This action-packed 22 episode 1-hour series follows the personal and dangerous professional lives of several uniformed police officers, paramedics and firefighters who work out of a fictional New York City Precinct, located at intersection of King and Arthur.  Thus, the station houses are nicknamed “Camelot”.

SYNOPSIS

This series is so totally addicting that I watched all 22 episodes in four days.

The show contains the best elements of NYPD Blue, perhaps my all-time favorite television series, and E.R., but goes them one or two better.

Both of those shows were, essentially, shot at a studio.  Half or more of a typical NYPD Blue episode took place in the squad room and when the detectives went outside, those scenes, for the most part, were shot on the Fox backlot.

The exteriors of Third Watch, and there are many, are shot on the streets, in the alleys and backyards of New York.  Although I can’t be sure, it appears that many of the interior scenes are also filmed on actual locations, rather than on a studio set.

This extensive location filming adds a gritty reality to the series that is absent in NYPD Blue and E.R.  When a car chase ends in a spectacular crash, that smash-up looks authentic, not something staged on a studio’s version of a New York street.

With each episode dealing with the individual activities of street cops, paramedics and firefighters, there are usually two or three storylines in play, some of which interconnect and/or carry over to a later episode.

Sully (Skip Sudduth), probably the most interesting character in the series, is a veteran street cop who believes in “solving problems,” rather than just arresting people.  He’s partnered with rookie Ty Davis (Coby Bell), son of his late partner who was killed on the job. 

Ty is an idealistic, honest newbie who, during this series’ initial season, butts heads with another veteran police officer who is “dirty”.

Faith Yokas (Molly Price) is also a uniformed cop, a wife and mother whose husband has a major drinking problem.  Her partner is Bosco (Jason Wiles), a hot-head who springs into action before he thinks.

Paramedic Kim (Kim Raver), partnered with Bobby (Bobby Cannavale) is divorced from firefighter Doherty (Eddie Cibrian), the father of her son.  It’s an impossible relationship, but the couple still loves each other.  Adding to the complications is the fact that Bobby, who has an ex-con younger brother (Jon Seda), is also in love with Kim.

Veteran paramedic Doc (Michael Beach), a recent widower, not only has to contend with his suicidal father (Ossie Davis), but also a rookie partner (Anthony Ruivivar) with whom he’s always butting heads.

When these characters’ personal problems aren’t taking center stage, there are plenty of treacherous situations at work on the job.  In the “Welcome to Camelot” pilot episode, for example, a paramedic is shot from ambush.  “Responsible Parties” has Officer Yokas taking vigilante action against a gang member, “Officer Involved” finds rookie cop Davis accidentally shooting an innocent man, and “Spring Forward, Fall Back” involves the search for a missing toddler.

Sharp, intelligent writing with involving storylines, strong, fast-paced direction and fine performances make for a great television series.

THE VIDEO

The Full Frame picture is broadcast sharp, preserving the grittiness of the New York streets.  Some of the individual sequences, however, are on the dark side.

THE AUDIO

The Dolby Digital Stereo Sound is excellent.

THE EXTRAS

The Nights of Camelot is an informative retrospective featurette featuring new interviews with the series creators (Edward Allen Bernero, John Wells) and various cast members.

Rounding out the extras is a Gag Reel.

FINAL THOUGHT