Carter

Carter is an engaging Canadian television crime comedy-drama series that was aired on WGN America from 2018 to 2019. The show leads the audience through a tapestry of humor, suspense, drama, and subtle social commentary, reviving the classic small-town murder mystery genre with a contemporary twist. Although the story is set in the crime-thriller genre, the brilliance of the show lies in its ability to cleverly interweave bits of comedy into the narrative, which renders a distinct charm to the series and makes it an enjoyable watch.

In Carter, Jerry O’Connell shines in the role of Harley Carter, a popular Hollywood actor who was known for playing a detective on a hit American television show. But when his life spirals out of control due to a public scandal, Carter decides to move back to his peaceful and idyllic hometown, the fictional Bishop, Ontario in Canada, where the pace of life is considerably slower than the buzz of Hollywood.

The transition from the glamour and glitz of Hollywood to his quiet hometown presents Harley with the opportunity to reassess his life and connections. He reconnects with his childhood friends, Sam (played by Sydney Poitier Heartsong - detective on the local police force) and Dave (played by Kristian Bruun - owner of a coffee truck and Harley’s confidante), rekindling old relationships while adjusting to his new identity to solve local mysteries.

The central theme of the series revolves around Harley applying the skills he adopted from his TV detective role to solve real-life crimes, with a kind of ironic mirror being held up to the actor-turned-amateur-sleuth. This unconventional perspective offers the audience an engaging blend of theatricality and reality that underscores each episodic crime story, making the narrative both humorous and suspenseful, as Harley and his team navigate through various challenges in their crime-solving ventures.

One might think Carter's approach to solve crimes based on his reel life detective experience simplistic; however, it's his over-the-top methods, abundant belief in conspiracy theories, and Hollywood-informed perspective that bring a fresh breath of air in the room. Often, Harley creates an outlandish hypothesis full of the dramatic tropes, incredibly characteristic of cliché Hollywood thrillers. Nonetheless, his peculiar methods are surprisingly effective most of the time, and his ability to spot a plot and frame it within a narrative structure lends an appealing charm to the series.

On the other hand, Sam, being a well-trained and grounded marshal, counters Harley's extravagant conjectures with strong, practical deductive reasoning. And Dave helps ground their friendship, providing support, advice, containment, and light-hearted banter as the series progresses.

While the series is generally light-hearted, it subtly raises pertinent social commentaries organically within the course of several episodes. It also delves into the psyches of its characters, their avoided pasts, personal fears, and the baggage of their former lives. This character focus adds depth to the narrative, making the characters more rounded and the series more engaging.

Finally, eye-catching scenic beauty acts nearly as a supporting character in the series, with many panoramic shots of Northern Ontario that, in contrast to the grisly crimes Harley investigates, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the show. The cinematography is breathtakingly beautiful, offering viewers captivating vistas that set the tone for the unfolding narratives.

In summation, 'Carter' is a skilful mash-up of comedy, drama, and mystery that captivates its audience with a simple yet beguiling premise. Jerry O’Connell's outstanding portrayal of Harley brings a lively and delightful essence to the screen, making the series well worth watching. Its easy-to-follow plot, combined with a friendly pace, relatable characters, and a great balance of lighthearted humor and serious crimes, guarantees that viewers will be eagerly awaiting each new episode.