Unpacking the Quirky Charm of Picket Fences
The bizarre and violent crimes that plague the people of Rome, Wisconsin are taken up by Picket Fences. Sheriff Jimmy Brock, his doctor wife Jill and their family grapple with the strange doings in their small town and the strange, mundane things we do, keeping them alive from spontaneous human combustion to murder. It is of small town life drenched in the idyllic charm, juxtaposed with dark and often bizarre criminal activities. The tone of the show is engaging, thought provoking and part of that is through picking up a completely intense drama and a bit of quirky humor in the same sleeves
First and foremost shown in Tom Skerritt as Sheriff Brock and Kathy Baker as his wife, Jill, it is an entirely supported cast. Each character is richly developed, with the supporting cast contributing to the towns endearing eccentricity, notably enhancing the narratives depth and charm.
Directors Michael Pressman, Mel Damski, and Michael Schultz expertly craft a unique visual narrative that balances small-town whimsy with gripping drama, effectively drawing audiences into the peculiar world of Rome, Wisconsin.
The shows music complements its quirky and dramatic elements, enhancing scenes with a score that highlights both the suspense and the lighthearted aspects of the story.
Cinematography is used to capture the quaintness of small-town life while juxtaposing it with unnerving crime scenes, achieving an atmosphere that is both familiar and unsettling.
The production design faithfully portrays small-town America in the early 90s while incorporating outlandish elements that underline the series distinctive narrative style.
Special effects are minimal but are effectively used to emphasize the bizarre events in Rome, Wisconsin, adding to the shows quirky charm.
The editing maintains a balance between various storylines, allowing for smooth transitions that keep the audience engaged with both the overarching plot and individual character arcs.
The series maintains a consistent pace, balancing moments of intense drama with lighter, humorous scenes, ensuring the viewer remains both entertained and invested in the characters lives.
David E. Kelleys writing shines through witty dialog that successfully captures the complexity of small-town dynamics and the personalities of its eclectic residents.
Although its blend of quirky humor and dark drama is mostly well-executed, at times the series can lean into absurdity, which may not appeal to all viewers. Tonally, while fascinating, it can sometimes mess with the story flow a bit more, and Picket Fences (platonically) offers an odd, fun viewing experience that cleverly blends crime drama with occasional small town quirks. While Rome, Wisconsin, has its eccentricities, and it’s played with as such by a terrific cast and smart writing, the series is a standout in the crime drama oeuvre. With mystery, humour and charmingly oddball characters the gentle drawing in will be whether you’re one of those drawn to the strangeness, the playfulness, or just the strange characters.
