"Detroit 1-8-7": It's worth watching!

WXYZ - Forget whatever rumors you may have heard about “Detroit 1-8-7.” It’s worth watching! The new homicide-related TV series will begin airing on WXYZ/Channel 7 on September 21. I’ve seen the premiere episode with my own eyes. I’m not a devoted fan of crime or police shows but I enjoyed it. I also talked to a wide cross-section of metro Detroiters at the MGM Grand sneak peak this week. Most of them also thought the show was well produced. So in a couple weeks, get some popcorn, sit back in your easy chair, and check it out for yourself.

It’s a crime show so don’t expect to see the beautiful homes and life in Palmer Woods, Indian Village or Sherwood Forest. But you do get a sense that you are in Detroit, a tough big city like New York, Atlanta, Chicago, or Los Angles. You see the American Coney Island and plenty of Woodward Avenue. You’ll also hear that Motown Sound like only Stevie Wonder can deliver.

But much more importantly, you’ll see good acting accented by some well written scripts.  And to my surprise, you'll laugh a lot!  Yes, there are several humorous scenes in this series.  Executive producers Kevin Hooks, David Zabel, and Jason Richman have done a good job with this ABC cop drama. It’s not perfect and there are a couple scenes I wish I hadn't seen.  But I had to constantly remind myself that this is a creative TV show not a reality documentary on the Detroit I know and love.

If you aren’t over sensitive, I think you’ll be able to appreciate what “Detroit 1-8-7" could do for the Motor City. It’s already creating excitement and plenty of jobs for a town that desperately needs to put residents back to work. Let’s hope “Detroit 1-8-7” does for this town what “Miami Vice” did years ago for its namesake.