tgwillsiam Da Vinci's Inquest was loosely based on the real life experiences of Larry Campbell, the former chief coroner of Vancouver, British Columbia, who was elected mayor of that city in 2002. The part of Da Vinci, however, was written specifically for actor Nicholas Campbell. Elements of the series story lines were also taken from sociopolitical issues faced by the real-life Vancouver, such as the plight of the homeless, the controversy over a designated injection site for drug users, the idea of establishing a red light district, and the disappearance of homeless women and sex workers-similar to the case of Robert Pickton.

sandyneck The writing, videography, acting - this show is excellent. There are always several cases and situations that are on-going, along with the weekly crime-to-solve. They often make statements about how to deal with certain crimes that will never go away, like prostitution. They clearly use a lot of improv. The series is addicting but frustrating because it is only shown in the middle of the night. There has been such a void in quality television and there are so many reruns due to the writers strike, that I purchase the first two season of this show on DVD. But they haven't committed any others to DVD.HOW do we get the local cable companies to offer us this show at reasonable times!??

biloxipat1 Along with HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREETS, Davinci's Inquest is the best show written for TV I have ever seen. It is real, gritty, and Davinci's sarcastic attitude is delightful, as is his continual amazement at the lack of depth people show. I only recently started watching it, as WGN is showing the reruns. Wish I had caught it when it first aired. The rest of the cast is superb also. I particularly like his secretary and his wife, the pathologist. I am getting an insight into Vancouver, into Canadian rules of justice; and I note the differences in our own Bill of Rights and the lengths to which a coroner may go in Canada. Apparently they have the same problems with drugs and prostitution as the States. I'm sure most of Vancouver is beautiful, but this show gets down to the real underbelly which is peopled with real, believable characters. The stories and people are haunting and stay with you...

metalawter Clearly, I could not have been watching the same program to which all of these wonderful reviews are referring.I came upon an episode recently very late at night on CBS and sat spellbound. Not because I found myself intrigued or even entertained, but because I thought I must have stumbled upon an awful Saturday Night Live skit and was wondering what it was doing on the wrong channel.I recognized a number of the actors, all of whom I've enjoyed in the past. But honestly, I found myself having to almost walk right up to my television set to try and follow the so-called dialog. What is with the rambling, monotone mumbling with which every single line is delivered? I've been to Vancouver. I don't recall having difficulty understanding anyone. These people all seemed like they were in a race to deliver the most lines ever in the shortest space of time.This was like watching The West Wing while having the flu and a goodly dose of Nyquil in your system. I can understand to some degree why this thing has almost cult status. You must feel quite amazed at yourself if you're able to follow the whole thing.And similar to a problem I have with West Wing, I find it impossible to believe that everyone in one world speaks exactly the same way. There is absolutely no attempt to distinguish one character from another. On top of which, at least in the one episode I saw (and no, I could not stand to sit through the whole thing), emotions seemed forced and hokey. I had no interest in seeing who this show decided to make the guilty party. It was just too ridiculous.I'll admit to being intrigued however, at the blanket admiration I am seeing on this board. Perhaps enough so to force myself to another try at watching this "best show ever, period" should I find myself up in the middle of the night with nothing better to do. I'll just have to hide the remote and find a bullet to bite down on.