Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television
Common Sense says
- YouTube Premium
- Drama
- 2017
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What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television mocks police procedurals yet functions as a procedural itself. Expect violence levels the likes of which you've seen on TV crime shows: dead bodies, some blood and gore, guns and gunfights. Violence occasionally rises to intense levels, like in a scene where a suspect is shot by Mathers and gore and blood covers Hansen's face as he screams he can "taste his DNA." The overall lighthearted tone of the show may make these moments less disturbing. There are some sexual moments, too, like when an actor says he didn't know a rival had "the pipe" for porn or a man mock-humps two unaware women lying on pool chairs. Cursing and language includes "bulls--t," "f--k," "assh--e," "dips--t," "badass," "goddammit," "bitch" (a man saying it to a woman, than another man to that man), "dildo." Adults are shown drinking at parties, and being drunk is mentioned as a precursor to violent behavior. Hollywood insider maneuvering is frequently mocked, as is Hansen, who is called a "moron" and other unflattering things, yet is clearly in on the joke and making fun of himself and his star status. Women and people of color have strong main roles.
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What's the story?
He's between roles at the moment, so when the mayor ("a huge V. Mars fan") makes a call to recruit for Los Angeles' Celebrity Vice Squad, the upshot is RYAN HANSEN SOLVES CRIMES ON TELEVISION (or on YouTube Red, at least). Actor Ryan Hansen is himself, or at least a version of himself, partnered with actual police detective Jessica Mathers (Samira Wiley), a recent transplant from Cleveland who cannot believe she's being saddled with this dope. But somehow, despite unfriendly bouncers and snotty agents and rival actors who get all the roles that Hansen deserves, the two of them may actually be making some headway against the colorful criminals they meet in each episode.
Is it any good?
What might have been slight and formulaic soars, thanks to the charm and chemistry of co-leads Hansen and Wiley, plus fresh gags that poke fun at Hollywood life, police procedurals, and Hansen himself. He's obviously having a great time as he plays himself being just thrilled with his new crime-fighting job, and showing his partner the local ropes. When the two hear that a dead man was associated with a local hotel, Hansen explains that the spot is "real old-school Hollywood glamour -- Kylie Jenner puked there once!" Later, sitting poolside trading information with an informant, Hansen wonders "Should I take my shirt off right now? It kind of feels like McConaughey would."
The police-procedural plot is really, it turns out, just a framework on which to hang jokes. And they're good ones, so that makes Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television lots of fun to watch, particularly for those who know something about show business, or want to. Having solved a crime, Hansen turns self-importantly to the distressed damsel who's just been saved and tells her she's gonna be just fine, courtesy of the Celebrity Vice Squad. "Really? That's a dumb name for a show," she says. "Well, you're a day player on it, so you can thank me for 12 months of SAG health insurance," he sniffs back. Ha ha, funny! And, educational.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television's setup. Is it supposed to be realistic? Why does Hansen go by his real name and seem to be playing himself, and Samira Wiley plays a character? Is the absurdity of the setup part of the joke, or is the audience supposed to buy the idea that real-life actor Hansen is solving real-life crimes?
How do Hansen and Mathers demonstrate communication and teamwork when working together to solve crimes? Why are these important character strengths?
Families can talk about the gore associated with the many murders on the series. Does the show's lighter tone make it easier to take the scenes of dead bodies?
TV details
- Premiere date: October 25, 2017
- Cast: Ryan Hansen, Samira Wiley
- Network: YouTube Premium
- Genre: Drama
- Character Strengths: Communication, Teamwork
- TV rating: NR
- Available on: Streaming
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