Due South Pilot (1994–1999) Online

I think that some people who criticize this show have missed the point. Yes, the concept of it is totally silly - because Mounties are rarely actually seen in red uniforms, let alone while cavorting around Chicago solving crimes...

BUT, the show is fantastic for playing upon the world (and American!) perceptions of Canadians. It's got it all - the red suited Mountie, the husky-wolf-dog, the overly polite Canadian who's politeness always end up saving the day, and lots of scenes in a cabin in the snowy wilds of Canada (I mean, isn't Canada covered in snow 90% of the year, and don't we all drive dog sleds?).

I am Canadian, but have been living in England for the past 5 years, so my perspective on Canadian television has changed. I now look at it with the eyes of an ex-pat who can see all the terribly amusing little Canadian things in the shows.

As a result - watching this show again in re-runs has made me realize just how good it is. The writing and the acting are brilliant - with Benton (displaced polite Mountie) and Ray (gruff, jaded, hard Chicago cop) are perfect television partners. They play off each other's eccentricities, while making fun of both American and Canadian stereo-types. There is comedy, drama, and even action!

Try not to take this show too seriously - the writers know that a red suited Mountie in Chicago is ridiculous - that's what makes this show so brilliant! The show was filmed in Toronto (which any self-respecting Torontonian would be able to tell you), so if for no other reason, watch the show to see how many times the producers/editors put in a shot of the EL (the famed Chicago Elevated Train), just to try and pretend that they really WERE in Chicago!

Many pilot movies of hit television series are essentially rough drafts, where the kinks will be worked out in the course of producing the series over the first season. Or the second season. This pilot for the television series, "Due South" is one of those rare jewels that gets it right coming out of the gate. The movie effectively combined humor and drama to create a wonderful premise.

Driven to solve the murder of his father who was a legend in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Constable Benton Fraser teams up with Chicago cop Ray Vecchio to find those responsible. Set against the backdrops of the Canadian wilderness and the urban landscape of Chicago, these two major locations serve to highlight the differences between the two main characters.

The character of Constable Benton Fraser could have been easily played only for laughs as the stereotypical Canadian Mountie; stalwart and unyielding in his pursuit of those who break the law. But I was drawn in by Paul Gross' subtle performance of a man who strives to do what is right, even at the cost of all he holds dear. At home in the stark wilderness of the Canadian frontier, Fraser is a fish out of water in the harsh urban landscape of Chicago. Though at first he seems naïve and inflexible, Fraser's powers of observation, his perception of human nature and his sense of justice generally see him through to the end.

With Ray Vecchio, the writing and acting once again effectively transform what could have been another one-dimensional television cop into something more. David Marciano's performance as wily Chicago Police Detective Ray Vecchio serves as an effective counterbalance to Constable Fraser's upright nature. Like Fraser, Ray Vecchio is not what he seems at first glance. A slick dresser with a glib manner, Ray is a cop who is not above bending the law to see justice done. While put off at times by Fraser's manner and methods, Ray shares with the Mountie the same sense of duty and responsibility, and comes to respect Fraser both as a fellow cop and as a friend.

The secondary characters are as engaging and interesting as the main characters, from the gruff fellow RCMP officer Gerard, to Vecchio's raucous family, to the enigmatic Inuit hunter who knows more than he's telling. Even Benton Fraser's father Robert Fraser, whose actual screen time may be all of two minutes is compelling. Though his murder is what starts the ball rolling, we have not seen the last of this character.

The writing is fresh and witty, poking fun at American and Canadian sensibilities, while scratching the surface of the national stereotypes to reveal the humanity underneath. The music, particularly Jay Semko's haunting score, gives the movie a distinctive sound which marks it as a cut above the rest.

This was a movie and series that could not be easily categorized, which may have led to CBS giving it such short shrift. But it obviously resonated with many viewers, as it was their campaigning that forced CBS to bring the show back for a second season, and later a third season in syndication. While I lament that "Due South" is no more, I celebrate the fact that it was made in the first place, and that we had it for as long as we did.

I just have to say that due South is one of the smartest, sharpest, funniest shows that has ever been made and not recognized properly. I will never understand why the networks fought so hard to take it off the air. Some of the lines in this show stay with you like a line from Seinfeld does. I'll find myself chuckling sometimes when I think of certain instances, even though it hasn't been on for years now. The networks really dropped the ball when they let due South go.

Well what can I say? The acting is generally good throughout inspite of some woodern background characterisations. Paul Cross and David Marciano played well of each other both acting their respective roles with an emotional depth and a twist of humour when required.

The series' two key strengths are in the chalk and cheese style interaction between Fraser and Vecchio coupled with Benton Fraser's straight laced somewhat bizarre boy scout like approach to life in Chicago.

The interesting thing I noticed is that the Mountie outfit, although tying in well to Fraser's character, is something of super hero costume as he adopts something of an aura of invincibility when he dons the red uniform!!! Also the use of Diefenbaker the deaf wolf also gives the show a slightly surreal slant which goes a step further in the final series when Fraser starts to see the ghost of his father.

Overall an enjoyable and amusing TV series with good acting a fresh concept and some well thought out story lines. Definitely worth checking out!!!

I love this tv-series, it is such a great concept, i just love the caractors especially the wolf, i like how they do things and i like the arguments between Fraser and Vecchio. i like the serie because it's unusual, and there are not many series like this one.

Despite what some other user wrote, Due South had some amazing episodes. Sometimes dramatic, sometimes touching, always whimsical, Due South took some of the usual Canada/US stereotypes and managed to make quite a number of excellent episodes. Some episodes had more twists and turns than a year of soap operas, but the writing was always amazing.

In a sea of American TV garbage with laugh tracks and FOX network mentality, Due South served to show that you could be both serious and funny and still have a good viewing experience.

It was a shame to see the series is not being produced anymore. Personally, I don't see how the staff could have kept up the high level of quality the show demanded for much longer.

10 out of 10 in my books.

Frank wrote:

"Get outta here! What a crappy concept for a series. This show is almost as ridiculous as "Raven" is a crappy spin-off. Yeah right, this guy can run around in his Mountie-uniform and nobody is going to mind that he really has no authority whatever to tell anybody anything! I'd rather watch "Fantasy Island"...ahh!"

You're absolutely right Frank; Constable Fraser would have no more authority than I do when I tell local rotten kids to stop throwing things at peoples cars. No more moral obligation than I to stand up to bullies, no more responsibility than you for making the world a decent, safe place. You seem to think that authority comes from a position, a job, a badge. Authority is inherent in responsibility & accountability.

I would far rather live in Benton Fraser, RCMP's world than in *my* world where children in school can't be told that what they've done is wrong, & that they are bad for doing something wrong. I'm still astounded that kids even come to school that way! What are their parents doing? Even primary school age kids are exempt from dicipline. Supposedly they can't understand right & wrong; I put it to you that without being taught, they *never* will! eg todays deteriorating society. We can't und whats been done, but we can stop it from going any further & see that it doesn't happen again.

I am not as good a man as Fraser; but he gives me a target; the character Paul Gross fleshed out is an outstanding role model for everyone. I'm not at all surprised that the show failed with American audiences, whose mass media general public mind is slowly eroding into something resembling tapioca, & who can't bear to be reminded of their shortcomings, or how far they've slipped from the high water mark of their greatest generation.

This series was a wonderful change of pace, a TRUE breath of fresh air in a medium that strives for mediocrity. It is so boring getting constantly bombarded in show after show by Hollywood's bogus philosophy that "Nice Guys Finish Last". The good guys usually win but not without acting like the bad guys. So here is a novel idea, and more importantly a reminder that there are ideals and values that we would like to see lived out. The Nice Guy Does Finish First for a change. Who wouldn't want this guy to be your neighbor or friend. It is truly a shame that the networks did little to support the show and practically everything they could to let it die. This reminds of the show Christy which had a HUGE audience and often won its time slot (proven by the Nielsens) but was dropped because it did not do as well in a couple of markets that are the network favorites (I.E. New York, and L.A.). Nice to know that 2 cities control everything that Americans get to watch.

This was the pilot episode for one of the greatest series ever made. Although a more serious episode, it is well-made and the characters are already quite good. I can't think of a single person that could not appreciate this program.

Just when all crime/police action series seemed to be falling into a pattern, this one came along and shattered those cliches. You just never know where the story is going. Oh, you can count on Fraser being impossibly upright, clean, and innocent, all of which throws him into high contrast with the grubbiness and cheap vice that surround him in "Chicago". The plots and characters are wonderfully wacky without ever losing credibility. It's reminiscent of the wonderful "Barney Miller", but the Dudley-Doright mountie is a fresh new character. Why don't they issue this series on videotape?

The pilot of this comedy drama sees Constable Benton Fraser of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police turn up in Chicago. Fraser has been to make sure that the police over there follow the leads to his father's murder.

Fraser meets Detective Vecchio, the police officer who is dealing with the case. Together they come across evidence that his father had come across evidence of a company dealing with corruption and destroying the environment.

The pilot of Due South establishes a culture clash. Fraser is dogged and over;y polite. It is a comedy of manners and Fraser is armed to the teeth with them. Always making sure someone else gets in the cab ahead of him or get into a elevator. The result Fraser is walking or going up the stairs.

Vecchio is streetwise, he cuts corners, he is a bit rough. Fraser first catches him trying to entrap someone.

This is an enjoyable introductory episode. A sort of a reverse Beverly Hills Cop. Fraser and Vecchio have a good rapport. I did think one of the bad guy's was easy to identify, something that leads Fraser to stay on in Chicago.

I have watched Due south over and over again and i am still not fed up of it. I never fail to watch it, i have the whole box set coming. Thats four seasons, 18 hours a season. I love Paul Gross, i love Diefenbaker, i love them all they are great. The best thing about due south is, at times it makes you want to cry and at times it makes you want to laugh. Most of the time your drooling at Benton Frasier and his later partner Ray.

It really is a brilliant Show and i hope that ITV3 never stop showing it. And always make sure to watch the end, they do this hilarious scene where Paul Gross is walking in the snow and he gets to the camera and loses his whole leg in the snow then he falls back and laughs. Its really funny, it gives you a hint of a idea of what Paul is like in real life. You have to laugh at some of the stuff they come out with on the show as well.

Ray Vecchio: You know we just took out seven guys? One more and you'd qualify for American citizenship.

Benton Fraser: I guessed. I had a hunch. Ray Vecchio: No, no, no, no. You don't have hunches. I have hunches. Benton Fraser: I had one of your hunches, Ray. Felt good.

Ray Vecchio: :Fraser's pistol is unloaded during a gunfight: Who carries an unloaded gun? Would I carry an unloaded gun? Would anyone I know carry an unloaded gun? What do they shoot people with in Canada, serviettes? Does the word "bullets" mean anything to you?

Ray Kowalski: D'you find me attractive? Benton Fraser: In what sense? Ray Kowalski: In the sense of... you know, being a woman. Benton Fraser: Do I think you're an attractive woman?

Benton Fraser: You know, Ray, my father once told me that the sky isn't just above you, that if you look at the horizon you'll see that it actually touches the ground. So if you think about it, wherever you go, you are actually walking in the sky. Ray Kowalski: You're a freak. Benton Fraser: Understood

Now tell me they are not funny.

It's a fun show playing on the differences between Canadians and Americans while busting the bad guys for their crimes. It is an extremely lively show and you will only enjoy it if you fully understand it. I completely recommend it. Give it a try! (At least view a couple episodes. When I first watched it, I thought it was a little out there. I left it for a while, came back to it, and then just got it!). Very enjoyable. Unfortunately, I haven't got to see the third/fourth season (in the U.S. it was put as just the third season, in Canada it was split). In the third season there's a new detective but the same Mountie. So we'll see how this guy is. But I know I can say for sure that the writing and the characters and the actors just work together so wonderfully it's amazing. The seasons are on DVD now unless you're lucky enough to see it in syndication. There's the International version which is pretty expensive, and then the American version. You'll know the differences by the price. Try going to Amazon or Best Buy. So far people like the cheaper American version better because of it's good packaging, menus, etc. So you make your decision. Thanks for reading this, it means a lot because I am such a fan of the show and it will live on!

including me... Smart, handsome, considerate, strong, athletic... the list of qualifications for man of the year just never ends. I loved this show; it is the only series I ever planned my nights around. I was thoroughly devoted, and followed reruns from channel to channel just to try and get it all on tape. I think it dreadfully unfair that it was released on video in the UK and not here; maybe they thought the Americanisms would be tough for Americans to take but I found the show constantly likable & want it back! The occasional guest star slots for Leslie Neilsen were absolutely fabulous - think "The Naked Gun" in an RCMP uniform. The shows with Carrie Anne Moss were great too, perhaps the best character I've seen her as to date. The music was always wonderful, the stunts incredible, the wolf adorable, the women frustrated and charmed, the good guys believable and the bad guys deserving of their fate. If you find this in your TV listings and are one of the uninitiated, make a point of seeing it. You won't be disappointed.

I first watched Due South 7 years ago when I was 8 years old and it was amazing back then and still is now. The humour is great, an example is the Armani incidence when Fraser gives away Rays undercover antics as he tries to entrap a illegal dealer. I also love the action in it. Fraser and Ray make a great team and its just fantastic to watch. Its also well directed. One of my favourite scenes is at Frasers father's cabin where Fraser walks through the deep snow with the sunset on the mountains while the "Cabin Music" track plays. Its just amazing quality and picturesque. I absolutely love the atmosphere set by this scene. Its like a moving panorama. Along with the witty script and acting this is one of the most memorable movie(shows)that I have ever seen.

The theme tune by Jay Semko is too good for words and the whole soundtrack overall is in my top 10.

OVERALL Due South should have never stopped. Its one of the if not THE greatest show of the 90s.

10/10

I was only able to see the pilot movie and a couple of the episodes, but I really enjoyed this show. I found the star to be quite endearing and the supporting cast to be well acted. I really liked the star and the detective sidekick. Sorry for not knowing off hand the names. I have always like the fish out of water story line, and this uses that old acorn of a plot to good advantage. Its a pity that this show didn't survive, perhaps I'm one of the reasons, I could never find it at a time I was available. Does anyone know if this show is on DVD yet, it would buy it. The scenes in the movie were beautiful, and having been to Canada I can attest to the beauty. Please e-mail me at [email protected]. THANKS.

Some idiot from germany didn't get this show and obviously didn't watch it with the sound turned up! This show had a great premise and some of the finest dialogue written. I realize it might not compare with UberTyme or Das Bacwurd but for and American TV show filmed in Canada it's GREAT!!!

I think "Due South" is one of the best TV-series in the last years because it combines action, fun and tragedy in an excellent way. The characters of Benton Fraser, RCMP Constable, and Raymond Vecchio, Detective in Chicago, represents the different cultures in Canada and in the US.

Get outta here! What a crappy concept for a series. This show is almost as ridiculous as "Raven" is a crappy spin-off. Yeah right, this guy can run around in his Mountie-uniform and nobody is going to mind that he really has no authority whatever to tell anybody anything! I'd rather watch "Fantasy Island"...ahh!

The film is very imaginative with lots of use of overwrought characters and unbelievable storylines but yet the film does have its good points being that it is extremely action packed especially with the final snow war scene.

Overall, a well thought up film which evolved into a series. Well done Paul Haggis for coming up with such an excellent idea