New Show ‘Good Cop/Bad Cop’ Offers Cozy Crime-Solving with Family Twist

SEATTLE, Wash. — In the latest addition to the crime procedural genre, The CW premiered “Good Cop/Bad Cop” on Wednesday, February 19, featuring a unique family-centric narrative that blends humor with mystery. The show follows police chief Hank Hickman, played by Clancy Brown, and his daughter, detective Lou, as they navigate crime-solving in their quaint hometown of Eden Vale.

From the show’s debut, it’s evident that the characters hold differing views on law enforcement priorities. Lou believes community protection should be paramount. In contrast, her father Hank asserts, “The country is falling apart. People need a place where they feel safe.” Hank emphasizes that creating a sense of security is their main objective, despite Lou’s practical focus on crime investigation.

Eden Vale, a fictional middle-class town with a population of 9,347, serves as the charming backdrop for this dramedy. The community exhibits the affable spirit commonly associated with small-town life, where residents know each other and generally get along. The narrative draws influence from various classic shows, with visual references to series like “Gilmore Girls” and “Schitt’s Creek.”

The series revolves around the dynamic sibling duo of Lou and her brother Henry (Luke Cook), who has just returned to Eden Vale from Seattle. Lou is characterized as the grounded, rational sibling, while Henry is depicted as the socially inept yet intelligent detective, nicknamed the “Sherlockian” half of the pair due to his analytical skills. This engaging sibling dynamic provides a fresh perspective on the typical odd-couple format seen in many crime shows.

“Good Cop/Bad Cop” does not hide the fact that it is not pushing any boundaries. The show pays homage to its influences, even integrating scenes reminiscent of films like “Knives Out” and “Vertigo.” From light-hearted dialogue to comedic interludes accompanying tense moments, the show successfully maintains a breezy atmosphere, carefully avoiding the heavier tones often associated with crime dramas.

The chemistry among the lead cast elevates the show beyond mere entertainment. Luke Cook’s performance is marked by a blend of charm and comic timing, reminiscent of actors like Alan Tudyk. Leighton Meester complements this comic duo with her portrayal of Lou, contributing a sense of comfort and grounding to the sibling relationship.

As the show unfolds, viewers encounter a variety of quirky local characters, from handsome divorcé sheriff Carson (Devon Terrell) to Nadia (Blazey Best), a Russian fan of detective shows who amusingly admires the town’s chief as “Detective Olivia Benson inside the body of a handsome man.” This colorful ensemble reflects the community’s charm and provides a delightful exploration of Eden Vale’s inhabitants.

Despite its comforting and safe atmosphere, the series does not completely ignore real-life issues. Episodes touch on modern societal topics, including economic hardships and the impact of the pandemic, although these themes remain in the background, seldom detracting from the series’ lighthearted essence. For instance, in one episode, a pharmacist summarizes the past decade, remarking on the recession and job losses. However, the primary focus remains on the light-hearted antics of Lou and Henry rather than diving deeply into serious themes.

As the show’s first six episodes establish a world where chaos feels manageable, the Hickman family experiences an array of amusing storylines involving mild lawbreaking, unwittingly creating tension around cases such as a missing tech bro and a charity event theft.

Through humor and warmth, “Good Cop/Bad Cop” aims to make viewers feel both comfortable and entertained. By leading with a light-hearted approach and using humor to navigate complex family dynamics, the show manages to balance its scenes sensitively, resulting in a well-rounded viewing experience.