Durham County is a Canadian crime drama television series that aired on Movie Central from 2007 to 2010. The show revolves around a detective named Mike Sweeney (played by Hugh Dillon) who moves his family to Durham County in order to escape his troubled past and start anew. The show follows Mike as he navigates the complexities of his new job and his fractured family.
The show features an impressive cast of both established and up-and-coming actors. Laurence Leboeuf plays Mike's daughter, Sadie Sweeney, a troubled teen who becomes involved in the case Mike is investigating. Joel Keller plays Ray Prager, Mike's partner on the force who becomes embroiled in Mike's personal life. Sonya Salomaa plays Audrey Sweeney, Mike's wife who struggles with past infidelity and the strain it puts on her family. Lastly, there's Patrick Labbe who plays a creepily charming serial killer who captures the attention of Mike.
The show is unique as it explores the psychological toll that crime-solving takes on detectives and their families. Mike Sweeney is a deeply flawed character who struggles with alcoholism and PTSD from previous work experiences. He is haunted by his past and the many lives he couldn't save, which puts a significant strain on his relationship with his family. The show doesn't shy away from showing the toll that Mike's job takes on his family, with infidelity and mistrust plaguing their marriage.
Durham County is also notable for its atmospheric and moody cinematography. The show often uses dark and brooding imagery to create a tense, unsettling atmosphere. The opening sequences use stark shots of a bleak neighbourhood to set the tone for the series, and there are many shots of rainy nights and misty landscapes to create a sense of foreboding.
The show's plot is tightly woven and multi-layered. The first season follows Mike as he investigates a series of murders committed by a serial killer who seems to be targeting young girls. As the investigation continues, more and more details about the killer and his victims come to light, creating a sense of suspense and intrigue. Alongside the investigation into the murders, the show explores the Sweeney family's past and present struggles, further complicating their family dynamic.
In the second season, the show takes a different turn as it becomes more focused on the psychological fallout of the first season's events. Mike struggles to move on from the trauma of the previous investigation, even as a new case arises. This season also explores the secondary characters' lives, delving deeper into their motives and pasts.
The third and final season moves away from the procedural aspects of the show and becomes more focused on character-driven drama. The show examines the consequences of the characters' actions and decisions, and how they affect their relationships with their loved ones. The final season has a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends while still leaving things open-ended enough for viewers to draw their conclusions.
Overall, Durham County is a well-crafted crime drama that isn't afraid to explore complicated themes and characters. The show's talented cast and moody cinematography create a tense and unsettling atmosphere that draws viewers in, and its plot is intricate and multi-layered. The show's exploration of the psychological toll that detective work takes on families and the toll that it has on those who investigate these crimes makes for compelling viewing.
Durham County is a series that ran for 3 seasons (20 episodes) between May 7, 2007 and on Movie Central