L.A.'s Finest

L.A.'s Finest is a Spectrum Original crime-comedy drama series that brings us back to the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, California, the city renowned for its glamour, diversity, resilience, and dangerous underbelly. The series is a spinoff from the successful Bad Boys film franchise; however, it showcases the tales from a perspective rarely elaborated on in depth in such genres - that of two female detectives. The show debuted in 2019 and concluded in 2020, changing the landscape of crime dramas with its unique blend of intense action, humor, and a fair dose of drama.

Jessica Alba, known for her various roles in movies like Sin City and Fantastic Four, and Gabrielle Union, renowned for her works like Bring It On and Breaking In, headline the show. They play the roles of detectives Nancy McKenna and Sydney 'Syd' Burnett, respectively. Sydney Burnett, a character who formerly appeared in Bad Boys II (2003), has left her complicated past behind in Miami and shifted to the City of Angels, seeking new beginnings.

As partners, Alba's and Union's characters work in the LAPD's elite Special Crimes Unit while battling with personal issues that often overlap with their often high-stakes profession. Nancy McKenna is a working mother who had spent years in the army before joining the police force. Sydney, on the other hand, is best defined by her unapologetic lifestyle, impressive resilience, and an intriguing past; certain elements of this past follow her to Los Angeles, continuously adding twists to the plot.

Supporting cast members also add depth to the storytelling with their individual performances. Duane Martin stands out as Ben Baines, a fellow officer and close friend to the leading duo. Zach Gilford as Ben Walker, Ryan McPartlin as Dr. Patrick McKenna, Sophie Reynolds as Isabel 'Izzy' McKenna, and legendary Ghostbusters star Ernie Hudson as Joseph Vaughn collectively add more layers to the narrative, ensuring the audience is always engaged.

The series takes viewers on a wild ride through the city's rich tapestry and delves into numerous unexplored corners of the metropolis. As the two detectives navigate through the city’s most dangerous criminals, they find themselves confronting suspicious drug cartels, brutal murderers, and ruthless gangsters. This unapologetically fierce pair seamlessly combines sass, grit, and determination as they walk through the line of fire, proving them to be the best of the best, thus, reinforcing the title of the show.

By centering on these two complex, dynamic women, L.A.'s Finest breaks some traditional molds of both cop shows and buddy comedies. On the one hand, there's the procedural aspect as they solve various crimes; on the other, there's the relationship-oriented drama that seeks to understand these characters more deeply. What becomes apparent is that these women are the beating heart of the show – not just foils for male characters but fully-formed characters in their own right.

However, the segue from the action-packed daily grind to complicated personal lives gives L.A.'s Finest its unique spin. The harmony between the highly charged professional life and intricate personal drama is what sets this series apart. Their jobs are nerve-wracking, filled with danger and intense standoffs. However, their personal lives are equally thorny, filled with family responsibilities, friendship struggles, and inner demons that add a peculiar texture to their personalities.

The writing, performances, and direction combine to create an engaging, often thrilling series that captivated audiences during its run. It beautifully merged diverse elements of action, drama, and humor, creating a unique cocktail that left a lasting impression.

L.A.'s Finest, while not straying too far from the 'Bad Boys' realm, has expertly carved its own identity. Extravagant car chases, explosive action sequences, profound secrets, relentless enemies, and the flame of sisterhood that binds McKenna and Syd together make the show what it is. It's a compelling watch for anyone seeking a dash of adrenaline, mixed with compelling human connections, all set in the sun-drenched, dangerous, and vibrant streets of Los Angeles.