With the summer television season coming to a close, I wanted to recognize the good work of two summer dramas: Covert Affairs and Rookie Blue. I don’t know about you, but I was about to give up on the tube from Memorial Day to Labor Day if I saw another reality show or game show in the prime time slots. While the warmer months are not known for their heart-pounding dramas, these shows certainly delivered the heat.
Both shows originally received lukewarm reviews but survived through to their current second seasons and have garnered a loyal following. The secret to their success is simple- likeable casts and realistic story lines, while at the same time allowing for the development of the characters over time.
Rookie Blue, which airs on Thursday evenings, follows the lives of five rookie cops from the 15th Division who just graduated from the Academy. These newbie cops include Andy McNally (Missy Peregrym), Dov Epstein (Gregory Smith), Gail Peck (Charlotte Sullivan), Traci Nash (Enuka Okuma) and Chris Diaz (Travis Milne). While all the acting is good, Missy Peregrym really stands out and has quickly become a fan favorite.
The basic storyline focuses on the trials and tribulations of the rookies. It shows how they deal with their duties as police officers and the impact the job has on their relationships with friends, family, and co-workers. Some critics have described the show as Grey’s Anatomy in a police station. Not a bad forecast if you consider the longevity and success of the hospital dramedy and the similar McDreamy-esque workplace love triangles. ABC recently announced the renewal of Rookie Blue for a third season which is currently in development.
Covert Affairs is a USA Network television series that airs on Tuesday evenings. Piper Perabo stars as “Annie” Walker a young CIA trainee. Annie is sent out into the field to work at the CIA’s Domestic Protection Division. Annie’s cover story is that she works in Acquisitions at the Smithsonian Museum. Christopher Gorham plays August “Auggie” Anderson, her side-kick and confidant, not to mention a capable CIA military intelligence officer who was blinded while on a mission in Iraq.
The chemistry between these two actors is obvious and while their relationship is strictly platonic that could (and should) change in the future. The stories have been believable and the supporting cast which includes series veterans Kari Matchett and Peter Gallagher has also been very good. USA Network recently announced that Covert Affairs will debut the second half of its current season with six new episodes beginning Tuesday, November 1st.
If you haven’t had a chance to see these shows yet, check your channel guide for re-runs. Rookie Blue episodes are also available on Abc.com and episodes of Covert Affairs are available on USANetwork.com. Thanks to online access you can catch these shows and miss a few unnecessary moments with Alex Trebek or Chris Harrison!