On Call: Season 1 Episode 1 – Recap and Review | A Potentially Different Kind Of Cop Show
In Prime Video’s “On Call,” we see neither a damning nor push to see police officers as heroes – thus giving a sense of humanity most other shows miss.
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Quick Recap
Coming from a small police class, Alex Diaz is a rookie/trainee who needs someone like Traci Harmon as a mentor and partner. However, she is hardened, hurt, and has a reputation that precedes her. Together, the two do good work, and operating with someone like Alex, who is a bit more optimistic, might be good for Harmon.
However, every time he tries to give someone a chance or go the extra mile, there are moments he reminds Harmon why procedures exist so neither one of them has to get on the radio, make that call, or deliver bad news to the other’s family.
Episode Details
| Category | Details |
| Episode Title | Pilot |
| Originally Aired | January 9, 2025 |
| Network | Prime Video |
| Director(s) | Eriq La Salle |
| Writer(s) | Tim Walsh, Elliot Wolf |
| Character | ACTOR’S NAME |
| Alex Diaz | Brandon Larracuente |
| Traci Harmon | Troian Bellisario |
New Character Descriptions
Alex Diaz
Alex is a good person from San Pedro trying to be a good cop. However, being the first in his family with a badge and having no love amongst his family, even his mother, for taking on the role, his support is minimal, which makes the influence of his peers strong.
Traci Harmon
Hardened and a bit isolated, from what it seems, Traci doing things by the books have made her the black sheep on the force. However, despite perceptions about her, she sometimes steps out of line – especially when a call triggers something in her.
Review
Trajectory (83/100): Plateau
The only other cop show I’ve watched is “9-1-1,” which I watched for about six or seven seasons. This feels refreshing. It is rooted enough to give a sense of realism, but there is a certain amount of light and levity, mainly from Alex, to put an optimistic or lighthearted spin. Now, don’t get it twisted. Drug use, blood, and signs that we’re in for seeing violence happen are established early on.
However, I’d submit that in this surprisingly half-hour episode, you get something far better than what is currently out there, which tries to use the latest headlines, often the ones you’d find hard to believe, to keep your attention. Add in the body cam view that is given sometimes, which can make it feel like the show is shifting in tone, and you get something that can capture and keep your attention.
Highlights
- Half-Hour Drama
- Rooted In Realism, But Isn’t Overtly Dreary
- The Body Camera Views
What To Check Out Next & How To Check This Out
On Call: Season 1 Episode 7 – Recap and Review | A Possible Civil War Or Insurrection Erupts Within The East Barrios
Another display of hard power to soft power comes about as Lasman seeks to avenge the death of a seven-year-old.
On Call: Season 1 Episode 6 – Recap and Review | We Meet Harmon’s Sister
As more cases seem to trigger Harmon’s memories, she forces herself to see her sister and what state she is in.
On Call: Season 1 Episode 5 – Recap and Review | The Reason Many of LBPD Don’t Trust Harmon Is Revealed
While Maniac’s existence still haunts Harmon and now Alex, “On Call” begins to move on by allowing us into Alex and Harmon’s personal lives.
Check out our page for this series, featuring more recaps, reviews, and articles.
