Caught

Caught is an exhilarating crime drama that first premiered on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in 2018. Based on Lisa Moore's critically acclaimed novel of the same name, the five-part limited series unfolds a tale of treachery, crime, tragedy, and redemption, all set against the backdrop of the late 1970s in Canada. Following the story of the convicted drug dealer, David Slaney, who breaks out of prison, the series is filled with high-stakes action, complex relationships, and a period-perfect soundtrack.

David Slaney, played by the impeccable Allan Hawco (known for his role in "Republic of Doyle"), is the driving force of the show. His character is portrayed as a charming anti-hero who pulls the audience into a world of suspense and uncertainty. His quest for redemption and a sense of peace drives his actions, making him a compelling character with nuanced internal conflicts.

The plot of Caught kicks into motion when Slaney escapes from New Brunswick Prison,after serving five tumultuous years, with the intention of going straight. But soon, he is dragged back into the world of illicit substances, finding himself on the run from the law, specifically a dogged cop, named Roy Patterson, portrayed by Paul Gross.

Patterson's relentless pursuit of Slaney brings an intriguing dynamic to the show. His character is complex, a mix of a hard-edged cop and a man with deeply-rooted personal issues, providing an interesting counterpoint to Slaney. Their cat-and-mouse chase across the landscapes of Canada and Mexico forms the central impetus of the plot.

Enrique Murciano plays Cyril Carter, an American operative, further fleshing out the intense narrative. Tori Anderson surfaces as Ada, Slaney's former love interest, introducing romantic layers to the narrative along with inevitable complications. The ensemble cast presents well-realized characters that are fleshed out and nuanced, lending credibility to this dense narrative world.

Caught vividly depicts life in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with each episode richly infused with period detail - be it the cars, the clothing, the music, or societal attitudes. The attention to detail lends a nostalgic flavor to the series while serving to heighten the sense of realism.

At its core, the series explores themes of friendship, loyalty, love, and second chances. Its portrayal of the dichotomy between the straight path and the criminal world presents a thought-provoking view of life and choices, with deep humanistic undertones. It examines the lengths to which individuals may go to salvage their lives and dreams when cornered in circumstances beyond their control.

The series is gripping and moves at a swift pace, with plenty of twists and turns that hold the viewer's attention firmly until the astonishing finale. The narrative is deftly layered and interspersed with scenes of past and present, slowly weaving together Slaney's backstory and motivations, thereby keeping the audience guessing. It offers an intricately interwoven narrative full of suspense and intrigue, coupled with touching moments of emotion and human connection.

Created by Allan Hawco, the series also boasts of Adriana Maggs and Jane Maggs as co-writers. Their impressive writing pulls you deep into Slaney's world, where tension, exhilaration, and looming danger remain constant companions. The direction by T.J. Scott and John Vatcher adds to the overall suspense, creating an undeniably addictive watch.

The mounting tension, stellar performances, and meticulous attention to period detail serve to make Caught a well-written, expertly acted, and flawlessly directed drama. Whether or not you're generally a fan of crime dramas, Caught presents a fascinating plunge onto the charger driven world of the past, and an exploration of individuals caught in extraordinary circumstances. This is a show that will lure you into its world and keep you on the edge of your seat, episode after episode.

The series sticks to a realism that sets it apart from other crime dramas, with an intriguing story that goes beyond its initial cat-and-mouse game to delve into the complexities and ambiguities of morality. In its own stylish and suspenseful way, Caught challenges viewers to think about justice, retribution, and redemption, making it much more than just a crime thriller. It is a series that captures the zeitgeist of its era while also spinning an unforgettable story of freedom and human resilience.