Flashpoint at Monte Carlo
Not really new, but still hilarious
From here
"Let's Keep The Peace"
(from the Official Festival press release N°2 - link opens pdf file)
Canada’s CTV has come up with a cracking cop-art series... so much so that, during the 2008 writer’s strike, CBs swiftly bought “Flashpoint” to help fill suddenly empty spaces in the summer schedules. And kept it running last year, as well.
That doesn’t happen every day of the week with such a “foreign” show. Traditionally, or indeed tragically, it is never the original show that airs in America but an “improved-upon” US version. When plans were afoot to re-make “Fawlty Towers,” John Cleese found to his consternation that they were thinking of cutting out Basil!
The show is about a Canadian version of SWAT not the tacky 1976 TV series, but the real thing, the first ever Special Weapons and Tactics Team created by LAPD Officer John Nelson in 1968. Canada’s version is known as SRU (Strategic Response Unit), inspired by Toronto’s ETF (Emergency Task Force). Like SWAT, the SRU is called in to deal with high risk situations... terrorist attacks, hostage rescue, riot control, bust gangs, defuse bombs. talk down suicidal teens, sniper security for the Pope, President, Prime Minister, Queen, superior assault firepower in certain situations, rescuing officers and citizens in danger. Etc. They use state-of-the-art weapons sniper rifles, flash-bang grenades, tasers. Plus technical aids that allows them, as it were, to see through walls. However, their major weapon is... talk. Words. Dialogue. Knowing when and how to use its to defuse explosive happenings.
This is where our guest Enrico Colantoni comes in. He leapt at the chance to play Sergeant Gregory Parker because his brother was a 30-year veteran of the Toronto Police. The actor returned home from his Tellywood career in “Just Shoot Me!” and “Veronica Mars” and became the calm and compassionate squad leader, mentor and negotiator. His motto matches his orders: “Let’s keep the peace.”
Our other guest from the 28-episode series, Hugh Dillon, is the dedicated sharpshooter Ed Lane who reveals he has a clear shot (if required) by the damning phrase: “I have a solution.”
Underlining the impact of not only the show but Canadian TV drama, both Colantoni and Dillon are nominated here for Best Actor in drama series. Dillon is also cited for his other series “Durham County.” Both cop shows are among the nominees for Outstanding International Producer. CBS, take note. - Tony Crawley
more about Flashpoint at Monte Carlo here