Flashpoint: The First Season

You could describe this Canadian series about the Strategic Response Unit (inspired by Toronto's Emergency Task Force) as a 21st-century reincarnation of S.W.A.T., since the elite police tactical team here is also called in when there are hostages or bystanders at risk, and their assignment is a peaceful resolution whenever possible and the protection of innocents at all costs. Sgt. Gregory Parker (Enrico Colantoni) is the SRU leader and negotiator, but Hugh Dillon receives top billing as sharpshooter Ed Lane, a loyal soldier so driven that he tends to place his job above his family. Jules Callaghan (Amy Jo Johnson) is the unit's sole female member, while Sam Braddock (David Paetkau) is the hotshot rookie who matures under the leadership of the veterans. Each episode begins in the middle of an engagement and rewinds to the beginning, a gimmick that doesn't really add much to the storytelling but does effectively tease the viewer with a preview. With its familiar characters and unsurprising dynamics, Flashpoint fails to gain much traction, but it's a satisfying procedural that employs violence as a backup, not a primary response. Originally made for CTV, the series was picked up by CBS for summer 2008 and then continued briefly in 2009. Compiling all 13 episodes of the first season, DVD extras include audio commentary on the pilot episode and two behind-the-scenes featurettes. Optional. (S. Axmaker)