Dick Wolf's 'On Call': A Bold Departure from Traditional Television

“On Call,” the latest offering from the prolific Dick Wolf, marks a significant departure from his established formula of long-running network television series. This half-hour drama, a first for Wolf Entertainment, eschews the familiar tropes of his other shows, choosing instead a gritty, realistic portrayal of police work. Streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, the series presents a fresh perspective on the genre, raising questions about its potential impact on the landscape of police procedurals.

A New Era of Television: Streaming and Short-Form

This isn't just another police drama from Dick Wolf; it represents a shift in his approach to content creation. “On Call” is Wolf Entertainment’s first scripted streaming series. The show also presents a shorter-form narrative, offering all nine episodes in a convenient, binge-worthy format. Elliot Wolf, Dick Wolf's son and head of digital at Wolf Entertainment, spearheaded the project, initially envisioning it as a short-form series for social media, before evolving it into a concise half-hour drama. This format, unusual in today’s television landscape, is a conscious effort to present a more focused and impactful storytelling experience.

The Relatability of Modern Technology

The show’s innovative use of body cam and dash cam footage, inspired by the ubiquitous presence of such technology in today’s world, adds a compelling layer of realism to the narrative. The decision to focus solely on the officers' work life, excluding personal details often featured in other procedurals, reinforces this focus on the immediacy and intensity of their daily tasks. As Elliot Wolf notes, this approach allows viewers to experience the visceral reality of police work through the relatable lens of technology – creating a storytelling experience unlike any other.

Character Dynamics: The Heart of 'On Call'

The series centers around the compelling dynamic between two key characters: veteran officer Traci Harmon (Troian Bellisario) and rookie Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente). Their interactions within the confines of a police car form the emotional core of the narrative, as noted by Elliot Wolf. The initial episode sets a dramatic tone by immediately introducing the death of a fellow police officer. This sets up the mystery plot as well as the foundation of the core dynamic of the main characters.

Breaking the Mold of Procedural Dramas

The decision to confine the storylines solely to the professional lives of the characters is a departure from Dick Wolf's typical formula. This choice underscores the show's commitment to portraying the human side of law enforcement, emphasizing the challenges and complexities faced by officers in their daily duties, and creating a story that emphasizes the human elements while maintaining the pace and style of a typical procedural. This unique approach sets it apart from its predecessors while maintaining the thrilling pace and intensity that has become the hallmark of Dick Wolf's other works.

Expanding the Wolf Entertainment Universe?

While the show isn't directly tied to the existing universes of Dick Wolf’s other series (“Law & Order”, “Chicago” and “FBI”), the possibility of a connection is intentionally left open, offering a potential avenue for future storylines. The inclusion of Monica Raymund, known for her role in “Chicago Fire,” further fuels this speculation. The casting choice raises an interesting question about the connections between Wolf Entertainment's various series, and the potential crossovers that could happen in the future, especially given the precedent set by other shows using the same cast members in different roles.

A Legacy of Success and Adaptation

Dick Wolf's long-standing success in the world of television is undeniable. His shows have provided hours of captivating entertainment, established memorable franchises and shaped the landscape of procedural television. However, his recent exploration of newer, different kinds of shows demonstrates an ambition to embrace change and adapt to the evolving media landscape, even with the risks of exploring new ideas. “On Call,” with its bold embrace of streaming and a unique narrative style, exemplifies this commitment to innovation.

The Future of Wolf Entertainment: Navigating the Streaming Age

With “On Call,” Dick Wolf is not only experimenting with a new format but also subtly acknowledging the changing dynamics within the television industry. The success of the show could determine how well his long-standing productions will navigate the shifting tides of the streaming era and the new challenges that come with that. The move towards streaming represents a calculated strategy to ensure longevity in a rapidly evolving entertainment market. Will “On Call” succeed in capturing new audiences while retaining the loyal fanbase of Wolf's established shows? The future remains to be seen.

“On Call” is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The show's unique approach to police procedural drama and its strategic integration into the streaming world will undoubtedly impact how Dick Wolf and others approach television production in the coming years. The question now is whether this bold experiment will pave the way for a new wave of innovative storytelling in the genre, or if it will be a temporary excursion beyond the well-trodden paths of his established productions.