Watch The Job
- 2001
- 1 Season
-
8.2 (2,053)
The Job was a comedic drama television series that aired on ABC from 2001-2002. The series revolved around the life of a detective named Mike McNeil, played by Denis Leary, who worked for the New York City Police Department. McNeil's work life was a chaotic realm of cops, drug dealers, murderers, and the force's hierarchy, which demanded long hours and excruciatingly stressful cases.
The show covered an array of scenarios, each revealing different facets of McNeil's personality. It was set in New York City, and viewers got a glimpse into how life in the big city affected McNeil's daily decisions. The show was famous for its witty dialogue, and certainly, the writers' extensive knowledge of police jargon contributed significantly to the authenticity of the show's themes.
The show followed McNeil as he tackled cases on the job and navigated his personal life. McNeil's colleagues in the show were Lou, played by Lenny Clarke, and Jan, played by Diane Farr, both of whom were McNeil's closest allies in the police department.
Compared to other cop shows, The Job was unique in that it didn't follow a strict procedural format. Instead, the show was free-flowing and spontaneous in its storytelling. It delved into the personalities of the detectives, their daily lives and showcased how they balanced work and personal life.
The characters in the show were both dynamic and distinct, and audiences quickly became invested in their lives. On the one hand, McNeil was a tough, edgy, and hard-hitting cop, but on the other, he was vulnerable and relatable when it came to his personal life. Lou was a lovable, big-hearted bear of a man, whose warmth and charm made him everybody's friend. Jan, the female detective, was witty, sharp, and had an excellent sense of humor, making her an exceptional addition to this dynamic team.
The show brought McNeil's biggest challenges upfront as he had to perform his job with precision under immense everyday stress, while simultaneously balancing a personal life. It was a stark reminder of the toll that difficult cases and long hours take on one's personal life. One could see McNeil's balancing act between his job and marriage, and the show did an exceptional job of showcasing the impact of one's job choices on family life.
The Job was also unique as it tackled sensitive issues such as drug addiction, mental health, and police brutality. The episodes were not limited to just investigating crimes and handing out justice, but also dealt with the emotional struggles and consequences of being a police officer. There were times when the detectives were forced to confront ethical dilemmas in their line of duty, which made the series stand out from others in the genre.
Amidst all of this, The Job also showcased the camaraderie that was present within the department. McNeil, Lou, and Jan shared a strong bond, that wasn't just one of colleagues, but also of family. The show portrayed how detectives often become each other's support system, and viewers got a glimpse of the kind of relationships that existed within such a tight-knit community.
In summary, The Job was a groundbreaking show that dared to break the mold of traditional cop dramas. It focused not just on solving crimes, but also on the emotional impact of the job on the individuals. The show's talented cast, creative writing and unique storytelling made it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
The Job is a series that ran for 1 seasons (19 episodes) between March 14, 2001 and on ABC