Boomtown - Complete Series 1 [DVD] [2003]

The best thing about the show is the variation. While most shows usually have a 'formula' which is conformed to, Boomtown really throws that to the wind. While most other cop shows concentrate on murder, Boomtown switches from gang shootings to robberies, to various other interesting cases. In a pleasant change of pace from other shows, Boomtown tells a lot of its stories in a non-linear fashion. For instance, the ending sequence might be displayed at the end, and the various perspective stories often overlap. Where repitition is required, different camera tinges are used so it's clear if an event has been viewed before from a different perspective. This is a little confusing at first but once you pick up on it the distinct style of the series is amazing.

As for the episodes, they really are an impressive collection. "Pilot" sets the theme for the show, and is the only real 'standard' episode of the bunch. It contains a lot of throwaway remarks about the character's backgrounds that come into play in future episodes.

"Possession" sees an intiguing take on the usual murder storyline, as a telemarketer hears someone being killed over the phone. As is usual with Boomtown, everything is not always what it sees and the episode unwinds in a spectacular fashion.

"The Squeeze" and "Reelin' in the Years" are two of the best episodes of the season. The main plot of "All Hallow's Eve" is disappointing, but a subplot about a gang of pumpkin stealing 'Presidents' culminates in one of the most hilarious scenes I've ever seen. Likewise in "The Freak", the subplot of a dead body being fired out of a cannon provides amusement. The main story is impressive, but is spoiled slightly by Fearless going all 'superhero' at the end. "Insured by Smith and Wesson" is an amazing twist on the usual hostage situation, when Ray discovers that one of the hostages is an old TV star he idolises. "Crash" looks rather unimpressive compared to the other episodes on the discs, but proves that even Boomtown not at its best is better than almost everything else on television.

The brilliant "The David McNorris Show" is followed by "Coyote" and "Monster's Brawl" which share a common theme about alcoholism. "Sinoloa Cowboys" shows the real strength of Boomtown's perspective technique as the opening shot shows a meth lab explosion which the events of the episode revolve around. "Home Invasion" isn't the best episode but it does entertain, while "Execution", "Storm Watch" and "Fearless" all step back from the perspective gimmick of the show. "Execution" is pretty linear, while "Fearless" is a single point of view episode which provides insight into the character of Fearless. "Blackout" is my least favourite episode, but this may be because I don't like the character of David McNorris much. The season finishes on a high with "Lost Child".

I can't really offer enough praise for the series, but this should be a must-buy for anyone who appreciates high quality, intelligent television.

It is always a shame in the UK that we receive many shows from the US too late and they are not given a fair chance to be enjoyed in this country. I always get the impression that US network execs are a bit thick. I suppose it is a minefield out there and certain choices have to be made. You will always get those successful shows that endure, but even after a while they begin to look tired e.g ER or NYPD Blue or even Friends. Others of course are rightfully scrapped before they cause to much damage. Boomtown slipped through the net. It was a television masterpiece and used all the story-telling techniques available - some original, some refreshed and some more familiar. The stories were then split up between their respective characters and told from each perspective and the result is a truly three dimentional account of the episode's events.

If Boomtown had aired in the UK first, I think the response would have definitely commissioned a full second series & maybe more, but at least I can rest easy at night in the knowledge that this show WAS made. It must be so frustrating to a writer to have his show cancelled before it fully blossoms (or worse dismissed before a single episode is filmed) - especially when other trite shows still continue well past their sell-by date.

I am still a big fan of ER & NYPD Blue, and the writing is still first class, but after such success, these shows could easily bough-out with pride. Boomtown didn't get that chance, so buy it while you still do!

It made me laugh & cry. The crimes were a good mix & the footage not too glorified. It also had good twists (I'm notorious for guessing the outcome & was surprised quite a few times) and it wasn't full of the usual cliches.

If you like cop shows, BUY IT. Clear your diary for the weekend, fill the fridge with beer & enjoy. You won't be disappointed!

Boomtown: RIP - You will be missed :o(