Eriq La Salle, renowned for his portrayal of Dr. Peter Benton on the long-running medical drama ER, returned to acting after a considerable hiatus, stepping into the role of a police sergeant in the new Dick Wolf-produced series, On Call. Though initially apprehensive about his return to on-screen performance, La Salle quickly found his rhythm, crediting the talented cast he helped assemble for easing him back into the acting groove. His recent focus had been directing, helming episodes for popular series like FBI, Law & Order, CSI: Cyber, and notably, spending five years as a director and executive producer on Chicago P.D. The On Call opportunity arose unexpectedly, as La Salle was originally approached to join the creative team as an executive producer and director. When the intended lead actor, Michael Beach, became unavailable, La Salle stepped in, embracing the challenge and ultimately relishing the role.
On Call distinguishes itself through its innovative filming style, employing a blend of hand-held cameras, body cameras, dash cams, and cell phone footage to create a cinema verité effect, immersing viewers in the raw reality of police work. This unique approach presented a significant challenge for La Salle and the creative team, who had to meticulously balance the various camera perspectives to ensure the technique enhanced the narrative rather than feeling gimmicky. With no existing series as a model, On Call broke new ground, forging its own path in visual storytelling. The team initially wrestled with the integration of these different camera angles, but gradually, the scenes themselves dictated the appropriate footage, allowing the narrative to organically guide the visual presentation.
The half-hour format of On Call also harkens back to the early days of television drama, mirroring the structure of classic shows like Adam-12, a police procedural from the late 1960s and early 1970s. This concise format, while seemingly a throwback, allows the series to concentrate its narrative, packing each episode with intensity and urgency. The creators aimed to create a viewing experience that felt longer than its actual runtime, mirroring the impact of its predecessor, Adam-12, which similarly unfolded primarily within the confines of a patrol car and at crime scenes. La Salle and the team embraced the challenge of delivering a powerful and compelling narrative within this condensed timeframe.
La Salle’s character, the Sergeant, is a stern, by-the-book figure who initially might not endear himself to viewers. La Salle, however, fully embraces portraying characters with complexities and flaws, seeing it as a challenge and an opportunity to explore the nuances of human behavior. He doesn’t shy away from characters that evoke negative reactions, viewing audience disapproval as a testament to his effective portrayal. For him, the more challenging, multi-faceted roles are far more interesting than playing one-dimensional characters. The Sergeant, while initially appearing rigid, undergoes a transformation throughout the series, revealing deeper layers to his personality, offering viewers a more nuanced understanding of his motivations and actions.
On Call doesn’t shy away from the complexities and controversies surrounding modern policing. The series acknowledges the evolving public perception of law enforcement and aims to present a balanced portrayal, free from political agendas or predetermined narratives. Rather than presenting idealized heroes, On Call showcases officers grappling with difficult decisions, making mistakes, and navigating the grey areas of their profession. This realistic depiction allows viewers to form their own conclusions about the characters and their actions, fostering a more nuanced and thought-provoking engagement with the subject matter.
Ultimately, On Call strives to immerse viewers in the high-stakes world of law enforcement, emphasizing the intense pressure and split-second decision-making faced by officers on a daily basis. The series puts the audience in the shoes of these individuals, forcing them to confront the challenging dilemmas inherent in police work. By prioritizing the raw, visceral experience of patrolling the streets, On Call seeks to offer a unique and compelling perspective on the realities of law enforcement in the 21st century. The success of the series, according to La Salle, lies in its ability to effectively convey the urgency and intensity of these situations, allowing the audience to feel the weight of the decisions these officers must make.
