Big Dogs

"Big Dogs" is a complex, character-containing, and intriguing crime drama series that was released in 2020. Aurelian Productions and Choice Films Inc. brought this ambitious project to life. The show is intricately structured with a high-concept premise that fuses together a gritty crime-thriller narrative with the speculative elements of an alternate history genre.

The series is set in a dystopic, alternate reality of New York City where the relationship between society, economy, and law enforcement dramatically evolved in response to a financial catastrophe of a mysterious nature. The city struggles in the grip of a tough fiscal environment, resulting in a socioeconomic decline even more severe than the Great Depression. Money has become scarce, leading to the rise of an underground economy and black markets.

In this new world, crime escalated beyond the control of the regular NYPD, giving birth to a parallel structure of law enforcement known as 'Hounds'. These mercenaries or bounty hunters fill the wide void left by the conventional and overworked police system.

The narrative focuses on two central characters, Moreland (Brett Cullen) and Renny (Micheál Richardson). Moreland, a mysterious figure with a fascinating past, is a seasoned and instinctive Hound. His brooding existence in the valued margins of society is perfectly complemented by his younger partner, Renny. Renny, on the other hand, is an ambitious and rising Hound with a determined attitude yet a lot to learn from his seasoned partner.

Together, Moreland and Renny navigate their way through the rough and dangerous landscape of the city, taking on perilous contracts that force them into the presence of treacherous criminals, vigilantes, and deeply problematic high-stake situations. They operate under the constant threat of violence, facing the worst that the city can throw at them, in an environment where the line between the good guys and bad guys is blurred.

"Big Dogs" pushes boundaries in the crime genre by exploring themes of morality, survival, and the constant struggle for power in a society grappling with chaos. The series is filled with gripping, intense, and unpredictable turns that keep audiences hooked from one episode to the next.

The backdrop of the crisis-stricken city not only serves a visual dystopian element but also aids in creating a complex narrative environment that results in personal challenges and transformation for the characters, with the city itself becoming a character in the story. It reflects the dreary hopelessness of the city's scenario while enhancing the suspenseful atmosphere of the series.

What's particularly notable about "Big Dogs" is how it benefits from its talented ensemble cast. Brett Cullen, known for his works in Past Life, Narcos, and Person of Interest, brings a seasoned performance as the troubled hound Moreland. Alongside him, Micheál Richardson gives life to the passionate and highly motivated young Renny. Their partnership forms the core of the series, with their characters often being the glue that holds together the storyline's numerous threads.

The casting also includes other remarkable actors who add flavor to the plot, offering worthwhile subplot and injecting greater depth into the story. Great efforts have been made to ensure every character feels authentic and relevant to the narrative contributing to the overall realism of the show.

The visual style of "Big Dogs" is quite distinct and impressive, setting it apart from typical crime dramas. The series maintains a dark, moody ambiance that suits the bleak world it represents. The aesthetics of the series skillfully paint a picture of a broken society while also capturing the raw essence of its neighborhood settings.

On the whole, "Big Dogs" is an intelligent, captivating, and suspenseful series, ticking all the boxes of a good crime thriller and then some. It successfully experiments with genre fusion and takes full advantage of its alternate universe setting to create a thought-provoking narrative revolving around broadly relatable themes. The series offers fascinating characters, unpredictable plot twists, and a unique storyline that keeps the audience engrossed and coming back for more.