I was sorry to hear that “Chicago Code” is about to be axed, as Luis Arroyave reports. It’s not because the show offered such a true-to-life depiction of Chicago police and politics (It didn’t).
I enjoyed the program mainly because I am a fan of Jennifer Beals. I've been rooting for her ever since she was one of the students I met at a Goodman Theater high school workshop to which I lectured many moons ago. Even then she was a standout talent.
She’s had a great career from “Flashdance” to “The L Word.” But in my view, she deserves better scripts than “Chicago Code” provides. Compared to the real cops and pols I’ve covered for a few decades, the dialogue and situations sound like they were dreamed up by a Los Angelean. Fuh-gedda-bow-dit.
For a less tone-deaf portrayal, check out “The Fugitive,” starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones--and directed by real Chicagoan Andrew Davis. It even weaves a real Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade into the action--or vice versa. Watch for Roland Burris, then Illinois attorney general, with Mayor Richard M. Daley marching in the background. Ah, the good ol’ days.
One "uh-oh" question, as you watch this YouTube video of the parade scene: What happened to Harrison Ford’s coat?
UPDATE: My long-time friend and colleague Mary Schmich reports a movement afoot to save the Code. I wish them luck, but I disagree with her sense that Mike Royko would have approved. I can just imagine the field day Slats Grobnik would have had recounting everything that's wrong with the show's depiction of the city Royko loved better than anyplace else.
(Photo: Fox)