The Commish

From 1991 to 1996, ABC brought us an endearing crime TV drama series known as "The Commish," featuring the remarkable Michael Chiklis in the starring role of Tony Scali, a police commissioner drumming to his own beat. Set in a fictional small town of Eastbridge located upstate New York, "The Commish" forms a perfect blend of procedural and character-based storytelling, showcasing that justice doesn't always follow the conventional path in black and white.

Michael Chiklis's character, Tony Scali, is a far cry from the hardline, steel-faced police officers often portrayed on the small screen. He, instead, is a caring, affable, and occasionally unconventional law enforcement official who uses his intelligence and wit, rather than physical force, to solve crimes and maintain justice in his jurisdiction. As the commissioner, Scali is shown as a man who is as comfortable chatting with local kids on the street as he is engaging in high-stakes negotiations with dangerous criminals.

At the show's heart lies a portrayal not just of law enforcement, but also of a deeply humane and emotional role model. Tony Scali is a devoted family man who frequently blends his professional and personal lives. His relationship with his wife, Rachel Scali, played by Theresa Saldana, and their children show him as a man of strong moral values and empathy. These personal elements lend a richness to the series and to the character that makes it more than a weekly crime drama; it forms a well-rounded look at the life of a unique cop.

Over its five-year run, "The Commish" maintained a good balance between police procedural elements and character-driven narratives, reserving ample time to explore Tony Scali's personal life and family dynamics. The show presents several daring thematic arcs addressing a range of social and ethical issues well ahead of their time, such as inequality, corruption, child abuse, and infidelity, with sensitivity and realism.

The narrative arc frequently explores Tony’s complex relationship with the various elements in his town, including his team of officers and the local community members. He often uses his affable nature and disarming charm to defuse tense situations or gain an upper hand in negotiations, a unique feature that sets the show apart from more conventional cop dramas. Despite being the titular "Commish", Tony Scali's approachable and compassionate demeanor fosters a genuine relationship between the police station and the community.

"The Commish" is also remembered for its compelling supporting cast that included Kaj-Erik Eriksen as David Scali, the often-lively teenager son of Tony, and Geoffrey Nauffts as Stan Kelly, his trusted right-hand officer. John Cygan as Detective Paulie Pentangeli also garnered considerable praise for his outstanding performance.

Behind the camera, the series boasted the backing of the then-fledgling creative powerhouse Stephen J. Cannell Productions, renowned for its series like "The A-Team," "21 Jump Street," and "The Rockford Files." Thanks to their robust storytelling framework, each episode of "The Commish" held its own as an insightful case study into the realities and struggles of maintaining law and order in a small town.

Despite its police procedural trappings, "The Commish" provides much more than a simple 'crime of the week' format. It takes a deep dive into its characters' lives, the nuance of policing at a grassroots level, and the complicated intersections of professional and personal boundaries that come with the role of being a police commissioner.

With its clever mix of drama, humor, emotion, and suspense, "The Commish", led by a robust performance by Michael Chiklis, provided viewers with a refreshing take on the classic police drama, underlining that strength isn't necessarily about muscles and might, but also about resilience, respectfulness, sternness, and an unwavering devotion to justice. Tony Scali, as "The Commish," truly personifies the human side of police work that many can relate to even today.