Watch Cardinal

Cardinal is a gripping Canadian crime drama television series that premiered on January 25th, 2017. The series is an adaptation of the award-winning crime novel "Forty Words for Sorrow" by Giles Blunt. Set in the fictional city of Algonquin Bay in Northern Ontario, Cardinal follows the story of Detective John Cardinal (played by Billy Campbell), an experienced detective who returns to the job after a personal tragedy. Cardinal is paired with his new partner, Detective Lise Delorme (played by Karine Vanasse), who is new to the city and has a completely different approach to policing compared to Cardinal.

The two detectives start working together on a high-profile case that involves the disappearance of a young girl, Katie Pine. As they dive deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of deceit and corruption that goes beyond the case at hand. Their investigation also leads them to confront their own personal demons, as they struggle to maintain their composure and professionalism in the face of difficult circumstances.

Throughout the series, Cardinal and Delorme work tirelessly to unravel the case, which takes them into the dark corners of Algonquin Bay's criminal underworld. Along the way, they meet a cast of complex and intriguing characters, including a convicted serial killer who may have information about the case, a reporter who seems to be digging a little too deep, and a wealthy family who may be involved in the crime.

One of the most gripping aspects of Cardinal is the cinematography, which does an excellent job of capturing the bleak and desolate atmosphere of Northern Ontario. The show's stark visuals are matched by its haunting musical score, which adds to the sense of tension and foreboding that permeates the series.

Additionally, the talented cast of the show elevates it to another level. Billy Campbell and Karine Vanasse are exceptional in their roles as the two detectives, bringing nuance and depth to their characters. Kristen Thomson, who plays Cardinal's wife Catherine, is also excellent, bringing a sense of vulnerability and strength to her performance.

Another thing that sets Cardinal apart from other crime dramas is the way it handles characterization. The show doesn't rely on caricatures or stereotypes to create its characters; instead, it takes the time to flesh them out and give them realistic motivations and personalities. This approach makes the show much more engaging and rewarding to watch, as viewers become invested in the characters' struggles and triumphs.

Overall, Cardinal is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas. With its gripping storyline, exceptional cast, and stunning visuals, it's one of the best shows on television in recent years.

Cardinal is a series that ran for 4 seasons (24 episodes) between January 25, 2017 and on CTV