2:15 pm - 01/23/2013

Why Canadian television wins with cop-drama "Flashpoint"

After five seasons, 75 episodes, and what reviewers describe as a riveting finale, "Flashpoint" has come to an end. As a result, the police drama's Canadian and American followings (it aired on both CTV and on CBS) must say goodbye, making "Degrassi" the only other scripted Canadian series turning heads south of the border.

So, what made "Flashpoint" so special? Produced for CTV in 2007, CBS signed on as production partner in 2008 during the writer's strike. From there, the show premiered to American and Canadian audiences, and filled the void left by TV shows on hiatus. Unfortunately, "Flashpoint" was dropped by CBS in 2011, but the police drama was then picked back up by ION Television, where it stayed until its conclusion. A cause for celebration, certainly, especially considering "Flashpoint's" Canadian roots.

Despite a distinct lack of buzz (arguably, it's no "Breaking Bad" or "Boardwalk Empire"), "Flashpoint" managed to maintain a fan base large enough to justify a prime time slot, with an early 18-episode order for its fifth and final season. However, unlike "Degrassi," "Flashpoint" didn't deal with controversial social issues, nor did it embrace the type of gut-wrenching subplots you might see on "C.S.I." or "Law and Order."

But perhaps that's what made it stand out. It's easy to look at a show like "Flashpoint" -- a subtly praised, Canadian series that was dropped from a major American network -- and dismiss it as just another venture in national broadcasting. However, the fact that Canada produced a cop show that chose to end (as opposed to being cancelled) and didn't outright channel or copy American shows is a victory. Canada is often pegged as "America junior," but instead of making another version of "C.S.I.," CTV chose to make "Flashpoint," a series revolving around a tight-knit group of police officers that combined action with real, human stories.

"Flashpoint" also differed from typical crime shows in another way. While "C.S.I." and "Law and Order" tend to depict -- at times -- brutal, graphic violence, "Flashpoint" did not. Yes, there was action, and violence moved the narrative forward, but the show didn't dwell on trauma or sensationalism. It was about the characters as people, less about the violence the were faced with. In that way, one could say it was a very Canadian series.

Maybe that's the key to Canadian success. The BBC prides itself on "British" shows like "Sherlock," "Dr. Who," and even "The Hour," and America follows its own path with television dramas. However, Canada has struggled to develop and define its unique television landscape, and our successes are sadly few and far between.

However, with the success of "Flashpoint" -- its action, its adventure, and, yes, its ability to stay on air -- maybe Canadian networks will finally realize that Canadian content is bankable, provided you stop trying to be anybody else.

Source is a month old, but the finale just aired in the US last night.

So, for those 5 ONTDers who watch Flashpoint - what'd you think of the finale??
ronnie_luvs_u 23rd-Jan-2013 07:56 pm (UTC)
omg! that's awesome that you actually met someone!

I've never actually seen filming going on (except once in Hamilton haha whaaat?), but my bro goes to U of T and he's always seeing production trucks and stuff. And he always recognizes when U of T is used in some American movie (like in one of the Hulk movies lol)

kissoffools 23rd-Jan-2013 07:58 pm (UTC)
Yeah, I met Gregory Smith (who I've loved since his Everwood days, haha). I'd found out a couple days before that they'd be shooting there, and I probably went up and down my apartment stairs like twenty times to see if he was there or not, lol. He finally was and I was so nervous because I didn't want to bother him, but I'd made friends with the security guy earlier in the day so he introduced me, lmfao. Best day.

I rarely see actual filming in the city, but I do see production trucks a lot! And DanRad was filming a movie right by my work and I walked by that set like three times that day - but I didn't know it was his movie til I got home that night and googled the title. :( Sigh. Sad day.
ronnie_luvs_u 23rd-Jan-2013 08:02 pm (UTC)
oh that does sound like an amazing day! and yay for nice security guys!

too bad about DanRad though :( I hear he's super sweet.
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