U.S. over-the-air television networks running Canadian shows isn't new: just one of the many ways the networks are trying to save money. "Flashpoint" is one recent example.
What we have in the television version of "The Firm" is a hybrid: American and Canadian actors working together in Toronto on a TV series that airs on Global in Canada and NBC in the United States.
Two of my favorite Canadian actors, who have worked together in the past, are front and center in this adaptation. Long-time readers know of my love and respect for Molly Parker, who plays the wife of the protagonist (Josh Lucas). Callum Keith Rennie plays the protagonist's brother, a private investigator with a criminal past.
In the pilot, they have a few scenes together but haven't interacted with each other.
I first saw Parker and Rennie work together in "Twitch City," the TV show from Don McKellar that Bravo showed the episodes (before Bravo became more about "real" housewives) in the United States. Parker was the cool center in a chaotic world; Rennie had a smaller role, running the convenience store.
Parker and Rennie also were in "Trigger," also starring Tracey Wright (McKellar's parter) in her last major role before her death.
As for "The Firm," the scenes take place either in the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC or in the idyllic South Carolina type small town — all shot in Toronto. But since the two scenes are supposed to be very close by, you have to take it as it comes. Our protagonist is such a superhero that he is only missing the cape and tights. The judge thinks he is a super stand-up guy. In the pilot, our hero gets a 14-year-old accused of murder temporarily remanded to the custody of his father.
For a short run of 22 episodes, the show is packing in a lot of secondary plots and flashbacks. It feels crowded, and that was after seeing the 2-hour pilot. I found myself laughing at times during the pilot, and the show isn't supposed to be funny.
When I see Parker in a Canadian movie, she belongs there: smart, cool, fun to watch on the screen. When she has to be scared, as she does in "The Firm," I feel bad for her. Not the character, but the actress. Unfortunately, in a lot of American drama, women are reduced to being the victim or the helpless bystander to the hero. Hopefully, Parker will get more of a chance to prove how good she is.
The closest I have seen Parker do well in an American setting was "Swingtown," a show with its own problems. Parker showed a strong range of emotions, torn between her old suburban life and a new opportunity to let her hair down. She got to be nervous, but she didn't have to be scared.
As for Rennie, he is ideally suited for this role. He isn't always the upstanding guy, and comes across with an attitude. He is good in this role.
While the pilot aired Sunday night, you can catch the rebroadcast of the pilot Saturday night at 8 pm Eastern on NBC. Regular episodes air on NBC and Global on Thursday nights, starting tonight, at 10 pm Eastern. Showcase in Canada is rebroadcasting episodes and the pilot Friday night at 7 pm Eastern.
Comments