Executive Producer Explains Surprise Cameo of One Chicago Star in On Call: “Hitchcock Did It With Psycho”

Warning: SPOILERS for On Call!

Monica Raymund’s Surprising Cameo in On Call

In an intriguing twist, Monica Raymund, famed for her portrayal of Gabby Dawson in the One Chicago series, has made a significant impact in the inaugural episode of the new procedural drama On Call. Raymund’s brief yet striking appearance as Officer Delgado has sparked conversations among fans and critics alike. This latest project from Wolf Entertainment marks its first half-hour procedural created specifically for streaming, conceptualized by Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf. The series follows veteran training officer Traci Harmon, played by Troian Bellisario, alongside rookie Alex Diaz, portrayed by Brandon Larracuente, as they contend with the challenges and emotions in the aftermath of the death of a fellow officer in Long Beach.

Raymund’s unexpected cameo, which culminates with her character’s demise early in the premiere, left audiences astonished. Initially, it seemed to establish a connection to the One Chicago universe, but Walsh clarified this was not the primary intention during an interview with TVInsider. He described Raymund’s appearance as simply a case of “sleight of hand.” In his own words:

Hitchcock did it with Psycho, so we thought we’d do it here on On Call. Janet Leigh gets murdered a quarter of the way in. And obviously, we don’t spend that much time with Monica, but we did want people to feel like they were going to watch a show about her, and evidently, that’s not the case.

Implications of Raymund’s Cameo for On Call

Setting the Tone for the Series

Monica Raymund as Delgado during a traffic stop in On Call

Raymund’s portrayal was strategically designed to engage viewers and then subvert their expectations. By introducing her character only to eliminate her swiftly, the series effectively encapsulates the unpredictable and fleeting nature of first responders’ realities. This narrative choice aids in shifting the focus away from established faces to the ensemble cast, nurturing a range of innovative story arcs. Instead of leaning on Raymund’s established fame from One Chicago, On Call strives for an independent narrative presence.

Nonetheless, the connection to established franchises is subtly woven throughout the series, given that Elliot Wolf, the son of the creator behind One Chicago, Law & Order, and FBI, retains a central role in production. While Wolf maintains that On Call is not situated within his father’s universes, he has expressed receptiveness to the notion of future crossovers. This opens the door to potential collaborative storytelling within Dick Wolf’s legacy of programming.

Insights on Raymund’s Cameo

A Courageous Beginning

Still featuring Rich Ting, Troian Bellisario, and Brandon Larracuente in On Call

The bold narrative choice to introduce and swiftly remove Monica Raymund’s character has proven effective in captivating audiences and signaling the show’s intent to defy traditional genre norms. This strategic move not only draws viewers into the story but also reinforces On Call’s commitment to originality while hinting at its ties to the expansive Dick Wolf universe.

Inspired by classic cinematic storytelling, the show endeavors to carve its unique space within the procedural genre, leaving an impactful impression. Whether On Call ultimately integrates into the existing Dick Wolf framework or persists as an independent narrative, it has certainly set forth on a path of distinction.

Catch On Call now streaming on Prime Video.

Source: TVInsider

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