USA Network has debuted “Anna Pigeon,” a new drama series adapted from Nevada Barr’s popular book collection. The show centers on a former Broadway stage manager who becomes a law enforcement ranger at a fictional Montana national park, using her position to investigate crimes while grappling with her troubled past. Tracy Spiridakos, known for her work on “Chicago P.D.,” leads the cast as the determined titular character.
Despite Spiridakos’s compelling performance and stunning cinematography filmed in Alberta, Canada, the series struggles to distinguish itself from similar dramas. The show follows a formulaic procedural structure with individual cases that viewers can often predict before resolutions arrive. Supporting storylines involving a recovering addict ranger, a budding romance, and therapy sessions with Anna’s sister fail to inject meaningful depth into the narrative.
The season’s most engaging moments emerge in episodes five and six, when the show moves beyond its episodic framework to explore a larger conspiracy. Additionally, the mountainous landscape serves as a visual asset that occasionally compensates for weaker storytelling. However, the wooden dialogue and recycled plot elements prevent the series from achieving the appeal of comparable shows like “Virgin River.”
“Anna Pigeon” premieres August 7 on USA Network, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly on Fridays. While the premise of a woman escaping her former life holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired.
Originally reported by Variety →
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