Shots Fired

I thought the first episode was captivating from the start. The story started with a bang and kept my attention till the end of the episode. I'm definitely intrigued to watch the next episode. The Characters definitely gave me personality - Sanaa Lathan gives a lot of sass, which absolutely loved! You know she's going to play the bad cop in the show. Stephan James oozed with personality and every word that came out of his mouth, I believed. So I'm going to hang on to my seat and wait for a few more episodes.

I'm Asian male that grew up in a working class neighborhood and episode 1 gave me goosebumps because it aligns so much with our reality. You probably thinking how can I say that when I'm an Asian male. Truth is, many of our struggles are similar to blacks in America. You may not know, but there is an Asian gang culture in every major cities in America due to the same reasons that make it hard for blacks to succeed in America. Any law enforcement officers in major cities can confirm this.

Many of the critics will tell you it's a race baiting/anti-police show because they are out of touch with reality and blindly support anybody with a badge while living in their echochamber. Also, they don't understand the difference between anti- police vs. anti-corruption.

This felt, for me, a real life depiction of what is happening around the world everyday. Crime is a very real part of our communities everywhere, and it is true...we can't help but see color. I loved the characters, well played! I don't know how to carry the story through into a second season, but I am hoping this is not the last I see of this cast. Thank you!

I was remarkably surprised at how good the writing and execution of the plot worked. At this time in our society, it brings to our attention the matters still going on.

Deputy Joshua Beck is one of the few black officers in a small North Carolina town. He stops a young white man driving in the black neighborhood. The traffic stop turns into a fatal police shooting. Governor Patricia Eamons requests a DOJ investigation. They send black prosecutor Preston Terry, only one year out of law school. DOJ investigator Ashe Akino is dealing with anger issues and a custody fight for her daughter. Alicia Carr is the mother of the victim. Shameeka Campbell is the mother of a dead black teen in an unsolved shooting. Sheriff Platt and Lieutenant Breeland are hiding a controversial police program. Janae James is an activist pastor railing for social justice. Arlen Cox is a developer planning to build a prison.

Fox claims this mid-season replacement to be a limited series. There are ten episodes and no second season. It is definitely ripped from the headlines and plays plenty with the race card. It plays it a little too hard for my taste. It even turns the hose on black protesters. It would serve the show better by avoiding some of these hot button tropes. The acting is solid. The story has some compelling elements. Pushing those buttons so many times only detracts from a well-written crime thriller.