Explore the Intriguing Layers of Canadian Crime Drama “The Borderline”

The new Canadian crime drama, The Borderline, now streaming on ThreeNow, offers a captivating mix of suspense and dark comedy. The six-part series follows Hank Roland, portrayed by Stephen Amell, who is reluctantly pulled away from his son’s birthday party to respond to a request from Border Intelligence regarding a fatal traffic accident. The plot thickens when Hank discovers a personal connection to the victims, setting off a chain of events that intertwines the lives of several residents in the small border town of Joyce.

As Hank investigates the scene, he and his colleague, Erica Ross, played by Tamara Podemski, quickly realize that the two deceased might be linked to a missing individual. Hank’s hunch is sparked by a rare Jackie Robinson baseball card found at the scene, potentially belonging to a high school acquaintance, Tommy Hawley, portrayed by Hamza Haq. Hank’s small-town police force lacks the resources for a thorough investigation without incurring “serious overtime,” prompting him to take matters into his own hands.

Hank’s search leads him to find Tommy injured and in fear for his life, necessitating a call to his troubled friend, Pete Waits, played by Diego Klattenhoff, for medical assistance. Meanwhile, young Ruby, played by Katia Edith Wood, is embroiled in her own complications. Eager to finalize a deal, she finds her boyfriend, Steve, has been involved with the items in question. Desperate, she enlists the help of a local comic shop worker, Miles King, portrayed by Jeremy Thomas, to impersonate Steve in the transaction.

The plot thickens as Ruby and Miles navigate their precarious situation, drawing the attention of May Ferguson, an enigmatic character played by Minnie Driver. May’s entrance into Joyce is marked by her charm and a keen interest in local real estate tied to the region’s rum-running history. Her interactions with Erica are particularly memorable, as she delivers sharp, witty dialogue that adds an entertaining layer to the unfolding drama.

Character-Driven Storytelling in a Unique Setting

Created by Graeme Stewart, known for The Detail, and Aaron Martin of Being Erica, The Borderline utilizes its picturesque 1000 Islands setting to enhance the narrative. The series cleverly explores themes of youth and the past, reminiscent of the acclaimed Mare of Easttown, while infusing humor that lightens the darker elements of crime.

Despite its occasional B-grade vibes, the performances by the cast, particularly Amell, Haq, Klattenhoff, and Driver, keep viewers engaged. Driver’s portrayal of May Ferguson stands out, providing comic relief and delivering her lines with flair. As she quips, “This is what you do for fun, get served eye-rolls and s… coffee,” she encapsulates the series’ blend of humor and tension.

The Borderline stands out in the crowded landscape of crime dramas, appealing to fans of the genre with its multifaceted characters and engaging plotlines. Now available for viewing on ThreeNow, it invites audiences to delve into the complexities of life in a small border town, where old friendships and unresolved conflicts can lead to unexpected consequences.