Welcome to Pilot Perception, our feature in which we break down the first episode of each new show in order to help you decide whether it’s worth your time.
The Show: Chicago P.D., NBC in the U.S. and Global in Canada, Wednesdays at 10/9c
The Pedigree: Chicago P.D. is brought to you by Dick Wolf and company (Chicago Fire, Law & Order, etc.). The pilot was written by Matt Olmstead (Chicago Fire, Breakout Kings) and directed by Michael Slovis (Law & Order: SVU, Breaking Bad).
The Cast & How You Know Them: The show stars Jason Beghe (Californication, Chicago Fire), Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill), Patrick John Flueger (The 4400), LaRoyce Hawkins (Reflection), Archie Kao (CSI), Elias Koteas (The Killing), Jon Seda (Chicago Fire, Treme), Jesse Lee Soffer (Chicago Fire, The Mob Doctor), and Marina Squerciati (Gossip Girl).
The Premise: This Chicago Fire spinoff is set in District 21 of the Chicago Police Department, which includes both regular beat cops and a special Intelligence Unit that deals with more complex crimes. The police officers solve crimes, sometimes clash with each other, and of course deal with their personal lives as well.
A Taste:
What Doesn’t: I felt like this pilot was aggressively fine – nothing terribly wrong with it but also nothing that particularly grabbed my attention. There were so many characters that none of them really got enough focus to capture my interest yet. I’ll see how I feel after another episode.
Our Favorite Line: “How long have we worked together, a month? I think it’s time that we be honest with each other, don’t you agree?” “No.”
You Might Like This if you like Chicago Fire or cop shows in general.
If You’re Interested: catch up on the premiere on the NBC site and then tune in next Wednesday at 10/9c for episode two.
(Photo courtesy of NBC.)
I didn’t think I would like this show because the Voight character is still semi-dirty (if there is such a thing). I gave it a chance because I really like Sophia Bush. I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed it enough that I will give it a few more episodes. It was more intense than I thought it would be and I’m hoping it can keep up that same pace.