So many good series cut short by Fox Exec's, usually thanks to poor scheduling etc.The tragedy is they pick up a proper audience when sold to other countries, or shown on Netflix etc.Backstrom had the potential to be a great TV show (as with most of Fox's canceled shows). I'm just watching on Netflix, and am annoyed to know there probably won't ever be another series.Anyway, the characters were progressing well. As with many first seasons, it takes a few episodes for the characters to develop. Hence why I've only scored it 7. Had the potential to score higher, if Fox actually had confidence in their shows.As it is, the whole world suffers more and more 'reality' show garbage, while TV shows aren't given a chance.

Backstrom is described as a character-driven police procedural but it really is outside of the box. This show has strong cult classic written all over it. Whether it will be allowed time to achieve its market potential is, as of this writing, up in the air (as far as I know ;)What is its magic? It includes: * A fabulous cast of actors creating believable multidimensional characters within excellent, non predictable plot lines. * Really smart direction, cutting, costuming meticulous for each character, and the absolute beauty of endlessly wet Portland. * Huge diverse multi generational market potential. * Irreverence. Really smart irreverence. The show is funny, and in many scripts in this first season, took excellent aim at some of the sacred cows of television stereotypes; non-heroic firefighters, anyone? Just get it done justice? Perhaps the most charismatic believable preacher ever to strap on a gun? The cutest pair of brothers ever to share television housing? (If you quibble on that - take the average.) Even the romantic pairings are beautifully weird; the relationships can't work, they are doomed - and they work perfectly to mesmerize. The turns and twists of the social commentary in this contemporary Don Quiote are perfectly aimed; it is the empathy which irresistibly grows on the viewers as the series develops which keep us laughing, nodding and shaking our heads; it has THE hallmark of a really excellent long term series.Let's hope the people who make the decisions see the remarkable potential in this show.As a side note - I am amazed at the number of negative user reviews posted in January of this year - before the episodes aired. Mostly these reviews compared the show to other comedy-drama procedurals, poorly. Too bad those reviewers didn't see the series - but they prove: this show is different. Beautifully and a little disturbing different.

In this world full of political correctness.. without being a truly offensive character,he has all the both mental and physical faults rolled into one that I have come to expect in detective character reading and shows, and yet refreshing, still very funny and entertaining. A great supporting cast of odd balls that just seem to work .Loved Rainn Wilson in "The Rocker"and plays this part like he owns it. Disappointingly Low viewing figures for Fox USA, but it will grow on you. Sell this to sky Atlantic, I like this more than Castle and even the mentalist,both have dried up.Even criminal minds has run out of plots.Gothams so Dark..Please grow this one on ,its got more to give I am sure.

The ads where enough to get my interest even though this series is a bit outside my usual genre's. Backstrom is a refreshing cop character. The way more should be in real life but they can't because all of the PC garbage that goes on today. Yes rules need to be in place and followed but. Any way it is a good show with several very interesting law enforcement people that are added to his team, after he is returned to murder investigation from traffic enforcement of all things. Dennis Hasbert is a pastor/cop and I love his voice and acting ability. Then there is Moto, a big ass black patrolman who is trying to move on up. Gravely is a hot detective on the team who plays more by the rules than Backstrom. She is not above ignoring some rules though in solving a heinous crime. A nice twist is that Backstrom not only lives on a boat(?) but also has a boarder who is a flaming gay. Makes for some very interesting and funny situations.