In recent years, the crime drama genre has seen a significant rise in popularity, with series that blend intense action, heart-pounding suspense, and emotionally charged moments. On Call (Season 1), a new addition to the genre, is a gripping series that takes audiences into the world of law enforcement, capturing the challenges and responsibilities that come with the badge. Released on January 9, 2025, this action-packed series follows two police officers on their patrol as they respond to urgent radio calls, showcasing their quick thinking and teamwork in high-stress situations.

With a strong IMDb rating of 7.7/10, On Call has quickly garnered attention for its compelling storyline, well-rounded characters, and intense drama. This review will delve into every aspect of the series, exploring the characters, plot, direction, acting performances, and technical elements that make this show a standout in the crime drama genre.

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

The show has earned a solid IMDb rating of 7.7/10, reflecting its positive reception among viewers. This score speaks to the series’ success in balancing thrilling action sequences with emotional depth, all while maintaining an air of authenticity in portraying police work. Fans of action, crime, and drama genres alike will find something to appreciate in On Call. The rating suggests that while the show has room for improvement, it still manages to entertain and engage its audience effectively.

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

On Call is primarily categorized as an action, crime, and drama series. This combination of genres provides the show with a dynamic and multifaceted appeal. The action elements are fast-paced and intense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as the officers tackle dangerous situations. The crime aspect is deeply embedded in the storyline, as the officers confront the complexities of law enforcement in urban environments. The drama within the show gives a human touch, exploring the emotional weight of the characters’ decisions and the personal stakes involved in their line of work.

Director: Eriq La Salle

Directed by Eriq La Salle, known for his work on ER and Under the Dome, On Call benefits from his deep understanding of human emotion and suspenseful storytelling. La Salle brings a steady hand to the series, balancing action with poignant moments that highlight the complexities of police work. His ability to craft scenes that feel both authentic and cinematic gives the series a unique edge, making each episode a captivating viewing experience.

Release Date: January 9, 2025

The show premiered on January 9, 2025, marking the beginning of what could be an exciting new addition to the police procedural genre. The timing of the release also positions On Call as a fresh start to the year for crime drama enthusiasts, offering a chance to dive into a new series that promises to be both engaging and emotionally resonant.

Star Cast: Troian Bellisario, Brandon Larracuente, Eriq La Salle

The cast of On Call plays a crucial role in its success. The series features a talented ensemble, led by Troian Bellisario, Brandon Larracuente, and Eriq La Salle.

• Troian Bellisario: Known for her role in Pretty Little Liars, Troian Bellisario delivers a standout performance as Officer Sarah Mitchell. Her portrayal of a tough, empathetic officer is both grounded and compelling. Bellisario brings depth to her character, capturing the emotional toll that the job takes on the officers, as well as their unwavering commitment to justice.
• Brandon Larracuente: Larracuente plays Officer James Dawson, Bellisario’s partner on the beat. His performance is engaging and dynamic, providing a perfect counterbalance to Bellisario’s character. Dawson is the pragmatic officer, quick to assess situations with a level-headed approach, but also capable of fierce action when needed. Larracuente’s chemistry with Bellisario is undeniable, and their partnership drives much of the series’ emotional core.
• Eriq La Salle: La Salle, who also directs the series, takes on a prominent role as Captain Mark Reynolds. His performance is authoritative yet compassionate, embodying the role of a seasoned police captain who guides and mentors his officers through the ups and downs of their careers. La Salle’s natural gravitas adds weight to the series, elevating the stakes and ensuring that the tone remains serious and impactful.

Series Story: A Realistic Portrayal of Police Work

At its core, On Call is a story about two police officers, Sarah Mitchell and James Dawson, who respond to a range of incidents throughout their patrol. The show follows the officers as they tackle everything from routine traffic stops to dangerous, high-stakes situations, all while maintaining a sense of camaraderie and professionalism. The realism of the show shines through as the characters confront the emotional and psychological challenges of their jobs, offering a nuanced view of law enforcement that is often missing in traditional crime dramas.

Each episode of On Call revolves around the officers receiving a new radio call, which leads them to a fresh incident. The show’s format allows for a variety of scenarios to unfold, ensuring that no two episodes are alike. Whether they are pursuing a suspect in a high-speed chase or navigating the tense aftermath of a violent altercation, Mitchell and Dawson must rely on their training, instincts, and each other to resolve the situation. The constant shift between action and emotion keeps the show dynamic, ensuring that it never loses momentum.

While the action is intense, On Call does not shy away from exploring the human side of its characters. The series delves into the toll that the job takes on their personal lives, relationships, and mental well-being. There are moments of vulnerability, where the officers question their decisions and grapple with the emotional aftermath of the incidents they respond to. This balance between action and emotional depth is one of the series’ greatest strengths, setting it apart from other police procedurals.

Key Themes and Character Development

One of the most striking aspects of On Call is its exploration of key themes such as teamwork, morality, and sacrifice. The series highlights the importance of partnership between Mitchell and Dawson, who often find themselves relying on each other to survive the challenges they face. Their bond grows over the course of the season, with moments of trust and vulnerability that make their partnership feel authentic and grounded.

Another prominent theme is the moral complexity of police work. The officers are often faced with difficult decisions that challenge their sense of right and wrong. The series asks tough questions about what it means to serve and protect, and whether the ends justify the means. This exploration of morality adds an extra layer of depth to the show, making it more than just a typical crime drama.

As the season progresses, the characters undergo significant development. Mitchell and Dawson are not static; they change and evolve based on the events they experience. This growth is not only seen in their professional lives but also in their personal relationships, adding a sense of realism and relatability to their stories. The characters feel like real people with flaws, strengths, and vulnerabilities, which allows the audience to connect with them on a deeper level.

Cinematography and Direction

The cinematography of On Call is a standout element of the series. The urban landscapes, gritty environments, and fast-paced action sequences are captured with stunning detail. The camera work is dynamic, particularly during chase scenes and moments of heightened tension, adding to the sense of urgency and excitement. The lighting and color grading also contribute to the overall tone of the series, with darker, muted tones reflecting the seriousness of the situations the officers find themselves in.

Under the direction of Eriq La Salle, the series maintains a strong sense of pacing. Each episode flows smoothly, building tension and drama while providing enough space for quieter, reflective moments. La Salle’s direction ensures that the action never feels gratuitous and that the emotional beats land with impact.

Technical Elements

The technical elements of On Call are top-notch, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The sound design is immersive, with a well-crafted mix of ambient noise, radio transmissions, and intense music cues that build suspense. The soundtracks are carefully chosen to heighten the emotional stakes of key moments, complementing the show’s narrative beats.

The editing is sharp, with quick cuts during action sequences that maintain the tension, while slower, more deliberate cuts are used during reflective or emotional scenes. This balance allows the show to maintain its fast-paced action while never losing sight of its character-driven storytelling.

Conclusion

On Call (Season 1) is a thrilling, action-packed crime drama that offers a fresh take on the police procedural genre. With its strong performances from the lead cast, a gripping storyline that balances action with emotional depth, and high-quality cinematography, the series has set a high standard for future crime dramas. The combination of fast-paced, high-stakes incidents with deeper explorations of morality and teamwork makes On Call stand out as more than just a typical crime show—it’s a compelling narrative about the complexities of being a police officer in today’s world.

Fans of action, crime, and drama will find On Call to be a must-watch series, offering a blend of heart-pounding excitement and emotional resonance. With its strong character development, intense plotlines, and expert direction by Eriq La Salle, On Call is a series that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see where the story goes next.