After years of watching Michael Moriarty bring Ben Stone to life, it took me at least a half hour before I could get comfortable with Gordon Tallas, the senior detective trying to bring down a serial pedophile in CBC's mini-series Major Crime. Where Ben always played it by the book, Gordon bends the rules to make the ends justify the means. Where Ben was always the epitome of decorum calling the most heinous felon "sir", Gordon calls them as he sees them and that's not always a polite word. Where Ben was always impeccable dressed and groomed, Gordon chews gum, sucks on lollipops (a la Kojak) and most of the time looks like he shops at a thrift shop.
The first scenes of Major Crime are probably the most disturbing I've ever seen in prime time television. They show a young boy being brutally assaulted by the perp, Ricky Widmer, played extremely well by David Cubitt who has won a Gemini, Canada's equivalent of the Emmy, for his portrayal of a straight-laced stock broker. This is a man who is known to be a sex-symbol now portraying the lowest of the low. When he first read the script, Cubitt was uncomfortable playing such a despicable character but he was partly persuaded by the opportunity to act with MM whom he regards very highly.
Tallas' pursuit of Ricky Widmer is relentless. He feels for the victims, their parents and everyone who's been victimized by the man and it's evident that he's having trouble keeping his hands off Widmer. The raw emotion shows in his face as Gordon realizes exactly what kind of man he's up against.
The case is not an easy one as many victims are too terrorized to testify and even the mother of his 18-month-old daughter who he's sexually assaulted plans to testify in his defense. Gordon finally thinks he getting a break when the little boy whose brutal attack is seen at the beginning of the first episode comes forward end eloquently and touchingly tells his story. However, the child then misidentifies the man who attacked him.
At the point when it looks as if he might lose his case, Gordon persuades Widmer's children and step-children to testify of their life of sexual abuse. This evidence is enough to convince the judge to put this piece of slime away for an indefinite period as a dangerous offender. As Gordon gets back to the precinct feeling somewhat pleased with himself, what's his reward? ... One of the junior detectives has been promoted to sergeant over his head.
The writing and acting are superior. If this doesn't win several awards at this year's Geminis, I'm missing my guess. Hopefully, it will be an important step in MM's career. Although his talent has always been undeniable, his versatility was more evident in this production. Depending on the reaction to this mini-series, I wonder if CBC would consider the possibility of making this into a series. This is one heck of a pilot.
The series was shot partly in Toronto, Ontario and partly in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Executive Producer was Michael Donovan who is best known for producing "This Hour Has 22 Minutes", a Canadian comedy ensemble series.
Thanks, Donna. I can't wait to see Major Crime!
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