Homicide: Life On The Street gave new life to the police procedural drama (ironic giving the shows title). Based on David Simon's seminal book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets, many of the characters and scenarios directly inspired by real-life events. Homicide offered viewers a no-nonsense view of the lives of several Baltimore homicide detectives. Unable to use graphic violence or bad language, Homicide nonetheless managed to cultivate a sense of realism which can be attributed to the handheld style of filming and the performance of the cast. The standout character of the show was Frank Pembleton, expertly played by Andre Braugher. Watching his character arc is an example of masterful storytelling. Although the cast changed from season to season as characters either died or the actors moved on, Homicide maintained the high standards it set in the first few years while it was under constant threat of cancellation. The Wire (also based on Simon's book) has gone on to be recognised as one of the best television programmes of all time. Homicide, meanwhile, is barely mentioned which is a shame as in many ways it is as good, if not better, than The Wire. A made-for-TV film (Homicide: The Movie) saw the cast from every season reunite and tie up loose ends.
