I can't remember the last time I became so into a show that I found myself watching it seemingly every waking moment. Constantly going through the episodes and finding myself more captivated than before, never bored or feeling any fatigue from it, and still finding each episode as good as the last. It is more shocking to me that after recent years of watching films and television shows and reviewing them here on Hive, that I completely forgot about this show. Having only brief memories of catching it late at night when I was young, probably not really meant to have been watching it at the time, but still finding myself enjoying it. Though I suspect the younger me most likely enjoyed watching it for the wrong reasons.
I recently came across the more recent seasons on Prime Video and found myself remembering how it was in the past. Curious as to how it may be these days, especially since just a few years ago, the show was cancelled in wake of, well, the woke. Where rising outrage from the Defined The Police movement and Black Lives Matter led to a more sensitive area of broadcasting. Thankfully, however, Cops has made its return already. Having been cancelled by the left, and then uncancelled by the network itself.
Cops is a show that has been running for decades now, and I have to admit I am very glad it is still going. Though perhaps for the reasons that counter what made me enjoy it so much in my chaotic youth.
COPS
Cops is a show based on reality. One in which police officers throughout the United States are followed by a handheld film crew through their adventures throughout the day and night. That's pretty much it! We witness, within some reason, the reality of events law enforcement deal with during their shifts as they work to protect communities and maintain law and order. While it might not sound all that interesting so far, I can safely say that Cops is probably one of the best shows ever created. A show that reflects upon reality, showing the good and bad that takes place around us at every moment. We see how people work tirelessly to save others, but we also see the contrast between good and bad by witnessing the common types of crimes that take place in various locations. Routine traffic stops are met with convinced felons yet again breaking laws. Drug addicts and repeat offenders are caught constantly, leading to plenty of action in car chases and chases on foot throughout alleys, streets, and yards.
But it isn't the action that makes Cops such an interesting show. It is the reality it places in front of us that these events take place all the time. That our streets are forever engaged in some sort of happenings. And that there are dedicated workers putting their own lives at risk to keep the majority safe. Though I must admit that many of the more modern episodes do feel a bit, well, dated. While many of the suspects featured are in fact dangerous criminals, we see the unfortunate outcome of America's drug war and how something as simple as Marijuana can result in punishment. Something that I noticed didn't sit quite right with me as I watched the episodes; knowing everyday people fall into these situations and are far from dangerous individuals. Just victims of the government itself. I can admit I found that flawed, particularly as more states pursue legalisation of the drug and others stay behind.
Putting that aside, I think Cops is an important show for these reasons. The way such direct reality can put things into perspective for its audience. The fragility of life, the fragility of freedom. The important of law and order (within reason), as it aims to keep an uncivilised society as close to civilised as possible. But we are that a civilised society is nothing more than a facade. The events found within Cops will forever be the norm, but to see it and know it is what shows you how delicate all of this really is. The show is progressed with the dialogue of officers as they go about their shifts. Sometimes introducing themselves and interests, showing the human side to them despite the authority given. We see the interest in doing good in many of them, which I think given recent times is important as the world is riddled with hate and movements against police spring up frequently.
Though as the camera follows officers around, we see the citizens they come across. Which, admittedly, can lead to some great laughs. Reality is full of interesting characters and unlikely events. To the point where the best comedic material can be found in reality. Despite the crime, drug abuse, and suffering, Cops can also be a reminder to laugh at how ridiculous this all is. Situations where officers drive up to a location and the strangest events are taking place, line delivery that almost seems impossible to have been thought of by a writer. Police called over citizens wanting refunds on drug purchases. Criminals of stupidity beyond comprehension, in which the lies they tell are nothing short of delusion. Not to forget that sometimes the types of citizens and the personalities they have that we come across is incredible. Showing every type of possible person, some with great hearts but such strong mannerisms that they almost seem fake. Cops makes you love people, which is an interesting statement to make given it is mostly a show about the unfortunate getting arrested.
I feel this can give you a new perspective on humanity, however. Displaying the many types of people that make up our society and how various cultures and upbringings can impact us. Showing how we're all the same for the most part, and that many of the unfortunate are just in need of empathy, a bit of support to push them in the right direction. And of course this is where humanity is most lacking in current years, as groups of hate form against each other, with few willing to sit and listen. I think it's easy to see a show like Cops and only assume it is something people watch out of shock value, only to poke fun at those who might be considered lesser than them. To a degree I'm sure that is true. But my recent viewings of the show has only made me care more for humans, while realising that this world is incredibly fragile, full of good and bad. I think that's a very good thing to realise, and that not a lot of shows portray reality in such a manner, to the point where pretty much every sort of person is featured, and humanity is displayed. I think without shows like Cops, we'd only be contributing more to the hivemind mentality in which we see only what we agree with and want to support, rather than seeing the reality of things before us.
