Orange Roughies

Orange Roughies is a thrilling crime drama series produced by Alliant Content in 2006. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque landscapes of Auckland, New Zealand, the show takes its name from the local fish, the 'Orange Roughy,' but carries a double connotation as it is also used pejoratively to describe hard-nosed police officers.

The show centers on the special police unit, code-named Orange Roughies, charged with maintaining law and order in a world that's increasingly complicated with a maze of sophisticated crimes. Their commanding officer, Detective Sergeant Danny Wilder, heads this special unit dealing with an array of serious offences that might include treacherous drug trafficking, smuggling, organized property theft, and other deeply rooted criminal activities that extend beyond New Zealand's shores.

DS Danny Wilder, a former undercover agent, is the backbone of the Orange Roughies. He's a seasoned officer bearing the scars of a life spent fighting criminality. After his former team has been disbanded due to corruption, he has been assigned to form and lead the Orange Roughies. Known for his unconventional methods and cocky demeanor, Wilder is relentless in his mission to provide justice while managing the array of colourful, sometimes eccentric personalities within his team.

The team also includes Jane Durant, a skilled Customs officer, specializing in forensics and undercover work. Jane is headstrong and disciplined, working tirelessly towards thwarting criminal activity at the borders. Next is Senior Constable Zach Wiki, an ambitious young recruit with a Maori heritage, who joins the team expecting to make significant contributions to law and order. His drive and zeal add to the dynamic of the team as they tackle each case.

Police Assistance, Martha Jones provides the critical support and liaison between different departments and the dump within the unit, assisting the team in research, backup, and information dissemination. Despite being non-uniformed personnel, her contributions are no less than that of any front-line cop.

In the volatile and unpredictable world of crime prevention and law enforcement, the Orange Roughies face challenges at every step. Yet, through every turbulent moment, they continue to operate strategically and considerately, displaying admirable courage and tenacity in order to maintain law and order. As much as they fight crime, they also navigate personal crises and internal constraints, providing viewers with a heartfelt mix of professional and personal drama.

The series takes the crime drama genre to a new level by exploring regional criminal networks and conveying the distinct setting of Auckland, New Zealand. Through engrossing narratives, dynamic characters, and realistic depictions of police procedures, Orange Roughies provides a vivid depiction of crime fighting in the New Zealand context. It showcases the complexity of police work and highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in confronting organized crime.

Orange Roughies beautifully integrates the grim and gritty reality of crime-fighting with dashes of humor, courtesy of its eccentric and vibrant team. The engaging scripts, intensely layered characters, and believable plot twists all work well to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The high-action sequences and stunts add further to the excitement, brilliantly choreographed and shot to give a near-reality experience. This, paired with sweeping views of New Zealand's scenic beauty, incredible wardrobe designing, sound performances, and quality direction makes Orange Roughies a must-watch for any crime drama aficionado.

Presenting an innovative look at the genre, Orange Roughies proves to be not just another law-and-order series but one that weaves intricate human stories into its high-stakes crime narratives. As viewers delve deeper into the world of Danny Wilder and his team, they witness not only a physically demanding job but also the emotional toll crime-fighting takes on individuals. The characters' lives outside of work fully come into play, contributing further intriguing layers to an already complex narrative.

In summary, Orange Roughies packs a potent blend of drama, action, humor, work-life tensions, and personal momentum into a cohesive piece of storytelling, truly setting it apart from conventional crime dramas. With its intriguing premise, dynamic characters, sharp dialogue, and bold narratives, Orange Roughies is an enthralling viewing experience that captures the gritty reality of police life while showcasing the stunning beauty of New Zealand.