This article contains spoilers for On Call season 1.
Overview of On Call
Premiering in early January exclusively on Prime Video, On Call is a gripping police drama executive produced by renowned creator Dick Wolf, known for Law & Order. The series follows rookie officer Alex Diaz, portrayed by Brandon Larracuente, and veteran officer Traci Harmon, played by Troian Bellisario, as they navigate the challenges of patrolling Long Beach, California. Throughout its eight episodes, the show uniquely utilizes bodycam, dashcam, and cellphone footage to deliver an immersive experience, featuring a talented cast that includes Lori Loughlin, Rich Ting, and Eriq LaSalle.
Character Dynamics: Harmon and Diaz
In a recent conversation with TVLine, Larracuente shared interesting insights into the evolving relationship between Harmon and Diaz, particularly following the turbulent events of the season finale. Diaz perceives Harmon’s suggestion to restart his probation as a deep betrayal, leading to significant conflict. However, Larracuente emphasizes that Diaz ultimately recognizes that Harmon’s actions stem from a place of genuine care and concern for his growth.
Larracuente: “I think it’s something that Diaz wrestles with before he steps back into that vehicle at the end of episode 8. Do I get back into this vehicle with somebody who just sent me back to Day 1? Can I ever trust her again? The fact that he decides to get back in is only because he [realizes] that it’s all based on a real deep love and protection for him. She just wants what is best for him, and she doesn’t want [their trainer-trainee relationship] to end.”
Bellisario: “When you’re in a relationship with somebody, and you tell them something they won’t like to hear but you know it’s for their own good, that is a means of loving somebody. Sure, if I do this, if I send you back to Day 1, I have to also accept that you’re going to be mad at me. You’re going to be pissed.”
“Harmon feels betrayed [by Bishop]. She’s like, I trusted you. You told me I could tell you that I went off book. And she’s like, yeah, well, I didn’t fire you, but you trusted me and you have to be smarter. It’s a revelation for Harmon as well to say, wow, I’ve got more to learn. I made sacrifices to get justice for Delgado that actually have consequences.”
Seismic Implications of the Finale for Harmon and Diaz
The Challenges Ahead
The finale presents complex challenges for both Harmon and Diaz. As Bellisario notes, Harmon misses out on a coveted position with the drug team headed by Sergeant Koyama, with Lieutenant Bishop citing her previous disobedience as the reason for this setback. Meanwhile, Harmon perceives Diaz’s behavior as reckless, noting his tendency to act independently, often leading to perilous situations.
This shared sense of frustration and anger highlights their deepening connection, despite current tensions. With executive producers Elliot Wolf and Tim Walsh expressing optimism for a second season, these unresolved issues are likely to be explored further in future episodes, although immediate resolutions may not be in sight, as is often the case in serialized television storytelling.
Insights on the Series Conclusion
Reinventing the Core Partnership
A hallmark of successful television, especially within procedural genres like On Call, is the delicate balance between maintaining continuity and allowing character development and story evolution. The conclusion of season 1 achieves this balance for both Harmon and Diaz, providing a foundation for future storylines while preserving their core identities. Should the series continue, it has the potential to take even bolder narrative risks as time goes on.
For more detailed analysis, refer to TVLine.
Image credit and further insights can be found in this Screen Rant article.
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