Eyewitness

Eyewitness, aired on USA Network in 2016, is a compelling American thriller drama television series based on the award-winning Norwegian series "Øyevitne." The well-charted plot, evocative settings, immersive cinematography, and profound character development make the series a must-watch for those who have a penchant for suspense, crime, and mystery.

The narrative of Eyewitness unspools the journey of two innocent teenage boys who, whilst spending some secluded time in a forest cabin, come across a triad-related quadruple murder. The boys are not just mere spectators of the unfateful occurrence but become the primary eyewitnesses of this heinous crime. The witnessing of the event is so scarring and traumatic for the boys that they choose to remain silent about it. They decide not to share it with the law and order or their families, to protect their own secret – their budding romantic relationship.

Set against the backdrop of a small American town named Tivoli, the series uncovers the underbelly of crime, tension, and feuds. But even amidst this grim atmosphere, the tender bond between the two boys forms the emotional linchpin around which the entire series pivots. Their desire to remain covert adds a unique layer of complexity to their characters and the narrative of the series as a whole.

Julianne Nicholson plays the character of Helen Torrance, a former big-city homicide detective who's now the local sheriff. Her role is not just confined to solving this gruesome case, but she is also the foster mother of one of the boys, Philip, who witnesses the crime. The character of Helen brings in an interesting dynamic to the story with her professional commitment to solving the case entwining with her personal instinct to protect her son. The dilemmas she faces and the courage she displays in tackling them make her character intriguing and relatable.

As the plot unravels, the lives of these two boys – Philip Shea (Tyler Young), a troubled teenager and foster child of Helen and Thor, and Lukas Waldenbeck (James Paxton), a popular yet closeted kid who is craving to fit in – become increasingly entwined with the investigation. The pivotal characters are woven against the backdrop of real-world issues, which provide greyscales to the narrative palette and scope for intriguing character developments.

In Eyewitness, the culprits are identified early into the series and their viewpoint of unfolding events is depicted alongside the boys' story and that of the investigators. This narrative approach enhances the suspense and works wonders in keeping the audience on tenterhooks.

Having been adapted from a Norwegian series, Eyewitness retains the spirit of the original while embedding it within an American context, thus offering an interesting blend of the two cultures. The blend of intimacy and horror, tension and tenderness, fear and courage marks the unique storytelling prowess of Eyewitness and makes it an engrossing watch.

In addition to the gripping plot, the series also boasts of brilliant performances from a competent cast. Julianne Nicholson delivers an impassioned performance that is deeply moving while the young actors, James Paxton and Tyler Young are both impressive, bringing out the vulnerabilities and resilience of their characters effectively.

The ravishing cinematography marks another high point of Eyewitness. Tivoli - the quaint American town with its picturesque landscapes - becomes an integral element of the narrative and enhances the mood of the series.

In tryst with its name, Eyewitness succeeds not just in showcasing a gripping crime drama but also draws the viewer’s eye into the complexities of human nature and relationships. With its twisty plot, rounded character development, relatable human desires, and emotions, it is a rewarding watch that keeps audiences engaged until the end.