Wicked City

Wicked City, first aired on ABC in 2015, is a short-lived pulpy crime drama that delves into the captivating, thrill-ridden underworld of Los Angeles in the 1980s, a time when sex, drugs, rock-n-roll and crime were omnipresent. Stepping off the familiar path of most crime dramas, Wicked City attempted to navigate a decade-wise anthology series. Its inaugural and only season focused on the 'Sunset Strip Killers' of the 80s, blending elements of fiction with historical crime narratives.

At its core, Wicked City is a three-dimensional exploration of two serial killers on an insatiable killing spree. It adopts a distinctive narrative style where the killers are not an enigma to be solved, but recognized characters from the beginning. This bold storytelling decision gives viewers a unique peek into the minds of the perpetrators while still maintaining an air of suspense throughout the season.

Ed Westwick stars as Kent Grainger, the charming but devious serial killer who seduces young, vulnerable women with the irresistible allure of the LA nightlife before he kills them. His character is a deadly predator masterfully hidden behind an unassuming facade of normalcy and an affable personality. Westwick commendably portrays this chilling duality, making Grainger both appealing and terrifying simultaneously.

Equally captivating is Erika Christensen in her role as Betty Beaumontaine, a single mother initially unaware of Grainger's murderous intentions. As the plot unfolds, however, she becomes an integral part of the sinister narrative, portraying a shocking character transition. Their high-octane partnership and complex relationship dynamics form the throbbing heart of Wicked City, teetering on the nebulous line between love and violence.

Jeremy Sisto plays Detective Jack Roth, a seasoned LAPD detective with his fair share of personal demons who is assigned the daunting task of hunting down the 'Sunset Strip Killers.' His character offers a striking and often grimly realistic depiction of an officer's sacrifice and dedication to duty amidst personal strife and bureaucracy. Additionally, Taissa Farmiga as young journalist Karen McLaren finds herself embroiled in the intricate web of these killings, further thickening the plot.

Wicked City is known for its edgy approach to storytelling and character development, pushing boundaries to explore dark human tendencies - obsession, desire, deceit, all swirling against the backdrop of an era defined by its own excesses. The show provides a tantalizing dose of 80s nostalgia, from its music-saturated ambiance with bands like Billy Idol's 'White Wedding' to its retro-style wardrobe and neon-lit locales.

The meticulously crafted production design immerses viewers in the period, capturing the essence of 1980s Los Angeles - the gritty glamour of the Sunset Strip, the iconic rock-n-roll clubs, and the seedy underbelly that often lurks beneath the city's glitz and glamor.

This ambitious crime drama is not just about the pursuit of the killers. It is also about dissecting the social and cultural atmosphere of the time—a city unstoppably drawn towards its darker desires. It endeavors to analyze the American obsession with fame and success, the appetite for the wild side of life, and how easily innocents can be swept up into the tumultuous swirl of the big, bad city.

Wicked City's modus operandi is distinct in its focus on the killers' perspective—a daring attempt that lends the series a unique appeal. While it does evoke the common themes of good vs. evil, law vs. lawlessness, this show offers a vivid glimpse into a world where the boundaries of morality are blurred, where charm can mask monstrosity, and where the gleaming city of dreams can nurture nightmares.

Despite its promise, Wicked City had a relatively short run and was cancelled after just a few episodes due to low viewership. Nonetheless, its brief tenure on the small screen delivered a taste of a fresh perspective on crime storytelling - an audacious blend of historical crime, fiction, complex characters, and a vibrant portrayal of an era. Though it left many plot threads untied, Wicked City remains a tantalizing taste of what might have been - a vibrant, edgy show with an unabashed fondness for its setting and an unflinching gaze at its monstrous characters.