Backstrom

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  • TV-14
  • 2015
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.3  (9,834)

Backstrom is a police procedural drama television series that aired on FOX from January to April 2015. The show is based on the novel series by Swedish author Leif G.W. Persson and centers around a brilliant but self-destructive detective named Everett Backstrom, portrayed by Rainn Wilson.

Backstrom is introduced as a tough and cynical detective, who alienates almost everyone around him with his abrasive personality, confrontational behavior, and often offensive remarks. He is portrayed as a man haunted by his past mistakes, a history of drug abuse and a failing health. He is forced to investigate serious crimes, including murder, arson, kidnapping, and sexual assault, while dealing with his personal demons and struggling with the everyday challenges of his job.

As the lead detective of the Portland Police Bureau's Special Crimes Unit, Backstrom is surrounded by a diverse team of investigators, including Detective Nicole Gravely (Genevieve Angelson), a smart and ambitious young officer who becomes his protégé and assistant. The rest of the team includes Detective Sergeant John Almond (Dennis Haysbert), a loyal and experienced officer, Forensic Specialist Peter Niedermayer (Kristoffer Polaha), who has a quirky personality, and Officer Frank Moto (Page Kennedy), who serves as the team's tech expert.

Throughout the series, the team faces a variety of challenging cases, ranging from domestic violence and hate crimes to organized crime and terrorism. Each episode typically follows a formulaic plot structure, where the team investigates a crime, uncovers clues and evidence, and ultimately solves the case with Backstrom's brilliant insights and unconventional methods.

However, what sets Backstrom apart from other police procedural dramas is its dark and gritty tone, unique character development, and social commentary. The show explores complex themes such as addiction, mental illness, sexual harassment, police corruption, and systemic injustices that plague the criminal justice system.

At the core of the show is Wilson's portrayal of Backstrom, which is both nuanced and captivating. Despite his flaws, Backstrom is a highly intelligent and resourceful detective, whose sharp mind and observational skills make him a formidable opponent to any criminal. Wilson's performance brings depth and vulnerability to the character, making the audience sympathize with his struggles and root for his redemption.

The chemistry between Wilson and Angelson is also noteworthy, as their characters' relationship evolves throughout the series. Gravely starts as a skeptic of Backstrom's methods and disapproves of his behavior, but eventually realizes his brilliance and develops a strong working relationship with him. Their complex dynamic provides both comic relief and emotional depth to the show.

Overall, Backstrom is a well-crafted and engaging police procedural drama that offers a fresh twist on the genre. While the show was canceled after only one season, it has gained a cult following for its unconventional storytelling, memorable characters, and powerful performances.

Backstrom is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (19 episodes). The series first aired on January 22, 2015.

Backstrom
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Seasons
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
March 28, 2022
Bäckström has escaped the apartment explosion, but the Russians are still after him, and he doesn't know where the Pinocchio is. While interrogating Dubrovnik, Ankan realizes that Bäckström has been deceiving the police for his own benefit, yet they must keep working together to solve the case. When they discover holes in a witness's alibi, it leads them to the culprits—but the danger isn't over.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
March 22, 2022
Someone thinks Bäckström already has Pinocchio and demands he turn it over—or else. Desperate, he asks Tina for help; if the Russians are threatening him, she has to get them to stop. Ankan and Olsson surveil an art dealer named Dubrovnik, whom they think is in Sweden to purchase Pinocchio, and witness Gurra meeting with him. With the clock ticking, Bäckström takes matters into his own hands.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
March 14, 2022
Ankan is racked with guilt over the witness's death. Bäckström is still trying to hide Pinocchio from the police, but it's increasingly difficult, especially when Ankan begins to question his honesty. It turns out Eriksson had bigger secrets than they thought, as they discover he was deeply in debt and had weekly meetings with N. Could this mystery person have something to do with the murder?
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
March 8, 2022
An antique Russian music box, depicting the character of Pinocchio and worth 300 million kronor, seems to be the motive for the murders. Bäckström enlists the help of his friend Gurra to trace the box's provenance while plotting how they can steal it for themselves. The trail leads to Finland, where Bäckström travels with Chief of Police Toivonen, but back in Stockholm the victim count rises.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
February 28, 2022
As one of the few people with a motive to kill Eriksson, Bäckström is considered a suspect, and so Ankan takes over as lead investigator, while Bäckström looks into the assault on Baron Von Comer, a friend of the royal family. It becomes apparent that the two cases are connected, with more and more evidence pointing to Von Comer as Eriksson's killer. But a shocking twist upends the investigation.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
February 28, 2022
Detective Evert Bäckström refuses to appear on TV anymore alongside his archenemy, attorney Tomas Eriksson. When Ankan finds a connection between Eriksson and Bäckström's old flame, he is furious. Either Tina is having an affair with the man he detests, or she is still collaborating with the Russians. Bäckström heads to Eriksson's place to confront him but finds that someone has beaten him to it.
Description
Where to Watch Backstrom
Backstrom is available for streaming on the FOX website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Backstrom on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    January 22, 2015
  • IMDB Rating
    7.3  (9,834)
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