Coroner

Coroner is an entrancing crime procedural drama that made its captivating debut in 2019. Produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and globally recognized, it centres around Dr. Jenny Cooper, a recently widowed new coroner, flawlessly portrayed by the enthralling actress Serinda Swan.

Set against the backdrop of Toronto's diverse urban landscape, the series paints a mesmerizing picture of the city while unravelling intricate layers of mystery related to unusual, sudden, or unnatural deaths. From the suspense-filled investigation to the revelatory autopsies, Coroner brings the audience on a journey that exposes the secrets the deceased have left behind - secrets that are intricately interwoven with the city's societal landscape.

One of the show's distinctive features is its compelling protagonist, Dr. Jenny Cooper, a fierce and tenacious woman. She's a former ER doctor, who, after the sudden demise of her husband, decides to take up the position as coroner. Having experienced the trials of grief herself, Jenny's character brings an empathetic and sincere touch to coroner's typically gloomy role. Despite engaging in a profession that continually deals with death, Jenny's character humanizes her role, adding depth and resonance to each episode's themes.

Serinda Swan's resonant portrayal of Dr. Jenny doesn't shy away from the complexities of womanhood in a high-stake job, or her struggles with anxiety and grief - rather it embraces them. Jenny’s life is a balancing act of wrestling her grief, taking care of her teenage son, Ross (Ehren Kassam), and diving headfirst into solving death cases and mysteries regarding her husband's unanticipated demise.

Working alongside Jenny is Detective Donovan 'Mac' McAvoy, an experienced, no-nonsense homicide detective who is skillfully brought to life by Roger Cross. Mac is Jenny's bridge to the concrete solidities of the living world. The duo develop a complex, professional relationship that joins two distinct chains of inquiry – the judicial law enforcement investigation led by Mac, and the medical investigation led by Jenny. Their relationship adds another layer of emotional depth to the series, testing the boundaries between the law enforcement and medical sectors of the criminal justice system.

Supporting these leads are a vibrant cast of secondary characters. There's Dr. Dwayne Allen (played by Lovell Adams-Gray), the pathologist working with Jenny, and his assistant, River Baitz (Kiley May). These characters bring their unique traits, making the show a delightful ensemble piece.

Besides the gripping narratives of sudden deaths, Coroner adroitly places emphasis on societal issues, especially mental health. The series breaks the stigma around mental health issues through articulating and normalizing dialogue around Jenny's personal struggle with clinical anxiety. The show's attempt to draw discourse on crucial societal matters entwined with its case-of-the-week stories, adds a unique and commendable layer to its standard crime procedural format.

Visually, Coroner has an atmospheric and gritty palette that complements the show's themes and revitalizes the typical cityscape typically associated with the crime-genre. The cinematography reels you into the narrative, expertly heightening the suspenseful storytelling from scene to scene.

The show has a masterfully created acoustic landscape that deserves its praise. The judicious use of music gives an additional intensity to the dramatic moments of the show while providing an ambient undercurrent to the more subtle scenes. From the tension-building score to the compassionate, quieter notes, the soundtrack of Coroner enriches the storytelling and leaves a lasting impact.

In a nutshell, Coroner is not your run-of-the-mill crime drama. With its realistic portrayal of grief, mental health, and mortality, it refuses to sanitize the process of mourning or the complex nature of human existence. Instead, it opts to showcase it, in an engaging, compassionate, and meaningful way. It dives deep into the recesses of humanity, unearthing truths about life, death, and everything in between. There's no doubt that fans of suspense, drama, and intricate character development will find themselves drawn into the winding narrative of Coroner.