Pilot – Rush

This week Channel Ten are launching their new cop drama ‘Rush’. Originally pitched to the network as ‘Tactical Response’, the show was rejected. Come 2008, however, Channel Ten found themselves concerned that they may have very little programing as a result of the US writers strike, prompting them to revive this dead-in-the-water show.

Between the initial pilot (itself based on a Police Rescue script) and the new show, several characters and actors changed with actors Matthew Le Nevez, Libby Tanner and Corrine Grant not returning.

Ultimately, the show that has eventually made it to air makes for a disposable cop drama, but don’t let that stop you.

So, what’s it about?
The premise is that there is a police unit in Melbourne that runs 24/7 with cops on the street seeking to assist with crisis situations. In recent months the unit has supposedly been running autonomously with nobody in charge of the department. This changes with the arrival of tough as nails Inspector Kerry Vincent who seeks to exert her authority on the unit.

One of the defining aspects of Rush that is worth noting is how rapid the show actually moves. With exceedingly tight editing and an abnormally large number of shots lensed (it reportedly averages 300 shots per episode, over double that of most Australian series), the show almost reaches Paul Greengrass levels of franticness at times.

Who’s in the darn thing?
It’s not exactly a who’s who of Australian telly, but the cast are all very familiar faces. Among the cast are Callan Mulvey (Underbelly, Heartbreak High), Roger Corser (Underbelly, Last Man Standing), Catherine McClements (Water Rats, CrashBurn), and Samuel Johnson (Secret Life of Us, Crackerjack).

What happens in that crucial first episode?
In a storyline ripped from the headlines Law & Order-style, the first episode has the cops dealing with a father who has attempted to suicide with his children in the car with him. Loyalty is tested within the department after one of the officers beats the father.

Is it actually any good?
Ultimately, the answer to this question lies with what sort of TV viewer you are. If you want a light-weight drama without a desire to committing to watching the show on a regular basis, give it a go. The show lacks the gravitas to serve as engaging viewing.

Furthermore, the scripting is a little lacklustre. The actors are saddled with some clunky dialogue which detracts horribly from the visuals. A lot of the characterization is a little bit too forced. Hopefully this is merely the result of pilot jitters and won’t impact too heavily on the development of the show.