What is its magic? It includes: * A fabulous cast of actors creating believable multidimensional characters within excellent, non predictable plot lines. * Really smart direction, cutting, costuming meticulous for each character, and the absolute beauty of endlessly wet Portland. * Huge diverse multi generational market potential. * Irreverence. Really smart irreverence.

The show is funny, and in many scripts in this first season, took excellent aim at some of the sacred cows of television stereotypes; non-heroic firefighters, anyone? Just get it done justice? Perhaps the most charismatic believable preacher ever to strap on a gun? The cutest pair of brothers ever to share television housing? (If you quibble on that - take the average.) Even the romantic pairings are beautifully weird; the relationships can't work, they are doomed - and they work perfectly to mesmerize.

The turns and twists of the social commentary in this contemporary Don Quiote are perfectly aimed; it is the empathy which irresistibly grows on the viewers as the series develops which keep us laughing, nodding and shaking our heads; it has THE hallmark of a really excellent long term series.

Let's hope the people who make the decisions see the remarkable potential in this show.

As a side note - I am amazed at the number of negative user reviews posted in January of this year - before the episodes aired. Mostly these reviews compared the show to other comedy-drama procedurals, poorly. Too bad those reviewers didn't see the series - but they prove: this show is different. Beautifully and a little disturbing different.

RAINN AT HIS BEST

[tomas-554-243321 · 10/10 · 10 February 2021]

This is, like Firefly, a series that was killed off by the studio before it could gain traction. Once it did, like Firefly, it has achieved cult status.

So good. Excellent cast. The episode where Backstrom collapses after the girls were found is one of the best moments in TV. Period.