The Unusuals

The Unusuals is an American comedy-drama television series broadcast on ABC in 2009. The creation of Noah Hawley, the man who went on to create the critically acclaimed Fargo series, The Unusuals showcases his early talent for narrative inventiveness and character-driven storytelling. The show runs for only one season, comprising ten episodes, but leaves a lasting impression on viewers for its unique take on police procedural tropes, swinging from quirky comedy to endearing drama.

The series draws its strength from an ensemble cast, showcasing the talents of Amber Tamblyn, Jeremy Renner, Harold Perrineau, Adam Goldberg, Terry Kinney, Joshua Close, and Monique Gabriela Curnen. Each actor's distinct personality adds to the intriguing tapestry of this New York City crime drama, spotlighting their quirky yet loveable characters.

Amber Tamblyn plays Detective Casey Shraeger, who kicks off the series’ narrative arc. Casey is a rich girl who has chosen to sanction her family's money in favor of making a difference in the world. She worked undercover vice until she was unexpectedly transferred to the homicide department and partnered up with Detective Jason Walsh, adeptly portrayed by Jeremy Renner. Renner's role, pre-Hawkeye and Hurt Locker fame, is a seasoned detective with secrets of his own. Together, the pair hunt down criminals while navigating the complexities of their personal lives.

Adam Goldberg brilliantly portrays the hypochondriac and introspective Detective Eric Delahoy. The character is often seen dealing with his seemingly innumerable health issues while solving cases. His partner, Detective Leo Banks, expertly acted by Harold Perrineau, has his quirks too. He is superstitious and terrified of dying at 42, the same age when his father and grandfather died. Their relationship offers a blend of comedy and pathos that adds depth to the narrative.

Rounding out the main lineup is Sergeant Harvey Brown, played by Terry Kinney, who has secrets of his own and runs the station like a father figure to his eclectic crew. Each episode, the show introduces unique characters, which include Joshua Close’s Henry Cole, a former criminal with a hidden life who strives to reform himself, and Monique Gabriela Curnen as Detective Alison Beaumont, a strong and gritty detective with a deep-seated compassion that wins the hearts of her fellow officers and viewers alike.

Set in Manhattan's 2nd Precinct, The Unusuals takes viewers through the city in all its forms. The city backdrop creates the atmosphere necessary for the potent mix of humor and heartbreak that this unusual group of detectives encounters as they navigate their way through some pretty unusual crimes. Case in point: a van thief who only steals vans and a crime committed by a masked vigilante known as the Vengeance.

At its heart, The Unusuals is not merely about solving crimes but about the human stories that intertwine with them. Comedy and drama hold equal sway in every episode, creating a lively balance and tension that keeps the viewers hooked. The characters are well fleshed out, reason why despite only running one season, they leaves a lasting impression. The show isn't afraid to look into the darkest corners of human nature while also stopping to laugh at life's absurdities.

The Unusuals is also piercingly aware of the absurdity of life. Its flawlessly written script is rich in color and depth, producing a series that is both unconventional and memorable. Each episode has a distinct flavor, a solid mystery that's often as unusual as its characters.

On the whole, The Unusuals is much more than the sum of its parts. It offered a refreshing and eccentric take on the overdone police procedural format. It swings from quirky to critical, hilarious to gut-wrenching, strange to relatable with seamless ease. It highlights the funny, frightening, bizarre, and sometimes heartbreaking reality of life in a detective squad, where the rules are often blurry and skewed. Despite running only for a short time on ABC back in 2009, The Unusuals undoubtedly leaves an indelible mark with its unique storytelling and compelling characters.