Season 1 of the FX series The Bridge wrapped up this week. The locations El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico are virtual characters in the story. El Paso detective Sonya Cross and Juarez detective Marco Ruiz partner to catch a serial killer working both sides of the border.
As we’re introduced to various villains in the series, each one is responsible for a component of the crimes being committed. So each time one is caught and discovered, we find there is someone even worse lurking in the background. Immigration, inequality, culture all play a part.
Sonya is beautiful but has Asperger’s syndrome. On one hand this makes her approach her job in a unique manner, on the other hand, she is off-putting and wickedly pointed in her pursuit of the truth. Marco has his own flaws of fidelity and machismo that play a part in his storyline.
The actor Ted Levine was once Monk‘s handler, and now he’s Sonya’s boss. It’s good to see him again even if it’s in a similar role.
Layered and gritty, this is an intriguing and engaging show.