Police procedural drama at it's best! AWESOME!!!!!! From Sean Ryan (The Shield). Ryan's penned most of the episodes himself. Highly stylized, very commercial and easily accessible. Snappy dialogue, interesting use of narration and strong performances help elevate this show to programed viewing.

I felt the need to post this review (my first on IMDb) after reading the 1/10 review posted by a former member of the Chicago Police Force. Although I echo his sentiments that this show is not an accurate depiction of life on the streets of Chicago and I can see where real police officers might take offence; this is a prime-time network COP show. Surely this show is not nearly as offencive as CSI Miami is to crime scene investigators or how Michael Bay spat in the faces of WWII vets with his shocking "Pearl Harbor" (Thank god he's been restricted to playing with his toy robots and is no longer toying around with history).

Yes! It's highly sensationalized, over the top and not in any way true to life... BUT... That doesn't mean it doesn't rock. David Simon's "The Wire" was real political commentary that strove for gritty realism. It addressed real problems and suggested real solutions. THIS IS NOT "THE WIRE". High level corruption, the Irish mob and dirty cops are mere plot devices used to raise the stakes for our idealistic heroes. It's Hollywood drama boxed into 42 minutes or less a week. It's polished TV with great production value and lush exterior photography (filmed on location, unlike the creepy CSI labs that scream POORLY LIT STUDIO SET).

TV vet. and character actor Jason Clarke rocks! He embodies and breaths life into an otherwise over the top character. Jarek Wysocki (a man of true grit) is as unforgettable a character as Vic Mackey ("The Shield"). Sean Ryan is a great writer. His strength as a writer is in fleshing out overly romanticized heroes and anti-heroes. Realism and political commentary are secondary to character development. His dialogue and banter shine. Finally a network TV show that doesn't center itself around weekly licensed music montages (CSIs/Grey's Anatomy/Smallville/House = worst offenders).

Hair, make-up and costume departments need to tone things down. Cars and clothes are too new and far to expensive for honest, incorruptible public servants. A little more grit would serve this show well. The show's off to a great start. Let's hope they can keep the ball rolling.

My wife and I are very picky about the types of shows we watch, especially when it comes to crime dramas. They are a dime a dozen.

So, I went in to last night's episode with great skepticism and my finger ready to hit a different channel at a moment's notice.

But from the very beginning, this show grabbed us. Who cares if it is not "realistic" based on some anonymous Chicago cop review? It's a fictional drama. The show is well-casted, great dialogue, and a good storyline.

I love the narration by the different characters and the unexpected ending of the initial pilot that makes you connect with the characters and anticipate the next episode.

So far, so good.

This show is just going to get better and better. How do I know that? Because Jason Clarke, who played Red in Johnny Depp's Dillinger movie "Public Enemy" and also played the "good" political brother on the series "Providence" is a wonderful actor and Jennifer Beals and DelRoy Lindo aren't too shabby, either. Plus, you've got Chicago, the city of big shoulder and beautiful skylines. As creator Shawn Ryan (who grew up in nearby Rockford) said: "Chicago is the center of the universe." And, as the script on Tuesday, February 7, premiere night, put it: "If you can't love Chicago, you can't love anything. This city survived the Chicago fire and ended up building the world's most beautiful skyline. If it's one thing Chicago knows, it's how to hit back." The city of Chicago is a big part of this storyline, as many of the scenes were filmed in the streets and alleys and byways (my son walked in on one in a Bridgeport bar last summer). Trust me: This series is only going to get better and better. The anti-profanity cop who changes partners almost daily. The crusading female police Superintendent who came up as a beat cop. The 114 real Chicago policemen who have appeared in episodes so far: they're all going to come through, as long as the writing continues to have lines like, "Why are you sweating like we just entered you in a spelling bee." (See my full review at Associated Content).

Personally I love the show and was sad to read it has been cancelled. I saw the premier episode and was hooked right away on the characters. I love the tension between the Superintendent and the Alderman. It reminds of the few really good shows that have been on over the years - i.e., Hill Street Blues; NYPD Blue. A previous review stated the he thought Jennifer Beals accent was not genuine but I have seen her in an interview and she stated she was born in Chicago.

Waseki is a great character. Perhaps a problem with some people who do not appreciate the show is that they are not paying attention to the excellent one- liners that he delivers.

I really enjoyed the premiere episode of this new cop series. Going in I had no idea what to expect and having very little knowledge of Chicago I had no bias.

Let's be clear; this is no hard hitting show. This is no Southland. It's not the opposite in complete nonsensical fluff and action scenes in Hawaii Five O either. It's a show based on the incredible power of great acting and the dynamic characters that are created because of it. It uses quick and interesting flashbacks that allow you to immediately connect with the characters, as well as establish unity amongst the rest of the cast.

The first episode started off the series in perfect fashion, grabbing my attention and initiating multiple story lines while throwing in a ton of action sequences and great dialogue. The main three characters are tremendous. Jennifer Beals is completely believable as the hard hitting, straight and narrow first female Superintendent who is transforming the entire force. Delroy Lindo was made for the role of Alderman Ronin Gibbons. Jason Clark plays the perfect intense Jarek Wysocki.

I can't wait for the next episode and hope this show gains a lot of heat as it was thoroughly entertaining and left me wanting for more.

Give it a shot if you're on the fence and enjoy shows based on solid characters and quick flowing episodes.

I didn't watch this show much when it started but after I caught a few episodes here and there throughout the season, I wish I had watched the entire season. I found each of the episodes I watched to be very entertaining and exciting. I watched the last 4 or 5 episodes regularly, which was very easy since I was watching House in the time slot immediately before Chicago Code. While watching the final episodes, particularly the episodes during the last 2 weeks of the season, I couldn't help feeling extremely frustrated that the show had been cancelled by Fox. I think it had a lot of promise and that promise was thrown aside. I wish that Fox would have taken a chance on a show like this and ditched some of the stupid reality shows that seem to permeate every network's schedule now-a-days. Hopefully Fox will replace it with an equally entertaining or more exciting show next season and not more of that BS reality garbage. R.I.P. The Chicago Code

Being from Chicago and a fan of cop dramas, I had high hopes for this show. I admit, I was initially disappointed. It seemed to be a bit cheesy and ridiculous, emphasizing things such as the "Irish mob" and other Chicago stereotypes. The last couple of episodes have gotten away from that and there are some promising story lines. If they keep it on track and don't stray off in too many directions, I think this is a promising show with a chance for renewal. As other viewers have mentioned, the accents do seem off at times. I think they were trying too hard and ended up making them sound worse. Overall, I enjoy watching this show and hope it continues to improve.

There have only been two episodes so far, but I love the overall direction of the story line, as well as the writing.

I spent the first 6 years of my life in Chicago, and returned many times after that until I was around 30 or so. It's now been a couple decades plus since I've been back. Nonetheless, the city is instantly recognizable here--even though it seems to be shot so far mostly on the south side, and I've spent all my time there as a kid and young adult on the north side.

Chicago has a very distinctive visual personality made from a mix of fairly unique residential architecture, back alleys and of course, the omnipresent El, threading it's way through, and connecting together, various areas of the city. That so much of every episode is shot on location really helps give this story about the mix of corrupt politics with cops + robbers an anchor in reality--even if some reviewers here consider the plot line itself a bit light on reality, or even disrespectful to the real memory of the officers with whom they themselves served.

While I can't comment on that aspect, so far I love it for what it is--a thoughtful, fun and well acted action police drama with an exciting visual style. This one should be a winner for Fox.

Ron H

Honest Chicago police superintendent Teresa Colvin (Jennifer Beals) clashes with corrupt Alderman Ronin Gibbons (Delroy Lindo). On her side is Jarek Wysocki (Jason Clarke) who's trying to clean up the city. About the only people Jarek can count on are his niece Vonda Wysocki (Devin Kelley), her partner Isaac Joiner (Todd Williams), and Liam Hennessey (Billy Lush) undercover in the Irish mob.

This was good.... for network TV. It was never going to have the violence or the grittiness of cable. So it suffers from the comparison. Not to be sexist, but Jennifer Beals doesn't have the heft to be the top cop. Delroy Lindo is great, and perfect for the role. Jason Clarke has good intensity. Overall it's a good attempt and deserves a second season. Too bad it didn't get it.

Then FOX cancel it! Why? Because it did not appeal to the younger generation? What on earth does that mean? The rest of us didn't matter?

Pretty soon, nobody will watch series, as we all know, TV companies will do what they want. None of us matter.

Jason Clarke carries this show. Delroy Lindo is good as usual. I like Jennifer Beals, she makes a convincing boss, her accent is way over the top but funny - "crwiminal" "prwosecution."

As a Chicago Police Officer and longtime resident, this is a travesty. It is not just a little off, it is INSANE. Just in the opening sequence, the so-called Superintendent engages in a public showdown of sorts with the Mayor. The next minute the lead characters are driving alongside some thug and engage him in a conversation - at 80 miles per hour - while he is pointing a gun at them, asking him nicely to please drop the gun... This is followed by scenes in which the Superintendent shows up at various murder scenes, and tells our hero detective that he has her permission to take over any other murder investigation he feels like, which he promptly proceeds to do. She follows that up by barging in on an interrogation, and allows some gang-banger to sit there defiantly, pointing his finger in her face, telling her she'd better show him respect...

Combine that with the theme - that it's the "Irish Mob" that is crippling Chicago, and the use of the Chicago Police Memorial - bearing the names of more than 500 Chicago Police Officers who have given their lives in the line of duty - to be used here as a prop for this pathetic drivel... that was all I could take.

If you like fairy tales, keep on watching. If you want to know what it's really like to be a Chicago Police Officer, get the book instead: "Chicago Cop: Tales from the Street."

Delroy Lindo makes it for me - he definitely demonstrates that a character can be both slithery and seductive (dare I say EVIL?), just like T-Bag in Prison Break.

I appreciate the potential for cutting character development between the prime detective and his (potentially) ever-changing partner, but I still reserve judgment on the female lead. She definitely deserves the chance to prove herself (JB needs to dissolve type-casting), but her physical presence so far does not match what her Chicago Code job description demands.

The plots are engaging, and the corruption believable. Thus far I am engaged, and I am sincerely rooting that the show continues to be WOWable.

It s too bad that they dropped the ball on this T.V. show not only did i think it was a Great show but every one that i have talked with also enjoyed it.

They not only had a perfect cast fr this show the creators had every role casted perfectly, As i can not think of any other actor or actress playing of these characters better then the cast that was assembled. As well as Chiacgo it's self becomes a character with stories and attitudes that can be anything from funny to terrifying to heart-breaking, never knowing which is coming next.

I am really sad that it was not picked up for more seasons, But i will say at least they did wrap up every thing in the last show and didn't really leave anything up in the air. so at least you got a full sense of a movie over the 13 Episodes. i for one could see at least 4 or 5 more seasons out of this great police crime drama.

too bad fox it was a great family show that will be missed can always hope it gets picked up again i guess :)

I have just watched the best cop show on television. The writing was spectacular with a fantastic plot line. You couldn't ask for a better cast. I believe that if it was advertised more there would have been a bigger following. Those that did watch it raved about the show.

I am sorry that no matter how great a show is that if you don't have viewers than the show cannot survive. For it is all about the money and not the art.

This show was great I really wish fox would've renewed this because it was very good... great list of actors and a great story line.... FX should think about a reboot of this asap and it's way better than Chicago PD and a lot of other shows on tv in this day and age #TheChicagoCode.

The Chicago Code is just OK....it's nowhere near as complex and personal as Detroit 1-8-7 with their spot-on character development and crisp writing or Southland with their in your face humanity but I'll still give it a second look-see next week for any improvements. Having fallen in love with her in her roll as Daphne Monet in 1995's Devil in a Blue Dress, I have a hard time with Jennifer Beals as police superintendent; it's just not believable...put thirty or so extra pounds on her and a stain on her uniform from the preceding days lunch and she'd fit much better. On the other hand, Delroy Lindo as the corrupt Chicago alderman is totally believable…and if we're going to involve the Irish mob, then let's some actors with that Southie "I don't care if you're dead or alive" attitude, instead of the fresh off the farm faces that we saw in the opening hour. More grit, dirt and under the loop grime would help this new Fox entry.

This show has to be absolutely one of the best police shows that I can recall. The lead was great in Flashdance and I was most pleased to see her return. The heavy politician is aptly played and acted as are the rest of the cast. Whoever did the casting in my mind did an absolutely fantastic job. Unfortunately 13 episodes I suppose was the unlucky number. Like Star Trek with James T. Kirk back in the late 60's the show was not renewed after several seasons but later in reruns was the seed that grew into multiple movies as well as later versions of Star Trek. While I hesitate to say that this will happen with The Chicago Code I would hope that this show in reruns will bring back both the critics as well as the advertisers to bring the show back to be again enjoyed. A great show that did not need to be discarded like an old smelly sneaker. A shame really.....

The Chicago Code may have only lasted 1 season with a total of 13 episodes but what an interesting show while it lasted. The show was created by Shawn Ryan who was also the creator of The Shield and The Unit so you know that his qualifications are very high.

The show was canceled much sooner then it should've been and they could've easily gotten 4-5 seasons out of the show. But that's out of our control and the show at the very least being such a short series was able to be high quality from the start to finish. They were able to wrap up most of the important plot points so the network at least gave enough of a heads up to finish stuff up instead of giving them no warning and canceling the show being in the middle of multiple story lines.

Shame that this show didn't appear on FX, AMC or TNT so it could been given a longer leash and it didn't have to worry about ratings so much from the word go.