Thursdays @ 10pm (CTV and CBS)

I'm not sure why this hasn't been done before. Flashpoint, the primetime cop drama set entirely in Toronto (CN Tower and the TTC subway sightings!), which portrays the hard, human side of policing, was scooped up by CBS as part of their regular line up. It's about time our fair city got its due south of the border since, well, Due South. That's not how I want my country represented.



Familiar faces Enrico Colantoni (Veronica Mars) and "The Pink Ranger" Amy Jo Johnson (Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers) stand out in a sea of lesser-known Canadian actors lead by Hugh Dillon (Trailer Park Boys: The Movie) and David Paetkau (Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem) who all do a fine job, at least in the premiere.



Entitled "Scorpio," the series kicks off with a stand-off in the business district between the Emergency Task Force and a mad gunman. ETF does their job but at the price of a life and thus begins the investigative process ensuring standard procedure was followed which pads the second half of the episode.



The first half is engaging. I don't believe I've seen a cop drama - let alone a Canadian cop drama - illustrate the nuts and bolts of a police Task Force, right down to the insider terminology and cock-sure attitudes, unless it's in a multiplex and starring Colin Farrell. If the series continually showcases tense confrontations and hostage situations, they'll dominate their timeslot.



The only big complaint I have of Canadian television is its distinct visual style. Plant five shows in a line up and any Canuck can finger the series produced in Canada. While there are some neat intentionally unfocused camera shots lending to mood and tone, the overall direction diminishes the tension of suspenseful moments. Plus, it's way too bright. The show could use a cinematography adjustment.

Hard choices, edgy sequences and lots of potential, there's a lot going for Flashpoint. Tune in every Thursday night and you too can get the point.

THE TV GUYDE