Watch Murder in the First

Murder in the First is a crime drama series aired by TNT, which first premiered in 2014 and ran for three seasons before its finale in 2016. Set in San Francisco, the show follows homicide detectives Terry English, played by Taye Diggs, and Hildy Mulligan, played by Kathleen Robertson, as they investigate and solve complex murder cases.

The series takes a cumulative approach by featuring one case per season. Each season follows a new investigation, with the first season focusing on the murder of a drug addict who is found dead in the bedroom of a wealthy tech industry mogul. The second season revolves around an alleged serial killer case, and the third season delves into the murder of a top-flight athlete.

The show features a talented and diverse cast, including Tom Felton as Erich Blunt, the tech mogul suspected of being behind the murder in the first season. Felton delivers a standout performance as a privileged, egotistical, and ruthless man who may or may not be responsible for the murder.

Mimi Kirkland, who acts as the daughter of Detective Hildy in the series, also delivers a noteworthy performance. Her character is instrumental to Hildy's storyline, providing her with emotional support as she tries to balance motherhood and her job.

The rest of the cast includes Raphael Sbarge as Detective Edgar Navarro, the third member of the police team, who often reflects on the impact of their investigations; Lombardo Boyar as Inspector Anthony “Suger” Cascade, their boss; Ian Anthony Dale as Lieutenant Jim Koto, a professional and efficient head of homicide; and Bess Rous as Ivana West, a junior prosecutor working with Terry and Hildy.

Another notable performance in the show comes from Richard Schiff, who plays David Hertzberg, a high-powered attorney who willingly represents Blunt in the first season. Schiff's portrayal of David is one of the highlights of the show, with his character's disdain for the police and his cunning legal manipulations adding a new layer to the story.

The show also explores the personal lives of the detectives, as they juggle their cases with their personal struggles. Terry is mourning the loss of his wife, who died of cancer, and raising his young son alone. Meanwhile, Hildy is raising her daughter while grappling with her ex-husband's ongoing drug addiction and her complicated relationship with her partner.

The show's creators, Steven Bochco and Eric Lodal, who previously worked together on NYPD Blue, have ensured that the series is not just about solving crimes. The plots delve deep into the city's politics, media sensationalism, and the corrupting effects of wealth and status. Bochco and Lodal use the setting of San Francisco to explore a range of social and economic issues such as homelessness, mental illness, law enforcement corruption and institutional racism.

The music plays a vital role in creating a cohesive, immersive atmosphere in the series. The show's composer, Mark Isham, creates a haunting theme, which sets the tone for each episode. The music choices throughout the show are also on point and provide a sense of intensity and urgency.

Overall, Murder in the First is a gripping crime drama that offers a fresh perspective on the genre. The series maintains a high level of tension throughout each episode and remains engaging thanks to its superb writing, direction, and acting performances. While the show has concluded its run, it remains an intriguing and well-made series that is worth catching up on.

Murder in the First is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (32 episodes). The series first aired on June 9, 2014.