Call Me Fitz

Set against the backdrop of a pre-owned vehicle dealership in a quaint small town, the television show Call Me Fitz, which aired from 2010 to 2013, takes audiences on an unorthodox, rollicking journey that staggers through ethics and moralities, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer.

The focal character of the series, Richard 'Fitz' Fitzpatrick, embodied by Jason Priestley of the Beverly Hills, 90210 fame, is a morally bankrupt, hedonistic, used-car salesman. His life revolves around striking ruthless deals, charming women, swindling customers, and indulging in every hedonistic pleasure available. Fitz's life takes a turn for the dramatic chaos, when for the first time, his reckless actions result in consequences that immediately hit home – a car accident involving an innocent customer.

Joining this whirlwind narrative is the character Larry, played by Ernie Grunwald, purportedly Fitz's long-lost brother from another mother. Larry happens to be Fitz's complete antithesis – law-abiding, genuine, kind, and driven by a moral compass staunchly pointing North. Miraculously surviving the car accident caused by Fitz, Larry takes it upon himself to be the antidote to Fitz’s poison. His only mission - dragging Fitz from the abyss of his shallow existence towards redemption and real-life's virtues.

In this unconventional comedy-drama, the character ensemble is enough to keep the audiences hooked. Brooke Nevin plays the role of Sonja Lester, Fitz's high-school crush and a love interest, providing a softer side to this otherwise rough-and-ready tale. Joanna Cassidy adds an intriguing element as Fitz's mother, an enigmatic character wrapped in mystery, often adding fuel to Fitz's devilish antics. Meghan Fitzpatrick, played by Tracy Dawson, is Fitz's alienated sister who constantly battles with her familial emotions and her loath for Fitz's behavior. All these characters add distinct colors to this fantastic portrait of chaos and hilarity.

Amy Sloan stands firm as the familial antagonistic figure, Ali Devon, who, while being Fitz's step-sister, constantly challenges Fitz and his wayward path. Husein Madhavji, as the dealership’s naïve new salesperson, displays an excellent example of a soft-hearted character propelled into a ruthless environment.

Call Me Fitz would be incomplete without Peter MacNeill’s Ken Fitzpatrick, Fitz's paternal figure whose priorities and loyalties sway as the story evolves. Accompanied by Kathleen Munroe's character of a rebel teenager, these dramatically different figures stir up the world of Fitz and the backdrop of the dealership.

One of the significant aspects of Call Me Fitz is its sharp, witty humor that pushes the boundaries of traditional comedy. The series expertly dips its toes into areas others may fear to tread, making it a standout amongst its contemporaries. While at its core, it may be a comedy, but by weaving elements of profound depth and confronting the shallowness of its titular character, it cements its place into something more complex and enriching – comically a tragic commentary on self-destruction and the struggle for redemption.

The characters of Call Me Fitz are fleshed out with dramatic nuance and insightful depth, lending credibility to the quirky world the show resides in. Each episode is crafted to allow these characters to clash, bond, learn, and unravel, stirring up a carnival of emotions.

Tinged with an element of unpredictability, the storylines keep audiences guessing and hoping for the potential turnarounds or redemption arcs. However, it’s the tireless tension between the characters, their grappling with internal demons and external societal expectations that provide an insightful glance into the human psyche. Further enriching this complicated world is the distinct blend of tragedy and comedy, raw realism and heightened drama, that Call Me Fitz maintains effortlessly.

In totality, Call Me Fitz provides an unforgettable journey that touches on the themes of morality, love, intertwined with captivating character arcs, all delivered in a refreshingly audacious comedic package. It is a series not afraid to push boundaries and ask difficult questions, resulting in a wild ride that is as insightful as it is entertaining. It combines the best elements of character-centered storytelling with the light-hearted flair of comedic drama. The mastery of Call Me Fitz lies not just in its humor, but in its ability to make the audience reflect and question, all while laughing along with the dramatic misadventures of Fitz and his motley crew.