MEMPHIS BEAT

MEMPHIS BEAT
JUNE 22, 2010-AUGUST 16, 2011

A cop show! Now that is not an original concept, but what the creators have been able to do is up the game of your typical detective story.  Joshua Harto and Liz Garcia  are a real-life married couple creating and writing the first two episodes of Memphis Beat.  This series is in distinct contrast to FX's Justified with a more light-hearted appeal.  The main difference is that the intensity is left for moments of necessity. 

The entanglement that detective Dwight Hendricks (Jason Lee) encounters opposite Lieutenant Tanya Rice (Alfre Woodward) keeps a fire lit between the two characters.  Hendricks believes deeply in the community where he lives and the people he was hired to protect.  His method towards solving crimes is more laid-back, allowing the evidence to lead him to the guilty party(s).  He is a southern gentleman who kneels before his mother’s every need somewhat in the way of his idol, Elvis Presley.  

Paula Hendricks (Celia Weston) is a mom much like Gladys Presley who idolizes her son and has done everything possible for him.  Since the death of her husband in the line of duty, she has relied on Dwight.  She often cries wolf to be the puppeteer who keeps her son close.  What Dwight does not know is that his mother has become quite independent but she hides this as to not lose their connection. 

Lt. Tanya Rice, a recent transfer into the city of Memphis from the suburbs finds the investigative style of her detective a bit off beat.  Her own personal troubles come from a family of five children and an ex-husband who is not always fair.

Officer Davey Sutton (Dj Qualls) sees himself as the future of the Memphis police force.  Everywhere he goes, there is love abound, as his sweetness is exhaled with every breath.  He fancies himself the protégé of Hendricks and is often several steps behind in an investigation.  Surprisingly, he is tuned into Memphis in a way that sometimes becomes beneficial to the direction of a criminal.

Detective Charlie "Whitehead" White (Sam Hennings) does not give balance to his partner Hendricks but often keeps the pace slow and steady.  The only distinction between the two is that Whitehead has an often uncontrollable temper that keeps his partner on his toes at all times.  They work a case in much the same way, and the bad guys need not try to run because this pair are reflective of the turtle and the hare.  The crook (hare) can go at full speed but the detectives (turtle) will be waiting with handcuffs ready before they get to the city limits. 

Detective Reginald Greenback (Leonard Earl Howze) has every component a squad would look for in an officer of the law.  A physical rock but slightly out of shape, the detective is steadfast, trustworthy and skillful at his job.  His teenage children often take advantage of his demeanor, leaving him financially strapped.

The music is pure Memphis-infused non-aggression blues.  It brings the Memphis sound to the viewer’s living room weekly.  Those who have their speakers hooked up to the television will have an incredibly southern dependable melody engulfing their homes.   

The feel of the show is as laid back as the main character.  The humor has great timing but does not overrun some of the harder scenes involving the criminal cases.  This is a very solid show with a great cast that has been given above average characters to play.