Motive

Motive is a unique detective TV series that aired on CTV from 2013 to 2016. The certified hit Canadian drama is unique in the sense that it puts a twist to the conventional formula of crime-solving narratives. Instead of the traditional whodunnit format, Motive takes an innovative approach by focusing on the investigation of a crime not by figuring out the culprit, but by delving deeper into the motives behind the wrongful act. The show excellently embarks on a journey into the mind of the criminal, adding a psychological touch to the otherwise straightforward conventions of the police procedural genre.

The star of the show is Kristin Lehman who plays the role of Detective Angie Flynn. As a hard-boiled and seasoned homicide detective, Flynn is depicted as a strong-willed woman with a sharp mind and a tenacious spirit. She's a dedicated officer with an uncanny ability to solve complex cases, who's not afraid to dive headfirst into the dirtiest details of a crime to serve justice. Her devotion to her work conceals a caring and sympathetic heart, determined to seek the truth and solve cases not just for the sake of her job, but also for the sense of humanity that is utilized both in her professional and personal life.

Motive follows a singular path with each episode starting with the revelation of both the victim and the killer's identity. This stunning reversal of the usual crime show formula lays out the tantalizing task before the protagonists and the audience: not “who done it,” but “why they done it.” The narrative then weaves back and forth in time as Flynn and her team, consisting of Det. Oscar Vega, Dr. Betty Rogers, and other affiliates, begin dissecting the motivations, the hidden secrets, and the impactful decisions that led to the crime. It’s a seemingly neat but absorbing roller-coaster journey that bounces between character profiles, backstory revelations, and mind games delicately played out in intricate detail.

The standout element in Motive is its focus on character development, both of the detectives themselves and the criminals they pursue. It masterfully combines moments of suspense, emotional drama, and unexpected humor. Lehman's detective Flynn is a protagonist you rally behind, admire, and grow fond of throughout the series. You see her not just as a hardened investigator, but also as a loving mother and a supportive team member. You find yourself rooting for her, laughing with her, venturing through the frustrations, and sharing in her triumphs of resolving the mysteries. Similarly, the impressions made by the other regular characters like Vega and Rogers construct a well-rounded squad you can't help but appreciate and enjoy.

The show's structure flips the traditional procedural on its head by unveiling the murderer upfront, and then painstakingly unpicking the circumstances and reasons behind their deadly decision. The episodes' narratives interlink and contrast the lives of the killer and victim, inviting viewers into a nuanced exploration of characters from universal walks of life, each with a story to tell and mistakes to account for. It’s an intriguing concept that sets the show apart from its contemporaries.

Motive strikes a balance between intelligent crime-solving and rich characterization, and this combination makes it intriguing to watch. The series also escalates the combustible dynamic among characters, the excitement of crime-solving, and the human elements that drive people to commit various forms of misdemeanors.

The unique storytelling, strong performances, especially by Kristin Lehman, and insightful social commentary helped it stand out and resonate with viewers, earning it a strong fanbase along the journey. The series lasted for four deeply engaging seasons, each delivering an array of crimes, motives, and memorable characters that have left their mark on the landscape of TV crime shows. Despite coming to an end in 2016, Motive continues to live on in the memories and praises of its viewers. It’s a show that effortlessly flips the script and presents a crime procedural in a refreshing, novel way. Truly, Motive is an entertaining paradigm shift of what the genre can offer.