For decades, law-enforcement procedurals have been staples on television, and when they are done well, these series build loyal fanbases that stick with them for years. NBC’s newest drama, “Line of Fire” is from “Quantico” creator Joshua Safran and loosely based on executive producer Jenna Bush Hager’s experiences with the United States Secret Service. The show has all the makings of becoming a classic in the canon of beloved police procedurals.
Marshal Jane Hollingsworth (Hope Davis); and their three adult children, FBI Agent Clare Hollingsworth (Kat Cunning), Secret Service Agent Mike “Micah” Hollingsworth Jr. (Tommy O’Brien) and DOJ analyst Russ Hollingsworth (Taylor Bloom). Mike, Jane and their children try to keep things professional, but continually cross personal boundaries because of their agencies’ proximity. Boasting intense family dynamics and several truly intriguing cases, “Line of Fire” has a depth, intensity and a hint of soapiness that works perfectly within the genre.
The 10-episode first season (two episodes were available for review) opens in Crozet, Virginia. Marshal, under the guise of being a delivery driver, attempts to track down a missing fugitive. Unfortunately, before the morning breaks, both the Marshal and the outlaw lay dead in the woods.
The next day, Jane arrives at the crime scene, determined to figure out what happened. Needing a bit more reach than the Marshals can offer, Jane calls in her daughter, Clare, for her expertise and for the FBI’s resources. Though Clare is eager to help, Jane’s team is not exactly pleased that the FBI is encroaching on her territory.
For her part, Clare isn’t thrilled when her mother badgers her about bringing her mysterious new boyfriend to dinner to finally meet the family. Back in Washington, D.C., Mike is set to finish out his final week at the Secret Service Headquarters before retiring. Yet, he’s increasingly concerned Micah is skirting his professional duties for a personal relationship with Sydney (Savannah Lee Smith), the president’s college-age daughter.
Elsewhere, Russell is ready to get his feet wet at the DOJ, but his family’s constant requests complicate his role. Chaos and dysfunction are par for the course for the Hollingsworths. But when a seemingly standard case unearths long-buried secrets that threaten the family’s safety, each person must decide whether their jobs are worth more than the people they love.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
