Watch King

"King" is a captivating Canadian drama series that was aired on Showcase from 2011 to 2012. The series features the talented Amy Price-Francis playing the leading role of Detective Jessica King. With a beautifully developed storyline, engaging character arcs, and compelling plot twists, the series stands as both a tribute to and an evolution of the detective genre, offering a unique approach on typically procedural narratives.

On the surface, "King" can be labeled as a crime drama, yet underneath its surface, it paints a comprehensive exploration of its characters' personal lives and how it intertwines with their professional fronts. The show expertly interweaves its crime focus with the myriad complexities of personal relationships, all while consistently maintaining suspense and intrigue.

Amy Price-Francis in the role of Jessica King is the heart and soul of the series. She portrays an experienced, confident, and witty detective, taking over the Major Crimes Task Force after her predecessor leaves under a cloud of personal and professional scandal. Jessica King is a richly dimensional character with her own fair share of complexities – from an advantageous career to a tumultuous personal life. Despite being on her third marriage and dealing with fertility issues, she doesn’t let the personal predicaments hinder her professional performance.

Jessica brings a fresh energy and perspective to the Major Crimes Task Force, handling complex, high-profile cases that come along. The task force she oversees includes a spectrum of dynamic characters, each with their own individual quirks, abilities, and arcs, contributing to the series' broader narrative fabric.

In the role of Jessica's third husband and fellow officer, Danny Sless, is Gabriel Hogan. Danny is a cop from the Gun and Gangs Division, and their relationship adds an extra layer of texture and depth to the series’ storyline. The award-winning actor, Tony Nardi, plays the role of the diligent police veteran, Eleni Demaris, while Alan Van Sprang takes on the character of Detective Derek Spears, the former head of the task force replaced by Jessica.

The series 'King' offers engaging dynamics of teamwork, rivalry, and camaraderie, with each episode presenting a new case. However, rather than just focusing on the 'criminal case of the week', the show also delves into ongoing character storylines and relationship developments, betrayals, and professional politics.

Jessica's relentless determination to uncover the truth, combined with her unique approach to zesty one-liners and empathy with victims, often creates an emotional hook for the audience. The series also does not shy away from letting its lead character confront her personal woes, balancing her robust professional persona with vulnerability, which adds to the character's authenticity and relatability.

Though the series is set in the familiar surrounding of urban Toronto, the cinematographic portrayal gives the audience a fresh interpretation of the city's landscape. It's a combination of fast-paced city life and gritty crime scenes cleverly captured and at times seamlessly juxtaposed.

"King" is well-appreciated for its well-rounded characters, a robust narrative arc, interesting cases, and a steady stream of humor to balance the dark themes inherent to the crime genre. Underlying the hard shell of criminal investigation, the show encapsulates varying degrees of human emotions and relationships as it delves into individuals' personal struggles.

Under the guidance of experienced directors like Clark Johnson and Brad Turner, and the vision of Bernard Zukerman, Greg Spottiswood, and Adriana Maggs, who conceived the show, "King" excels both in its procedural aspects and its unique character stories.

To sum it up, "King" extends beyond a standard procedural drama, offering a dose of human empathy, multi-layered characters, humor, and a realistic touch to the grim world of crime. With a strong female lead at its core, the series exhibited resilience, depth, and the willingness to evolve - traits that made it stand out during its airing period. Although the series wrapped up in 2012, it has left a lasting impression on its viewers, primarily due to the stellar performance of Amy Price-Francis as Jessica King.