The Inspectors

The Inspectors is an American drama series produced by Litton Entertainment centering on a set of fictitious cases related to the United States Postal Inspection Service, the most ancient and one of the least-known branches of the U.S. government. The CBS drama series, which aired from 2015 to 2019, employs the backdrop of crime investigation within the postal system to drive its narrative, while simultaneously delivering information to its viewers about the role, relevance, and significance of the postal investigators.

Set in Washington D.C., the story follows Amanda Wainwright, a single mother and Post Inspector, portrayed by the talented Jessica Lundy, and her teenage son Preston Wainwright, played by Bret Green. Due to an accident that resulted in the loss of his father, and being wheelchair-bound, Preston possesses a renewed sense of purpose and is committed to pursuing justice.

Preston is a bright, tech-savvy Forensics Science major at Jamestown University, where his brilliance is recognized by his Professor, Dr. Georgia Darby (Erica Marie Sanchez), his classmate Veronica Ruiz (Charmin Lee), and his roommate Noah Waldman (Harrison Knight) who is an aspiring journalist.

Amanda, on the other hand, is a seasoned Postal Inspector and an immensely dedicated professional who is unyielding in her quest for justice. She is partnered with energetic and eager young investigator Mitch, portrayed by Terry Serpico, who often gets frustrated with Amanda's 'by the book' approach but appreciates her tenacity and dedication. They are constantly on the trail of criminals who are trying to misuse the mail system for nefarious activities such as fraudulent schemes, identity theft, and illegal activities.

One of the unique features of The Inspectors is the incorporation of real-life cases inspired by the USPS Inspection Service's activities. This adds a sense of authenticity and intrigue to the show and allows the audience to learn about the diverse types of mail fraud and how the perpetrators are apprehended. These plots involve numerous types of crime that take advantage of the complex and largely anonymous nature of the postal system, and the investigators’ subsequent solution to these cases provides both entertainment and education.

The parallel storylines between Amanda’s professional life as a Postal Inspector and Preston’s college life adds an interesting dynamic to the show. While Amanda and Mitch work on solving criminal activities, Preston and his friends are seen unraveling campus-related mysteries, enabling the show to strike a balance between gritty crime-solving and lighter university-centric subplots.

The Inspectors is not just about crime-solving but also emphasizes learning, growth, resilience, and the importance of family bonds. The relationship between a single mother and her ambitious son who doesn’t let his disability come in the way of achieving his dreams forms the emotional core of the show and demonstrates the value of resilience and the human spirit.

Furthermore, the show is also committed to educating its audience about the services provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the importance of mail security. Each episode concludes with a public service announcement by the Chief Postal Inspector, who provides advice on how viewers can protect themselves from becoming victims of postal-based crimes.

In essence, The Inspectors is a drama that successfully combines crime-solving elements with relatable personal relationships, educational components, and an intriguing insight into the less familiar facet of one of the oldest civil services. Through its blend of drama, mystery and education, the series encourages viewers to foster a sense of curiosity, a passion for justice, and the knowledge to keep oneself safe in an increasingly digital age.