The Chicago Code is one of my all-time favorite cop dramas. It aired in 2011 and lasted for 13 episodes. It tells a complete story in that time. There is virtually no filler.
The story centers around Theresa Colvin (Jennifer Beals), a police superintendent hell-bent on rooting out city corruption. Her number one target is Alderman Gibbons who put her in her position.
For me the highlight of the writing is Alderman Gibbons played expertly by Delroy Lindo. He is subtle in the way he wields power, and he believes he is the good guy—resorting to violating the law out of practical necessity. It’s said that a character can’t be smarter than its writers. Gibbons is smart—an expert manipulator of people and the system.
The feel of the show is a blend of intrigue, action, wisecracks, and sensitivity. The job of policing is a moral crusade that comes with personal and political challenges and consequences. The tone avoids being dark for the sake of being “gritty", instead maintaining an upbeat brightness even when things get serious. The writing operates on multiple levels seemlessly—the personal, the professional, and the social—the beat-cop, the leadership, and the city.
If you’re looking for something interesting to watch and like cop dramas, give this a shot.
I watched a couple of episodes. I’m sold!