Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quirky cop dramedy isn't as graphic as other crime shows.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
THE UNUSUALS is a quirky dramedy about a team of New York police detectives who use their street smarts and distinctive personalities to solve cases. Amber Tamblyn stars as Det. Casey Shraeger, who's suddenly transferred from NYPD vice to homicide and paired with Det. Jason Walsh (Jeremy Renner) after his partner's mysterious death. She finds herself working alongside an eclectic crime solvers like skittish Det. Leo Banks (Harold Perrineau), suicidal Det. Eric Delahoy (Adam Goldberg), obnoxious Det. Eddie Alvarez (Kai Lennox), and spiritual Det. Henry Cole (played by Josh Close). Shraeger soon discovers that her colleagues' unusual personalities seem to be covering some dirty little secrets -- and she sets out to find the truth.
Is It Any Good?
The Unusuals attempts to put a unique stamp on an otherwise ordinary crime series by introducing murder and corruption plotlines through the show's odd -- but mostly likable -- characters. Most of the show's lighter moments come from the characters' outlandish behavior or their far-fetched police tactics. But despite the fact that the writing sometimes seems more silly than witty, there are some subtle plotlines that make it interesting.
Like most crime dramas, the series has its fair share of violence, bloody images, strong language, sexual innuendo, and frequent discussions of criminal activity -- though it's not as graphic as shows like CSI, and the humor helps keeps things on the lighter side. Teens and adults who like this sort of thing may find it entertaining, but it isn't meant -- or age-appropriate -- for younger viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about shows that mix different kinds of genres/tones -- here, drama and comedy -- to create something that feels new. Can you think of shows that have done that successfully? What's the appeal? Families can also discuss the variety of crime shows on television. Why is this kind of show so popular? What sets one show apart from the others?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 8, 2009
- Cast : Adam Goldberg , Amber Tamblyn , Jeremy Renner
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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