Did anyone else watch the pilot episode of “Low Winter Sun” last night? It’s a new crime drama, based in my hometown, Detroit. My Michigan friends have been buzzing about it.
The show aims to be “The Wire” of Detroit, and it got a lot right. Dark and gritty, last night’s story swerved with unexpected twists, and made great use of Detroit’s most post-apocalyptic scenery.
But, by the end of the episode, I wasn’t sure who I was supposed to be rooting for. The series hero, Frank Agnew, is a brooding cop who appears to be a combination of corrupt and gullible. He’s tricked into killing another cop, then is placed in charge of the subsequent homicide investigation. The strongest feeling I had toward Frank was the desire to see him arrested. The most likable character was the little-seen female Muslim detective. I hope we’ll see more of her – and other female characters – as the show continues. I’ll keep watching, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the series develops.
Here’s what other people are saying about the show, compiled by Deadline Detroit.
No Detroit cop actually lives in Detroit. Those scenes of Frank leaving his house were fantasy land.
Ha! Great point.
Their fake Detroit accents really irritate me. I grew up in East London, I can hear the two main actors London accents. I’m sure that must irritate Americans too.
Interesting, Stefi! I noticed a little lilt to Frank’s voice, but I didn’t realize it was British. Thanks!
The series is actually based on a British mini-series of the same name, also starring Mark Strong.