For long-time television police show fans, the most recognizable face in the new CBS cop show, East New York, will be Jimmy Smits as two-star Police Chief John Suarez. The network is launching this new police procedural series, focusing on Deputy Inspector Regina Haywood (Amanda Warren), a protegee of Suarez, who he has now promoted to be boss of the 74h Precinct. Located in a troubled working-class neighborhood of Brooklyn, overrun with crime, and poverty, it is now facing encroaching gentrification. Warren’s Haywood, who has family ties to the area, exudes a calm determination as she utilizes creative methods to protect and serve her community; but first, she must corral her working staff, many of whom are dubious about the abilities of this new appointee and her methods. Meanwhile, she is under the watchful eye of Chief Suarez, who is keeping his options open.
Warren’s Haywood is enjoyably reserved, always soft-spoken, understated but steadfast as she maneuvers within her crew, which includes veteran cop and neighborhood expert Marvin Sandeford (Ruben Santiago-Hudson); old-school detective Tommy Killian (Kevin Rankin), rigidly not in favor of Haywood’s new methods; Killian’s partner Crystal Morales (Elizabeth Rodriguez), who fluidly deals with her partner’s negativity, while also embracing her boss’s ideas; Capt. Stan Yenko, played by Richard Kind, is better known for his comedic flair, but proves his dramatic abilities as the veteran cop, fearful of being washed up and practically begs to be Haywood’s second-in-command; Officer Andre Bentley (Lavel Schley), a trainee from an upper-middle-class background whose naivete makes him error-prone; and ambitious patrol officer Brandy Quinlan (Olivia Luccardi), the sole volunteer to live in a local housing project as part of Haywood’s plan to bridge the gap between police and community.
Smits graced the small screen as Detective Bobby Simone in ABC’s long-running NYPD Blue for five seasons. Before that, he was attorney Victor Sifuentes on the long-running legal drama, L.A. Law (80s-90s). Of Puerto Rican descent, he was born in Brooklyn. His Chief Suarez is a man of few words, who encourages Haywood’s creative methods, but is ever aware that the mayor’s office is watching her every move. When a crime goes down in the 74th Precinct involving a dignitary close to the Mayor, Chief Suarez decisively and unapologetically brings in another unit to assist in the investigation but is clear in crediting the 74th for bringing the case to its close. As the season develops, it will be interesting to learn more about Police Chief John Suarez.
Elizabeth Rodriguez, who is best known for her role as Aleida Diaz in the Netflix prison comedy/drama series, Orange is the New Black, is now portraying Detective Crystal Morales, the most effusive member of Haywood’s crew. Rodriguez’s portrayal allows her to expertly juggle her partner’s negativity and her boss’s positive agenda.
The first two episodes of the series display the on-the-job workings and occasional foibles of the 74th work while providing a vivid look at Deputy Inspector Regina Warren’s effort to take command. Also on display is the City of New York, whose pulsating energy makes it a vibrant setting for the series. What’s missing is a sense of episodic continuity. Co-creators/EPs, William Finkelstein and Mike Flynn have given us the two opening episodes that involve the whole team, then wrapping up any loose ends by the episode’s close. Here’s hoping for some cliffhangers in the future…
