“Coyote” (2021): A Bold, Gritty Drama That Explores Borders and Redemption
Michael Chiklis Stars in COYOTE Coming Jan 7 to CBS All Access
“Coyote”, the 2021 crime drama created by David Graziano, Michael Carnes, and Josh Gilbert, is more than just a series about the U.S.-Mexico border. Itโs an intense, deeply personal exploration of morality, survival, and the complexity of human relationships in the face of harsh realities. Starring Michael Chiklis in a powerhouse performance, the show pulls no punches in delivering a thought-provoking and suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.
The Plot: A Journey Across BordersโLiteral and Moral
Ben Clemens (Michael Chiklis) has spent 32 years as a U.S. Border Patrol agent, a career defined by his unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and his black-and-white view of right and wrong. After retiring, Ben looks forward to leaving behind the dangers and moral challenges of his job. However, his quiet retirement is short-lived when he is unexpectedly thrust into the very world he spent his life policing.
Through a series of harrowing events, Ben finds himself working for a dangerous Mexican cartel, a move that forces him to grapple with his beliefs and prejudices. As he becomes entangled in the lives of those on the other side of the border, Ben begins to see the humanity in people he once considered enemies. At the same time, he must navigate the cartelโs violent, unforgiving world, where survival comes at a high price.
Benโs journey is one of moral ambiguity and self-discovery. Every decision he makes pushes him further into a world where right and wrong are blurred, and loyalty is a currency as valuable as life itself.
Themes: Beyond the Borderline
At its core, “Coyote” is a story about transformation, redemption, and the gray areas of morality. The show dives deep into timely themes, including:
- Identity and Prejudice: Ben’s journey challenges him to confront his own biases and stereotypes about those he once viewed as “the other.”
- Survival and Sacrifice: Both Ben and the people he encounters are fighting for survival, each facing impossible choices to protect their loved ones.
- Power and Corruption: Through the lens of the cartel, the series exposes how power corrupts and how those caught in its web are forced to navigate a brutal hierarchy.
The show doesnโt shy away from addressing the harsh realities of life at the border, shedding light on the struggles of immigrants, the dangers of organized crime, and the moral complexities faced by those enforcing the law.
Michael Chiklis: A Masterful Performance
Michael Chiklis delivers a career-defining performance as Ben Clemens, capturing the character’s internal struggle with remarkable depth and nuance. Known for his Emmy-winning role in The Shield, Chiklis brings a similar intensity to “Coyote”, but this time with a more vulnerable and reflective edge.
Chiklis brilliantly portrays Benโs transformation from a rigid enforcer of the law to a man forced to question everything he once believed. His physical presence and emotional vulnerability anchor the show, making Benโs journey both relatable and deeply compelling.
A Cinematic Masterpiece in Television
Beyond its gripping story and stellar performances, “Coyote” stands out for its stunning cinematography. The barren yet beautiful landscapes of the U.S.-Mexico border are captured with breathtaking precision, emphasizing both the isolation and the danger of the environment. Each scene feels cinematic, immersing viewers in a world that is as visually striking as it is emotionally charged.
The writing is sharp and unflinching, delivering moments of heart-stopping suspense alongside quieter, introspective scenes that explore the human condition. The pacing keeps viewers on edge, while the character-driven narrative ensures that every twist feels earned.
Why “Coyote” Stands Out
In a crowded landscape of crime dramas, “Coyote” sets itself apart by offering a nuanced, character-driven story that doesnโt rely solely on action or violence. Itโs a show with heart, tackling complex issues with sensitivity and depth while keeping the stakes high.
This isnโt just a story about a man caught between two worlds; itโs a story about what it means to be human, to face our own prejudices, and to make choices in the face of impossible odds.
Final Thoughts
“Coyote” is a gripping, emotional, and unflinching drama that challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and consider the complexities of bordersโboth physical and moral. With Michael Chiklis delivering one of his best performances and a narrative that balances action, emotion, and social commentary, the series is a must-watch for fans of gritty, thought-provoking storytelling.
An Inside Look at Season One of Coyote
If youโre looking for a show that combines intense drama with timely themes and unforgettable characters, “Coyote” is the series youโve been waiting for.