Show Review: Allegiance, the latest police drama series set in Surrey

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A landscape riddled with police procedurals may seem well-trodden with shows like Chicago P.D., Law & Order, and NCIS dominating screens, each with its own powerful but somewhat predictable narrative arc. 

Yet, within this familiar terrain lies the allure of tension and mystery, drawing audiences in like moths to a flame. Enter Allegiance, CBC‘s latest offering on CBC Gem, which deftly weaves the conventions of the genre with fresh perspectives on justice, all against the backdrop of North America’s intricate political fabric.

Set in Surrey, B.C., Allegiance follows Sabrina Sohal (Supinder Wraich), fresh out of the country’s premier police academy, as she grapples with her father’s unexpected arrest, adding personal turmoil to her professional challenges. Amidst tracking down missing children and confronting white supremacists, the series delves into the complexities of race, privilege, and power dynamics.

While the show’s procedural framework may seem predictable, Allegiance defies conventions by addressing contemporary political issues head-on. It doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable conversations about racism and intolerance, as Sohal confronts her colleagues’ dismissive attitudes towards racial identity. It also explores lesser-discussed topics like the consequences of diversity initiatives, revealing the nuanced realities of navigating privilege and prejudice in the justice system. In terms of representation, it certainly feels Quantico-like. 

Despite its refreshing take on social issues, Allegiance occasionally succumbs to predictability. The outcome of its narrative’s twists often fall into the binary of “good guy wins” or “bad guy prevails,” leaving little room for surprise. 

However, the show compensates with its impeccable character dynamics, particularly between Sabrina and her training officer, Vince Brambilla (Enrico Colantoni), whose on-screen chemistry injects moments of levity amidst the tension. Not going to lie, I loved seeing Colantoni go from playing sheriff and private investigator Keith Mars in Veronica Mars to Constable Brambilla in Allegiance. 

Allegiance also celebrates its Canadian roots without attempting to mimic American counterparts, embracing Surrey’s cultural richness and diverse landscapes. The show, shot on location in Surrey, stands out for authentically portraying a Canadian city as itself. Unlike many productions where Canadian locales masquerade as American settings like Portland or small-town Washington State, Allegiance showcases Surrey for what it is, although through rose-coloured glasses. 

While Allegiance does capture glimpses of Canada’s natural splendour through its cinematography, a deeper focus on depicting reality could enhance both the visual and metaphorical depth of the series. To be candid, the portrayal of Surrey falls short of accuracy, leaning more towards a dramatized, Hollywood-filtered version of the city. 

Give me a portrayal that reflects the diverse fabric of the community. Show me the faces of the unhoused, the struggles they endure daily, the vibrant tapestry of the brown community, and confront head-on the harrowing reality of the opioid crisis, shedding light on its devastating impact on individuals and families.

By daring to present the unvarnished truth, Allegiance could not only deepen its narrative resonance, but also serve as a catalyst for important conversations about societal issues that often remain hidden in the shadows while accurately portraying the Surrey we know and live in. 

In essence, Allegiance is a compelling addition to the police procedural genre, offering a thought-provoking exploration of social issues within a familiar framework. With its captivating storytelling and authentic portrayal of Canadian life, I do think it has the potential to strike a delicate balance between entertainment and social commentary, making it a must-watch for audiences seeking both substance and suspense.