It is a series of powerful events that speak of three families facing a completely different fate because of the tragedy they face in that case. Three families in Chicago face a tragic fate after a white policeman shot at an unarmed African American doctor. Things are not going well, as these families are still facing the fate awaiting them and may try to deal with that issue differently.
Often worthy and heartfelt, "The Red Line" still can't get its arms around the real-world pain and suffering (and consequences) that it has to get its arms around.
The Red Line is a well-intentioned and sometimes beautifully acted CBS miniseries about race and justice... that gets off to a clunky and heavy-handed start.
"The Red Line" harnesses the power of simple storytelling calibrated towards the masses to probe painful social concerns, and to potentially change hearts and minds.
What we have in The Red Line is a show that lacks the rudimentary craft necessary for elementary propaganda -- even the program's natural allies will likely be alienated, because it's treating them like dopes.
At times overly earnest, "The Red Line"...is imperfect, but its existence demonstrates broadcasters haven't completely thrown in the towel on quality drama and for that viewers can be grateful.
Amid the sometimes overheated hubbub there is Royale, who brings the temperature back to normal. Even when a scene feels too obviously constructed, she moves around in it like an organic space, a real person among people in a movie.
It's not subtle, but it is smart. It's openly emotional, but rarely manipulative. It, too, wears its heart on its sleeve, a quality that enables it to get the best of its occasional heavy-handed dialogue...
