This article contains spoilers forOn Callseason 1.Prime Video’s new police procedural,On Call, proves a significant story advantage over other cop shows. From executive producer Dick Wolf,On Callis a police procedural that follows an experienced police officer, Traci Harmon, training new officer Alex Diaz while answering emergency phone calls in Long Beach, California.On Call’s cast of charactersincludes well-known names such asFull House’s Lori Loughlin andPretty Little Liars' Troian Bellisario.On Callis also akin to a gritty TV crime drama because Prime Video does not hold back when depicting the violent aspects of police patrol.
On Callseason 1 features eight episodes of non-stop action, culminating in an intense showdown with serious repercussions inOn Call’s season 1 ending.On Callportrays a different side to police procedurals, given that so many of them cover criminal investigations.On Callillustrates what occurs during police patrols, specifically located in Long Beach, California. As a result, this narrative decision results in a few unique storytelling aspects, including filming methods.On Callbeing a Prime Video show greatly benefits the narrative in unexpected ways.
On Call Being On Streaming Allows For More Realistic Storytelling Compared To Other Police Procedurals
Streaming Platforms Have More Freedom In Storytelling
Network TV shows have covered their fair share of sensitive subjects, but a downside always involves limitations on what is expressed on screen. Mature subjects must adhere to specific rules set by the Federal Communications Commission. However, these rules do not apply to streaming platforms, meaningstreaming services have more freedom to portray mature subjects. This is something that seriously benefits content focused on heavier subject matter, withOn Callusing that freedom to explore some very dark stories.
There is no limit to what Prime Video’sOn Callcan portray…
On Callcovers many of these topics because police officers get called for anything, from domestic disputes to violent crimes to drug dens. There’sno strict censorship on the kind of topics that can be covered, which is something that impacts police procedural aired on network TV. There is no limit to what Prime Video’sOn Callcan portray, allowing the show to cover serious subjects more effectively. This is a boon to the show and its presentation.
How On Call Utilizes Cop Body Cams As A Form Of Unique Storytelling
Body Cams Provide Additional Perspectives
On Callis also significantly different from previous police procedural shows because it provides body cam footage, specifically from Traci Harmon and Alex Diaz. Including police officers' body cam footage while Harmon and Diaz pursue potential suspects is a creative narrative decision that works to increase tension. It significantly heightens the stakes while providing Harmon’s and Diaz’s perspectives. From a logistical standpoint,On Callshowing body cam footage adds to the narrative, especially when it is time for Harmon and Diaz to report to their superior officers.
Furthermore, police procedurals often show the crime scene after the fact or simply portray the evidence. However,the use of body cams depicts the action while it is happening, not shying away from mature subjectsno matter how gruesome they may be. In fact, whenRookie Officer Holt was attacked inOn Call, the scene alternates between regular camera angles and body cam footage, illustrating the hectic nature and high stakes of the situation.On Callmight have a mediocre Rotten Tomatoes score, but the show’s unique storytelling decisions establish a lot of room for expanding the narrative going forward.
On Call
Cast
On Call follows veteran training officer Traci Harmon and rookie Alex Diaz as they navigate the aftermath of a fellow officer’s death and the complex politics of modern policing in Long Beach. The series highlights the challenges and dynamics within the department and on the city’s streets.
