The CW dips its toes into the murky waters of family dramedy with “Good Cop/Bad Cop,” premiering Wednesday, February 19th. The series centers on two mismatched siblings, forced to collaborate as partners in a small Pacific Northwest police force. In the debut episode, “Peace in the Valley,” a seemingly simple pharmacy robbery escalates into a homicide investigation, thrusting these contrasting personalities into the deep end.
Leighton Meester stars as Lou, a by-the-book officer who prefers procedure and paperwork. Luke Cook plays against type as her brother, Henry, a freewheeling rule-bender more interested in gut feelings than guidelines. Their father, Police Chief Big Hank, played with gruff charm by Clancy Brown, is the catalyst for their uneasy partnership, hoping to bridge the gap between his estranged son and his ever-dutiful daughter.
“Peace in the Valley” establishes the show’s tone: small-town crime with a comedic slant. The initial pharmacy heist introduces us to the quirky residents of this sleepy town, while the subsequent murder quickly darkens the mood. The episode effectively highlights the siblings’ conflicting styles—Lou’s meticulous approach versus Henry’s impulsive methods.
The presence of Big Hank looms large. His desire to mend fences with Henry creates an interesting dynamic, as he attempts to steer his children towards a semblance of teamwork. While the pilot efficiently introduces the main players and establishes the core conflict, the real test will be whether “Good Cop/Bad Cop” can maintain a balance between the humor and the heart without veering into overly sentimental territory.
“Good Cop/Bad Cop” airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
