Television shows depicting law enforcement officers navigating their professional and personal lives typically take themselves quite seriously, such as “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Chicago P.D.” But series like “Reno 911!,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and now, The CW/Roku Channel’s “Good Cop/Bad Cop” have injected much-needed levity into an often severe and cynical genre. Created by John Quaintance, this new eight-episode dramedy (critics screened six for review) is quirky, silly and endearing. Though the criminal cases follow a formulaic structure similar to that of other cop shows, the eccentric characters and banter among them are what make “Good Cop/Bad Cop” such an enjoyable watch.
“Good Cop/Bad Cop” opens in the fictional small town of Eden Vale, Washington. Eden Vale’s population of less than 10,000 residents means its law enforcement budget isn’t exactly robust. The town’s sole detective, Lou Hickman (an ever-charming Leighton Meester), leans on her sunny disposition to solve the varied crimes in town. However, after a chaotic dual robbery, Lou realizes that the mostly green police force doesn’t quite have the stomach or the chops to take charge. Desperate for some real backup, Lou begs the police chief, Big Hank (Clancey Brown) — who also happens to be her dad — to get her a partner. Unfortunately, Big Hank chooses the last person on Earth Lou wants to work with, her little brother, Henry (Luke Cook).
Henry’s familial relationships have been strained since leaving his hometown for Seattle seven years earlier. Though he’s a competent police officer, his lack of interpersonal skills and terrible bedside manner have hindered his growth in the Seattle Police Department. Therefore, Henry begrudgingly returns home when Big Hank calls to offer him a detective role in Eden Vale. Lou isn’t thrilled to be teaming up with her baby brother, but the pair quickly rekindle their sibling bond as they dive head-first into the increasingly bizarre misdeeds in town. Since Big Hank loves to give residents the illusion that Eden Vale is the safest place on earth, unsolved cases aren’t acceptable in his book.
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The camaraderie between Lou and Henry is ultra-specific and comprises throwback jokes, secrets and the unique understanding of the brother and sister. As the season unfolds, audiences become privy to the details of their childhood and what led to the fracture in their relationship. Additionally, viewers learn about Henry and his ex-girlfriend Marci’s (Philippa Northeast) past romance while getting a front-row seat to Lou’s electric flirtation with Shane Carson (Devon Terrell), the country sheriff whose resources are plentiful.
Yet, it’s not just the siblings who keep this off-kilter show buzzing. Big Hank and his Russian girlfriend Nadia (Blasey Best) are a thrill to watch as a gruff older couple trying to find a middle ground with the kids. Moreover, the motley crew at the police station, which includes former high-school football star Joe Bradley (Scott Lee), the meek and uncertain Sam Szczepkowksi (William McKenna), the hard crime-loving Sirika Ray (Shamita Siva) and Lily Kim (Grace Chow), who runs the station’s dispatch all add to the layers of the series.
The investigations depicted in “Good/Cop Bad Cop” also give the show a playful and uplifting tone. In Episode 3, “Mr. Popular,” Henry and Lou begin probing when the star quarterback gets death threats taped on his locker. In Episode 4, “Found Footage,” an amateur actress with terrible acting skills goes missing during a film shoot. Finally, in Episode 5, “Family Trees,” the duo looks into the theft of a genetically engineered apple tree. Though the crimes aren’t exactly ground-breaking, giving the case-of-the-week formula a light-hearted touch distinguishes the series from other similar TV shows.
While “Good Cop/Bad Cop” isn’t the most memorable show in the world, Meester and Cook’s chemistry and charm are vibrant enough to sustain the show across several seasons. There are more earnest moments, such as when Henry and Lou reflect on past life decisions, but they don’t weigh down the narrative. Most of the show is a pleasing examination of small-town living and a brother and sister who want to do quality detective work (despite differing tactics) amid poor funding and meddlesome constituents. The series is a reminder that sometimes adding a different type of flair to a tried and true method can breathe new life into it.
“Good Cop/Bad Cop” premieres Feb. 19 on The CW, with new episodes dropping weekly on Wednesdays.