FLASHPOINT is a drama which depicts the emotional journey into the tough, risk-filled lives of a group of cops in the SRU (inspired by Toronto's Emergency Task Force). It's a unique unit that rescues hostages, busts gangs, defuses bombs, climbs the sides of buildings and talks down suicidal teens. Members of a highly-skilled tactical team, they're also trained in negotiating, profiling and getting inside the suspect's head to diffuse the situation to try and save lives.
Back in 2008, people were floored to learn that CBS had chosen to pick up a show from the Canadian network CTV. They were especially surprised when they learned the show was also set in Canada. Well, it's a good thing they did because it is truly a hit. Plenty of action and plenty of drama as the series folloes the high risk lives of the members of SRU. Star Enrico Colanti is a revelation, mostly because he was previously known for pure comedic fare in TV shows like "Just Shoot Me" and "Veronica Mars", and especially his hilarious alien turn in "Galaxy Quest".
But in this series he showcases some true dramatic acting chops and also manages to be a quasi-action hero as well.
Colanti plays Greg Parker, the leader of the outfit. Also in the mix are Ed Lane (Hugh Dillon), the lead sniper and second in charge, secondary sniper Jules Callaghan (Amy Jo Johnson), weapons expert Lew Young (Mark Taylor), demolitions lead Spike Scarlatti (Sergio Di Zio), and CQB expert Kevin "Wordy" Wordsworth (Michael Cram). Sam Braddock (David Paetkau) enters the mix as a soldier who's just returned from Afghanistan and is clearly showing some negative lasting signs of his time there.
As this season progresses, we get to know each of the characters above as they deal with many different scenarios that call them to action.
The extras aren't anything too special. There's a commentary on the pilot episode and a making-of, both of which are a bit boring, yet informative for fans. There is a cool feature with real life hostage negotiators commenting on how well the show portrays such incidents.
Overall, an amazing show with great action, suspense, thrills, drama, and acting to boot.
