Third Watch DVD and Theme Summary

Third Watch is one of the most honest portrayals of ordinary individuals in extraordinary circumstances that has ever been shown on TV. The show follows the ongoing drama of police, paramedics, and fire fighters working the 3-11 P.M. Shift ("third watch") in the dynamic and challenging environment that is New York. The cast of characters is composed of almost stereotypical blue-collar working men and women that try to gain the most life has to offer from each day. It's difficult to truly grasp the depth of each character in Third Watch. With profound implications to every scene, it is impossible to fully comprehend the magnitude of the saga that is Third Watch.

The show shares a time and place with other dramatic programs like ER and The Shield. Like its cousins, Third Watch has a gritty action/drama feel that takes the viewer from the subtle interpersonal drama of a couple arguing, to the towering action of a building aflame in a heartbeat of surprise. The high contrast of genres that Third Watch contains keeps the audience at the edge of their seats from frame one.

The line between professional and personal attitudes could not be blurred more. One moment a paramedic is trying to pull a heart attack victim back from the edge of death, the next a firefighter is confronting the darkest of secrets from his past. The exciting contrast of elements in Third Watch pulls the human condition to the surface and exposes it to the light of truth. The cast of characters doesn't add to the show's quality, they are the show's quality. Without the gritty feel that the cast brings to the show, it just wouldn't be the instant classic it is.

Third Watch has a brilliant soundtrack. Traditionally, television shows rely on "canned music" to fill in the gaps in background noise. Third Watch uses music that the "everyman" can appreciate. The soundtrack speaks of deep pain and action, but in the end there is redemption for every damnation. Each character is stronger at the end of every episode, raising the stakes for the next adventure. If your DVD collection contains only 2 television shows they should be Third Watch and 24. All the episodes are available on Third Watch DVD.