'Deputy' Episode 4 Review: Solid acting by a fantastic cast can't save 'Firestone' from the mediocre writing
This review contains spoilers for 'Deputy' Season 1 Episode 4 — 'Firestone'
In one word — mediocre. It is hard to dub a series this way considering the promise it showed in the pilot episode. Despite the slick action, an ice-cool protagonist and great supporting cast, 'Deputy' falters at some stage because of lackluster writing. Adding some emotional solemnity does not really help either. The series had a few plot points that were meant to serve as the foundation for the show. Instead, there seem to be unexplained, new threads that really don't fit in the scheme of things.
Stephen Dorff's Bill Hollister has a fair bit of his past explained. 'Firestone' sees the return of his ex, Valeria, an informant. In a predictable case, she is forced to work with him again, or to put it better, she needs help and Bill is the only one who can get there. The fact that Bill gets her to stay at his place with his wife Paula's (Yara Martinez ) permission and that Valeria bonds well with the family are unexpected. Plus, it does not do much to the storyline as Paula and Bill's relationship isn't dented. Not even a bit.
That he was part of this place called Firestone did perk hopes up of a rather concrete and solid backstory. It sounded like there was a big deal, but it sort of ended there, and unless it comes up again, we would not know. The deputy duo of Brianna Bishop (Bex Taylor-Klaus) and Joseph Harris (Shane Paul McGhie) teaming up forms a new storyline. Taylor-Klaus shines in her scenes where she tries to get Joseph from going a level up than just being a rookie.
Brian Van Holt's Deputy Cade Ward has some screentime where he and his wife have a discussion about the importance of adopting the children the couple cares for. Again, another storyline that was pretty much cut short post that small talk he has with the wife. It is unclear if these are initiated plot threads that 'Deputy' hopes to tie up later, and even if it was, the points could have used a tad more explanation.
Fans have voiced their thoughts as well. They may have termed it decent, but have a few inputs from their end.
Here is one fan who tweeted: "Don't mind a bit of Deputy, but if I have to hear another #stephendorff monologue i reckon a may end up cutting my ears off." Here's another: "Enjoying this show, BUT if the Sheriff is the hero in every episode we will stop watching. Please don’t ruin this show like so many others by making the main character the only one who can save the day."
For now, there is still hope that 'Deputy' can pull it back with some strong writing. They have got the rest of the pieces in place.
'Deputy' airs on Thursdays at 9/8c on Fox.