I know nothing that you don’t, folks, believe me. But it’s clear from the reception that our little poll has received that none of us can wait for the news that TNT has renewed Dark Blue. With our enthusiasm abounding, I figured there’s no harm in “acting as if” … so let’s start some speculating on what the next season of Dark Blue might look like (or, at least, what I’d like to see).
I know a lot of you out there are looking for Jaimie and Dean to hook up again (I assume in a more long-term sort of way). At the risk of being pummeled, I have to respectfully disagree. I think the two completely lack chemistry, at least any sort of romantic kind. They’re great as partners, or sometimes partners, or whatever a police unit calls its haphazard pairings, but I’ve felt uncomfortable with them ever since Jaimie did that weird dance thingy at the end of whichever episode that was.
I would like to see Jaimie expand on her relationship with Scott, though of course not in San Francisco. He’s a good guy, and if she gives him a chance, I think he could be great for her. Dean, on the other hand, is supposed to be the tough guy who doesn’t get tied down. Sometimes it’s okay if those guys actually don’t get tied down in the end, as opposed to being forcibly domesticated, in the same style that so many shows have done before. Let the show explore him him, not relationship him … he’s definitely interesting enough.
I also think they owe it to us to explore the questions raised in the pilot about Dean, and whether or not he’d crossed the line. He went from a potential ticking time bomb to just a bit of a mystery, but more episodes — and some security — should allow the writers the time to delve into Dean a bit more.
Ty would be miserable if he wasn’t going under any more. On the flip side, I think a baby would be the right move for him, grounding him and putting him on the right side of danger-junkies Dean and Carter. The problem is that Melissa isn’t going to make it easy for him, which I don’t think she should, but come on … all signs point to the fact that you met after he was working undercover. Do you really want to take away what makes him happy, what made him the man you fell in love with?
I’d also like to see the sting operation against Fry and his merry band of dirty cops come back at Ty, as well as the drug dealers who followed Ty home when he went to see Melissa on her birthday. Neither group seems the type to forgive and forget.
Carter is … well Carter has … we need to learn more about Carter. There’s tons to say, but really, that’s all that matters. We must learn more about Carter; no way can the show end without giving us that. Dylan McDermott took the good stuff he utilized on The Practice, and created a meaty, deep, mysterious, fascinating persona for Dark Blue, and I for one have to know who Carter Shaw is. I want to know about the ex-wife, the life undercover, the fall from grace, his time working with Fry, his relationship with Captain Maynard, how he stumbled upon Ty and Dean … you catch my drift here? I’m talking enough that I could write his biography. Leaving us in the dark would be a crime.
As to the show itself, I’ll repeat myself in asking for some long-term cases. I really think it would teach us a lot about who these four people are to watch them build backgrounds for aliases, and then proceed to go under and build a case against a criminal. It would be extreme to say it would be a huge blunder to never give us that, but what would be the point in avoiding it? Give it a shot.
Okay, Dark Blue writers, now scramble and write. You’ve got some good ideas from me, and I’m betting that there will be plenty more below (share your ideas for next season with me!) — half your work has been done for you.
Like I said, Dark Blue nation, act as if. Season two, we’re ready for you!
Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Oct 02, 2009 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
I just got into this show last week and it’s really good. Hopefully there will be a season 2.
I am anxiously awaiting the next season of Dark Blue. I agree that Jaimie will stick it out with Scott, keep Dean “unattached” and tell us more about Carter’s background. This show has a spot on my tv schedule… wherever TNT puts it. =0)
Do you think the fact that TNT may purchase the cancelled Southland affect whether Dark Blue is renewed for Season 2?
*POST AUTHOR*
Our writer Brett is the expert in this type of discussion, but my best guess would be no.
First of all, I think the shows don’t overlap enough to have any effect on one another. Second, I think TNT, like USA, is trying to become a network known for original ideas, while at the same time they find it necessary to complement their schedule with syndication and other series. I don’t think they’d build on the backs of someone else, but it might be a nice feather in their cap as an addition.
Then again, who knows why it’s taking them this long to make a decision in the first place.
Also, there was something in the news about a former policeman/ now ‘biker’ who had pitched his story to J. Bruckheimer’s office and now says that his story is Dark Blue. Do you think that might be why they haven’t made a decision on Season two? Just trying to figure it out.
And, Now, TNT on the verge of buying Southland, has bought a series to be produced by George Clooney about a policeman who moonlights as an Elvis impersonator called Memphis Blues..This all does not look good for Season Two of Dark Blue..sigh…What do you think?
*POST AUTHOR*
I certainly wouldn’t say that there’s no relationship between all of these things, especially because I doubt TNT is looking to become a cop shop. But at the same time, I think they’re eyeing USA Network very warily, and are trying to jumpstart their offerings, organically or otherwise.
Actually, along that vein, USA is succeeding by following a very tight checklist for new offerings; it’s possible that TNT is doing the same, but on a micro (i.e. genre) level, instead of a macro (characters, light, etc.).
Then again, if you imagine this from a broader perspective: let’s say TNT airs 4 cop shows, and 4 other series. That’s a heavy concentration, until you remember that most of their schedule is littered with syndicated shows. With that breakdown of eight series, they could air them in pairs, sprinkled throughout the calendar year, without Southland really affecting Dark Blue, for example.
Then again, I could be totally wrong. But, having seen the first few episodes of Southland last year, it doesn’t seem to me to be at all similar to Dark Blue. Assuming the Clooney project you’re referencing is also different…. Hey, just look at how many nurse shows made it onto network TV this season.
Aryeh S.: Thank you so much for that. It all makes sense and I feel much better!
OK, so i know it’d be a dream scenario but my favorite two shows for the past year were DB and The Beast on A&E. It would be amazing if they pulled Travis Fimmel (Ellis Dove) as a very similar character over to DB. Make him a former FBI undercover who had a tragedy happen that forced him to relocate, and Carter picks him up for the task force. Some may think it’s too many characters but they could faze him in as they faze Ty out – I gotta believe his wife would get pregnant and he’d leave around the end of season 2.
I am not familiar with the Beast or the actor but On Dark Blue at the end of Season 1, Ty made the comment that he wasn’t ready to leave the Team, so we think that he will stay and his wife may leave. But there is room on DB for more great actors. I adore the show and am waiting for news of Season 2.
*POST AUTHOR*
I’m also unfamiliar with The Beast, but I think Dark Blue can settle down and build out an infrastructure if they elongate their cases, which would relieve the pressure of going from “A” to “Z” each week. That would give old characters, and new, room to grow.
But first, let’s get them back for season 2! :)
Ugh! Raising the Bar just got the axe..we are Frightened for Dark Blue..reruns are over..where is our announcement for Season 2. Any news from your territory??
*POST AUTHOR*
Nothing here … definitely keeping an ear to the ground on this, though. Maybe it’s time for an angry letter to TNT….
I love Dark Blue. It has to come back for another season!!!!!! I haven’t found a show as good in a long long time. I want to hear about Season 2. Raising the Bar mentioned above was not a fun nor exciting show, so not surprised they would do away with it.
Aryeh,
Love you articles on Dark Blue. you are awesome! this piece above and your last one loved!! I think some sort of an angry letter to TNT after making us all wait for sooooooo long would be a rad idea. You need to write something to them letting them know we are all waiting and love Dark Blue. as a sidenote, would love to see them put it after The Closer.
*POST AUTHOR*
Yeah … I think The Closer would be not just a stronger lead-in, but a more appropriate one. I definitely second that.
I read a link on the Dark Blue message board from an article someone posted and it mentioned Dark Blue. have you seen it??
It sounded like there is a good chance for Season 2!!!!!
*POST AUTHOR*
Thanks! Someone mentioned it over here, too. You can read the comment and my response here:
https://www.cliqueclack.com/tv/2009/12/03/dark-blue-where-are-you/#comment-29148
Bravo!! Well Stated. Thank You.(I Am One Of Those Aforementioned, And Enthusiastic Dark Blue Fans!!)It Surprised Me To Find Out That Dark Blue Was One Of The More Highly Viewed Series This Summer, On TNT. And That Is Because, As You Said Earlier, They Did Nothing, Up Until Recently, To Say So. But, I Am Definitely Happy That The Renewal Seems Imminent,Now!! Happy Holidays!!