This show made me cry almost every episode. It might be just another cop show on the surface, but it was all about the characters. Both the regular crew we followed each week, laughed and cried with and occasionally mourned the losses with. But also the villains and victims of each week's story. Nothing was ever just black and white. Everybody had their own reasons for doing what they did and the show did a great job of digging down into human psychology and uncovering the story behind the human actions. Usually I'm more of a fantasy/supernatural kind of girl and I've never given a "regular" cop show a perfect rating and doubt I will again. But the acting and writing of this show is nothing less than perfect. I actually feel sad about not being able to follow these people's lives anymore.

If you haven't seen - or heard of - this TV show, I strongly recommend you check it out! When I first saw it on my cable TV guide, I was a bit intrigued about the title. What was meant by 'flashpoint'? I didn't jump to watch it because I thought – "here we go again; another 'bang-bang, shoot-em-up' cop show". Was I EVER wrong about this! While the ensemble cast plays a tight-knit group of cops working in a special, tactical unit (of the Toronto, Canada police force) - the show is HARDLY about the guns, the weapons or the violence. In spite of the presence of heavy-duty artillery, the main objective of these cops is to use any and all means possible to subdue/contain a situation WITHOUT the use of force! Their weapons are used only as a last resort - and the dialogue frequently references holding off on using their weapons. So - folks may be wondering why I am plugging a TV show that airs in the wee hours of the morning. Here is why. Initially, I had no idea that the show was located in Toronto, Canada. From the 'scenery' depicted on the show, I actually thought it might be shot in Seattle, Washington. So much for my powers of observation, huh? Anyway, this show absolutely grabs you and keeps you captivated for the entire time it is on. The emotions I have experienced while watching it have been varied and intense. The music for the show really adds to the emotional pull of the content. But the main reason I am discussing this show is because it focuses on a highly specialized police unit - who have heavy weaponry at their disposal - but who try their level best to NOT use it! Compare and contrast that with most American-made police shows (and most American police departments). As much as I like Criminal Minds and Law and Order: SVU, their use/over-use of guns and/or other violent methods to control and/or subdue a person/situation remains in stark contrast to the methods employed by the Flashpoint cast and crew. I also really like and respect that the show depicts, in depth, the emotional turmoil experienced by the individuals after they have gone through a particularly trying/difficult situation – such as killing someone. Wow! This was something I had NEVER seen on an American-made cop show. At least not to the extent and degree to the way it is covered on Flashpoint. Kudos to the creators and the actors who made this show the superb TV drama that it is! I only regret that it is shown in the wee hours of the morning, instead of in an earlier time slot. This is ONE show that all Americans should check out – for a variety of reasons. It should be required viewing for anyone who believes that "the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun". This show demonstrates just how WRONG that belief is!

Really love this show. Great acting, chemistry, and writing. As that is rare in a show these days. As it shows the Toronto's SRU team. A SWAT version of Canada. As they go through physical, mental, and emotional grinds to get the job done.As they have to face up with some actions that they do that they, wished that they could take back. As they are in split second decisions. But they have to take the bullet in order to protect the safety.Also it deals with their personal lives. In order for their families to relate to what they do. As one of them is divorced. And how the long hours and days can get to them. But they do it to protect Canada.It was filmed in Canada in order to show realism and mostly all of the actors are made up of Canadian actors and actresses to show realism. Wished that the show would had gone on longer than five years.A show that is gritty yet excellent!

I have just finished watching the series finale and then had the misfortune to read some disgusting reviews of this fine show. The finale was the best finale of any TV show that I have ever watched. Most shows do not know how to end, let alone well, but Flashpoint had no such problems. Most finales make me cringe and when I re-watch the show on DVD or BD I never bother with the finale, but I will definitely make an exception with Flashpoint.The show started strong and finished stronger.So what is so good about this show? Fundamentally it is the characters. You actually get to care about them. On top of that there is action, drama and suspense that you would expect of a police show. There is the occasional plot hole or continuity problem but quite frankly every TV show has them. In this case they do not spoil what is otherwise an outstanding TV show.There are 75 episodes in the series. Some episodes are fairly ordinary but most of them are engaging and entertaining. The show actually improves over time, although I suspect that is a product of getting to know and care about the characters.