Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsAN OBSTACLE TO FULL ENJOYMENT?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 June 2013
"Incredibly annoying." That is how actor Matt Passmore describes his character Jim Longworth. Some would find "The Glades" more acceptable if he were less so.
As it is, opening credits have him declaring "I was a damn good detective in Chicago" (where his boss shot him). Now in Florida, Jim refuses to wear a uniform, interviews suspects with his feet on the table and is forever eating any food within reach. When a murder case threatens to interrupt his game of golf, he insists the ball be left where it is - in fact cordoned off until his return.
Enjoyment depends very much on whether viewers find such antics amusing.
Glossy fare. Florida is the star, much filming done on location (where heat proved a challenge). 13 murder investigations, Longworth smugly always exposing the culprits. The series' pleasures lie mainly elsewhere with his boss (Michelle Hurd underused), medical examiner Carlos (highly competent) and keen young intern Daniel (adept at producing vital information almost before asked). A "will they, won't they?" situation develops between Jim and hospital worker Callie (she with a likeable son Jeff and, also quite likeable, husband in jail).
Enjoyable bonuses. Here Passmore exhibits the charm less evident in his Longworth, Carlos proves quite a clown, Jordan Wall is as enthusiastic as his on-screen Daniel. (He was only intended for the pilot, but so impressed that he was kept on.) Extravagant claims are made, though, for Florida allowing more scope for a range of murders. Those shown here are tame, not a patch on those in such places as Midsomer and Oxford.
"The Glades" is all right for those who wish simply to relax. Future seasons would benefit with a central character less full of himself.