Cops L.A.C.

Last updated

Cops L.A.C.
Cops L.A.C Intertitle.jpg
Intertitle
Also known asCops: Local Area Command
Genre Police procedural
Drama
Starring Kate Ritchie
Martin Dingle-Wall
Ria Vandervis
Tom O'Sullivan
Kelly Paterniti
Graeme Squires
Gary Sweet
Denise Roberts
Roy Billing
Damian De Montemas
Theme music composer"Howlin' for You" by The Black Keys
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producerJo Horsburgh
Producer Lisa Scott
Production locationsSydney, New South Wales
CinematographyRussell Bacon
Running timeApproximately 1 hour
Production companyNine Films & Television Pty Limited
Original release
Network Nine Network
Release2 September (2010-09-02) 
11 November 2010 (2010-11-11)
Related
Rescue: Special Ops

Cops L.A.C. (Cops: Local Area Command) is a 2010 Australian television police drama, which screened on the Nine Network. The series followed the work of officers at the Seaview Local Area Command, a fictitious police response area of the 'State Police' set in harbourside Sydney, New South Wales. The first series premiered on 2 September 2010, in the same timeslot of Network Ten's police drama Rush . [1]

Contents

On 22 November 2010, the Nine Network discontinued the show due to the high production costs. [2]

Cast

Main cast

Actor [3] Role [3] First EpisodeLast Episode
Kate Ritchie Det. Senior Constable Samantha 'Sam' Cooper1.011.13
Martin Dingle-Wall Det. Senior Constable Rhys Llewellyn1.011.13
Ria Vandervis Det. Senior Constable Roxanne Perez1.011.13
Tom O'Sullivan Senior Constable Nathan Holt1.011.13
Kelly Paterniti Constable Priscilla Smith 'Smithy'1.011.13
Graeme Squires Probationary Constable Daniel van der Mark1.011.13
Gary Sweet Superintendent Jack Finch1.011.13
Denise Roberts Det. Inspector Dianne Pappas1.011.13
Roy Billing Senior Sergeant Graeme Sinclair1.011.13
Damian De Montemas Senior Constable Matt 'Matilda' Hilton1.011.13

Recurring cast

Actor [3] Role [3] First EpisodeLast Episode
Ivy MakFran Barker1.011.13
Sophie Katanis Constable Terese Drake1.011.08
Jonny Pasvolsky Zac Butler1.031.13

Guests

ActorRoleEpisodes
Anya Beyersdorf Skye Duncan1 episode
Danny Roberts Brett1 episode
Ellen Grimshaw Alicia1 episode
Indiana Evans Kylie Tremaine1 episode
Jessica Napier Natalie1 episode
Jessica Tovey Tash1 episode
Petra Yared Marielle1 episode
Renai Caruso Sonia Bolton1 episode
Simon Lyndon Cameron1 episode

Plot

Cops L.A.C. revolves around the police operations of Seaview Local Area Command. Superintendent Jack Finch, a seasoned officer, is the Local Area Commander, with Crime Manager Detective Inspector Diane Pappas at his side. The uniformed officers stationed at Seaview handle anything from general police response calls to investigation of assaults and muggings, with detectives dealing with cases involving drug dealers and car crashes, shootings, stabbings, and armed robbery. [4]

Production

The first series consisted of 13 episodes and was initiated by Jo Horsburgh and commissioned by the Nine Network in 2009, it was produced by Diane Haddon, [5] Lisa Scott and in-house by the Nine Network Drama Department. Production started on 27 May 2010 and ended on 11 November 2010, after various scheduling changes. Tim Pye, a writer on the series described the show as "like The Bill , but with a higher body count." When researching the real-life Local Area Command, he discovered "the more you research the business of policing, the more wondrous it is that people do it… But they stick with it and love it." [6] Filming wrapped up for the first series in mid-September 2010. [7]

Episodes

No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
11"The Learning Curve"Geoff BennettTim Pye2 September 2010 (2010-09-02)
The detectives and uniformed cops of a busy Local Area Command uncover a daring homicide while investigating a car accident. Detectives Sam and Rhys devise a radical sting operation to catch a killer. On her first day in uniform, Priscilla's police career has an explosive start. L.A.C. boss Jack Finch needs all his diplomatic skills when the son of a US Navy Admiral is arrested for drink driving, and Graeme's life is forever changed after his retirement announcement.
22"A Veil of Tears"Geoff BennettTim Pye9 September 2010 (2010-09-09)
A routine police call-out turns to tragedy when a male stripper is murdered the day after an out-of-control hens night, and Roxanne is forced to give Dan a crash course in police discipline after Dan is nearly killed during an arrest.
33"Running Scared"David CaesarChris Hawkshaw16 September 2010 (2010-09-16)
After Roxanne becomes involved in the death of an armed robber suspect, her career becomes under threat. Meanwhile, Rhys and Sam investigate a theft at a local jewellery store, which uncovers a collection of family gang crime. Sam tries to keep a secret about her former relationship with a prisoner and Dan saves an injured persons life.
44"I'll See You"David CaesarShelley Birse23 September 2010 (2010-09-23)
When a body is found in a luxury apartment, the detectives suspect an identity-thief of murder and fraud. Sam fears for her career when her ex-boyfriend is released from prison and moves into the local area.
55"The Killer Wore Sneakers"Karl ZwickyAndrew Kelly30 September 2010 (2010-09-30)
When the target of a police investigation is found murdered, Rhys and Sam uncover a web of diamond smuggling, infidelity and workplace corruption. Meanwhile, Priscilla is seduced into a dangerous relationship with an Iraq war veteran, and Finch demands results when a sting operation ends in disaster for the cops.
66"Lost Girls"Karl ZwickyChris Hawkshaw7 October 2010 (2010-10-07)
Sam and Rhys discover a dead pimp and an underage prostitution racket while searching for a runaway teenager. Roxanne goes undercover on the streets of Kings Cross to locate a schoolgirl suspected of murder.
77"Killer Secret"Geoff BennettTim Pye & Lesley Lewis14 October 2010 (2010-10-14)
Sam and Rhys suspect an armed robber of a revenge killing, but the investigation takes a surprise turn when the murder weapon is discovered. Priscilla fears for her career after an embarrassing mistake at a crime scene.
88"Blood Types"Geoff BennettChris Hawkshaw21 October 2010 (2010-10-21)
Tragedy strikes the L.A.C when one of the team is shot during a brawl in a local cemetery. When a man is found with a stake through his heart, the detectives investigate the world of suburban vampires. Also, it is assessment time for the probationary constables and Priscilla and Dan will do anything to pass.
99"Old Love"Arnie CustoMatt Ford28 October 2010 (2010-10-28)
When a local teacher is killed, the detectives are convinced a notorious standover man is responsible. Nathan questions his judgement as he struggles to deal with the impact of killing a homeless man.
1010"Ghost House"Arnie CustoAndrew Kelly4 November 2010 (2010-11-04)
Roxanne and Dan make a gruesome discovery at a derelict house used for ghost-spotting tours. Sam is forced to admit her true feelings for her jailbird ex, Zac Butler. Graeme's life changes forever when a hit-and-run victim dies.
1111"Illegal Dumping"Karl ZwickyDrew Proffitt4 November 2010 (2010-11-04)
Sam and Rhys investigate the murder of a vet with an elaborate double-life as a swinger. Priscilla reunites a missing person with his brother, with surprising results. Sam's romantic plans with Zac are thrown into disarray by an unexpected proposal.
1212"Ladies' Night"Karl ZwickyChris Hawkshaw11 November 2010 (2010-11-11)
Nathan and Priscilla are stuck in a house booby-trapped with elaborate home-made explosives. A dispute over a winning lottery ticket helps the detectives solve the murder of a cross-dresser.
1313"Life Is a Rodio"David CaesarTim Pye11 November 2010 (2010-11-11)
The cops investigate a gang of ram-raiders they suspect of planning a multi-million dollar heist. Rhys suspects Sam's boyfriend of being the mastermind behind a deadly criminal conspiracy. Also, tragedy strikes the L.A.C once again after one of the main officers is killed.

Ratings

EpisodeAir dateTimeslotViewersNightly RankWeekly Rank
1.012 September 2010Thursday 8:30pm1,168,000 [8] 4 [8] 25 [9]
1.029 September 2010925,000 [10] 11 [10] 46 [11]
1.0316 September 2010763,000 [12] 14 [12] 67 [13]
1.0423 September 2010529,000 [14]
(did not air in Melbourne)
22 [14] N/A [15]
1.0530 September 2010715,000 [16] 17 [16] 74 [17]
1.067 October 2010670,000 [18] 14 [18] 65 [19]
1.0714 October 2010681,000 [20] 13 [20] 62 [21]
1.0821 October 2010Thursday 9:30pm487,000 [22] 23 [22] N/A [23]
1.0928 October 2010560,000 [24] 21 [24] 99 [25]
1.104 November 2010595,000 [26] 20 [26] 90 [27]
1.11Thursday 10:30pm410,000 [26] 31 [26] N/A [27]
1.1211 November 2010Thursday 9:30pm574,000 [28] 22 [28] 93 [29]
1.13Thursday 10:30pm440,000 [28] 27 [28] N/A [29]
Series Average------655,00018N/A

Home media

The season was released on DVD as a three-disc set, under the title of Cops: Local Area Command – The Complete Series on 6 January 2011. [30]

TitleFormatEp #DiscsRegion 4 (Australia)Special FeaturesDistributors
Cops L.A.C. (Complete Series)DVD13036 January 2011None Roadshow Entertainment

Related Research Articles

<i>Australian Survivor</i> Television series based on the reality show Survivor

Australian Survivor is an Australian adventure reality game show based on the international Survivor format. Following the premise of other versions of the Survivor format, the show features a group of contestants, referred to as "castaways" as they are marooned in an isolated location. The castaways must provide food, water, fire, and shelter for themselves. The contestants compete in various challenges for rewards and immunity from elimination. The contestants are progressively eliminated from the game as they are voted off the island by their fellow castaways. The final castaway remaining is awarded the title of "Sole Survivor" and the grand prize of A$500,000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rodger Corser</span> Australian actor (born 1973)

Rodger Corser is an Australian actor and TV host. He is best known for his portrayals of Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Owen in the Nine Network crime mini-series Underbelly, based on the Melbourne gangland killings, Senior Sergeant Lawson Blake in the Network Ten police drama series Rush, and as Dr. Hugh Knight in The Nine Network series Doctor Doctor. He was part of the main cast of Glitch in the role of John Doe/William Blackburn.

<i>The Farmer Wants a Wife</i> (Australian TV series) Australian television series

The Farmer Wants a Wife is an Australian reality television series based on the British reality show Farmer Wants a Wife. The first eight seasons, hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski, aired on the Nine Network between 2007 and 2012, with a ninth season, hosted by Sam McClymont broadcast in 2016. A tenth season aired on the Seven Network when the series was revived for the second time in 2020.

<i>Sea Patrol</i> season 1 Season of television series

The first season of the Australian drama series Sea Patrol premiered on Nine Network on 5 July 2007. The 13-episode season concluded on 4 October 2007. Set aboard HMAS Hammersley, an old Royal Australian Navy (RAN) patrol boat, the series follows the ship's company as they are seen investigating the deaths of several people who are linked by a web of intrigue.

<i>Sea Patrol</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second season of the Australian drama Sea Patrol premiered on the Nine Network on 31 March 2008 and aired on Monday nights at 8:30 PM. The thirteen-episode season ended on 23 June 2008.

<i>Domestic Blitz</i> 2008 Australian TV series or program

Domestic Blitz is an Australian lifestyle and DIY television series that originally aired on the Nine Network from 18 May 2008 to 18 April 2010. The series is based on the format of Backyard Blitz, which had previously aired on the Nine Network, and generally occupied its same former timeslot of Sunday 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Rather than rewarding nominated candidates with solely a garden makeover though, Domestic Blitz introduced the element of house renovations as well. The series exhibits similarities to the American television series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and the Angry Anderson A Current Affair "challenges" (1994–1998) in that the candidates either come from a disadvantaged background, or include someone with a terminal illness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">10 Bold Drama</span> Australian TV channel

10 Bold Drama is an Australian free-to-air digital television multichannel owned by Network 10. It originally launched on 26 March 2009 as One HD with a focus on broadcasting sports-based programming and events, but rebranded to One in April 2011 to more reality, scripted and adventure-based programming aimed at males between the ages of 25 and 54. As of October 2018, the channel now primarily broadcasts dramatic programming aimed towards viewers 40 and older.

Underbelly is an Australian television true crime-drama series which first aired on the Nine Network between 13 February 2008 and 1 September 2013, before being revived on 3 April 2022. Each series is based on real-life events. There have been six full series, with season 7 being a miniseries. A 2014 series titled Fat Tony & Co is a sequel to the first series but is not branded under the Underbelly title.

Rescue: Special Ops is an Australian television drama series that first screened on the Nine Network in 2009. Filmed in and around Sydney, the program is produced by Southern Star Group with the assistance of Screen Australia and the New South Wales Government.

Underbelly: The Golden Mile, the third series of Nine Network's crime drama series Underbelly, originally aired from 11 April to 27 June 2010. It is a thirteen-part series loosely based on real events that stemmed from the mile-long nightclub/red light district in the Sydney suburb of Kings Cross, also known as the "Golden Mile", between 1988 and 1999. It primarily depicts the organized crimes in Kings Cross and the police corruption leading up to the 1995 Wood Royal Commission. It is a prequel to Underbelly, which was about the Melbourne gangland killings, and a sequel to Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities. Among the characters presented are John Ibrahim, Kim Hollingsworth, George Freeman, Lenny McPherson and MP John Hatton. Some of the characters, particularly those of the NSW Police, reprise their roles from A Tale of Two Cities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TV Tonight</span> Australian television news website

TV Tonight is an Australian-based website which features reviews, news and programming information related to television in Australia as well as OzTAM ratings information.

Series 3 of police drama Rush premiered on 22 July 2010 on Network Ten. The third installment continues to follow the lives of two teams employed with the prestigious Tactical Response Unit in Victoria, Australia.

Underbelly: Badness, the fifth series of the Nine Network crime drama series Underbelly, originally aired from 13 August 2012 to 1 October 2012. It is an eight-part series detailing real events that occurred in Sydney between 2001 and 2012. The series began its production in early 2012 and towards the middle of the year filming eventually commenced. A teaser clip for the series was released by the Nine Network indicating the core cast of the series. Caroline Craig returns to narrate the series for a fifth time. It was the first season of the franchise not to have 13 episodes.

<i>Territory Cops</i> 2012 Australian TV series or program

Territory Cops is an Australian factual television show that looks at the work of the police in Northern Territory, Australia. This observational documentary series began on the Crime and Investigation Network, premiering on 11 October 2012.

<i>Gold Coast Cops</i> Australian TV series or program

Gold Coast Cops is an Australian factual television series on Network Ten. It follows the work of Queensland Police Service officers from the newly created Rapid Action & Patrols Group (RAP) on the Gold Coast in Queensland. The series was renewed for a second season in November 2014, returning 17 March 2015. The second season experienced a 3-month mid-season hiatus due to the seventh season of MasterChef Australia, however, returned on 2 August 2015 in the new timeslot of 7pm Sundays.

<i>The Block</i> season 3 Season of television series

The third season of Australian reality television series The Block, titled The Block 2010, aired on the Nine Network. Jamie Durie didn't return as host and was replaced by Scott Cam, John McGrath returned as judge & introduced new judge Neale Whitaker, premiered on Wednesday, 22 September 2010 at 7:00 pm.

<i>Beach Cops</i> 2015 Australian TV series or program

Beach Cops is an Australian factual television series produced by and screened on the Seven Network. The series is filmed on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and follows the New South Wales Police Force operating in the local area while performing their duties.

This is a list of Australian television-related events, debuts, finales, and cancellations that are scheduled to occur in 2019, the 64th year of continuous operation of television in Australia.

References

  1. Knox, David (19 August 2010). "Airdate: COPS L.A.C." TV Tonight . Retrieved 7 August 2010.
  2. Knox, David (22 November 2010). "Cops LAC not returning". TV Tonight . Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Knox, David (17 March 2010). "COPS L.A.C. cast complete". TV Tonight . Retrieved 7 August 2010.
  4. "Nine announces cast of new Australian drama series". Throng Australia. 17 March 2010. Archived from the original on 31 August 2010. Retrieved 7 August 2010.
  5. "Cops L.A.C." Australian-Television.net. Retrieved 7 August 2010.
  6. Richey, Anne (14 May 2010). "Cops LAC: Tim Pye and Nines's new drama". Screen Hub Online. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 7 August 2010.
  7. Knox, David (11 September 2010). "Gallery: COPS L.A.C." TV Tonight . Retrieved 11 September 2010.
  8. 1 2 Knox, David (30 August 2010). "Ratings: Week 36". TV Tonight . Retrieved 3 September 2010.
  9. Knox, David (5 September 2010). "7TWO grabs first win over GO!". TV Tonight . Retrieved 6 September 2010.
  10. 1 2 Knox, David (6 September 2010). "Ratings: Week 37". TV Tonight . Retrieved 10 September 2010.
  11. Knox, David (12 September 2010). "The big bang on Nine's Ratings theory". TV Tonight . Retrieved 12 September 2010.
  12. 1 2 Knox, David (13 September 2010). "Ratings: Week 38". TV Tonight . Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  13. Knox, David (19 September 2010). "Run for the ratings". TV Tonight . Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  14. 1 2 Knox, David (20 September 2010). "Ratings: Week 39". TV Tonight . Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  15. Knox, David (26 September 2010). "2.8m for AFL but Nine wins the week". TV Tonight . Retrieved 26 September 2010.
  16. 1 2 Knox, David (27 September 2010). "Ratings: Week 40". TV Tonight . Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  17. Knox, David (3 October 2010). "Blokes rule as Seven wins Week 40". TV Tonight . Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  18. 1 2 Knox, David (4 October 2010). "Ratings: Week 41". TV Tonight . Retrieved 7 October 2010.
  19. Knox, David (10 October 2010). "Gold for Seven, Bronze for TEN in Week 41". TV Tonight . Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  20. 1 2 Knox, David (11 October 2010). "Ratings: Week 42". TV Tonight . Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  21. Knox, David (17 October 2010). "Ratings: The home stretch begins". TV Tonight . Retrieved 28 November 2010.
  22. 1 2 Knox, David (18 October 2010). "Ratings: Week 43". TV Tonight . Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  23. Knox, David (24 October 2010). "SBS birthday present: under siege from digitals". TV Tonight . Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  24. 1 2 Knox, David (25 October 2010). "Ratings: Week 44". TV Tonight . Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  25. Knox, David (31 October 2010). "ONE holds up the main game at TEN". TV Tonight . Retrieved 4 November 2010.
  26. 1 2 3 4 Knox, David (1 November 2010). "Ratings: Week 45". TV Tonight . Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  27. 1 2 Knox, David (7 November 2010). "Seven's Cup runneth over". TV Tonight . Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  28. 1 2 3 4 Knox, David (8 November 2010). "Ratings: Week 46". TV Tonight . Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  29. 1 2 Knox, David (14 November 2010). "All the drama of Week 46". TV Tonight . Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  30. "Buy Cops: Local Area Command – the Complete Series (3 Disc Set) @ EzyDVD". Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2012.