what you're not watching
unless you live in the tundra like we do, and get eight million television channels, seven million of which are about sports or god, you probably don't even receive cbc. and even if you do, you probably don't watch da vinci's inquest. and that is really too bad. (we won't even talk about all the curling you're missing.)
here's a synopsis:
Vancouver coroners, pathologists and homicide detectives inhabit a murky world as they attempt to solve the mysteries behind the unnatural, accidental or suspicious deaths committed in the city's back alleys and bedrooms. At times selfless, at times grudging, they all have agendas and history, passion for their work and ambition for their futures. Charismatic, controversial and mercurial Vancouver Coroner Dominic Da Vinci (NICHOLAS CAMPBELL) is the pivot around which this complex world spins.
now it sounds just like any other cop drama. but what sets it apart from shows like nypd blue or law and order: spinoff is how humane its cops are, how ordinary and low-key. you're never going to see mick leary in some junkie's face, spraying spit on his face as he tells him what a disgusting piece of excrement he is. what you will see is the cops treating the people in their world -- the hookers, the drug dealers, and the victims' families alike -- with compassion and recognition that they are, in fact, people, not perps and skels and vics.
if you're not already watching it, you really should start. 9 pm sunday, cbc.