On Call Season 2: Key Questions Addressed After Finale Twist
The inaugural season of On Call had Us captivated — but where will the Wolf Entertainment police drama head next?
On Call, which debuted on Thursday, January 9, followed seasoned training officer Traci Harmon (Troian Bellisario) and her rookie partner Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente) as they tackled emergency calls in Long Beach, California. Their partnership emerged after a significant loss for Harmon, necessitating an entire season for her and Diaz to build trust.
The Prime Video series cleverly reset this dynamic when Harmon decided not to recommend Diaz for advancement. Instead, she made him restart his rookie training — with her guidance. Viewers also gained insights into Sergeant Lasman (Eriq LaSalle) and Lieutenant Bishop (Lori Loughlin) after initially wondering about their true relationship.
“We invite diverse individuals — with varying perspectives on policing — to join this show. We want them to take away their own interpretations,” Bellisario shared with Us Weekly. “[Executive producer] Elliot [Wolf] articulated it best: ‘We aim to create a buffet where everyone is welcome to participate.’ Our intention is not to exclude anyone based on their views or beliefs about the show. Audiences will witness characters making profound choices and also errors, as none are depicted as heroes. These are simply individuals doing their jobs.”
Larracuente expressed his own curiosity about the show’s future, reflecting viewers’ sentiments.
“From my perspective, the season concluded with more questions than answers. I hope audiences feel the same way,” he commented. “Ultimately, we’re not trying to push a singular narrative. Hopefully, viewers can identify with one or more characters in some capacity.”
The cast, along with creator Tim Walsh, addressed several pressing questions regarding season 1 and the storylines that lie ahead:
What Lies Ahead for Harmon and Diaz?
In the season 1 finale, Harmon recommended probation for Diaz, reuniting them as partners. This decision shook their dynamic but is viewed positively in the long run.
“Harmon made that choice because she genuinely doesn’t want to lose him. Although there’s no romantic element, she has a protective instinct towards him, like a mother bear. Throughout season 1, they’ve forged a stronger bond,” Walsh explained to Us. “She believes Diaz isn’t ready to advance due to his hero complex and fears he might suffer the same fate as Officer Delgado. Her feelings are authentic, resembling a parent reluctant to let go of their child.”
Larracuente shared a similar perspective on Harmon’s desire to “protect” Diaz.
“Her care for him distinguishes her from other potential partners he could have had. After experiencing loss in the premiere, her choice to mentor a rookie like Diaz speaks volumes about her character,” he noted. “As the episode wraps up, a significant question lingers for Diaz: ‘Can I trust her?’ He finally comprehends, ‘Wow, she genuinely cares about me. Every action she’s taken was to safeguard me, and I recognize that now.’”
For Bellisario, the twist emphasized how much Harmon still has to impart.
“A truly effective teacher recognizes when they’ve fallen short, and that reflection doesn’t stem from Diaz’s shortcomings. Rather, Harmon perceives it as her own failure for not adequately preparing him. She sees that she still has more to offer,” she conveyed to Us. “Her belief in him is strong, and she deeply desires to support his journey.”
Is a Romance Possible Between Harmon and Diaz?
While there are no signs pointing to a romantic relationship between Harmon and Diaz in the future, what plans exist behind the scenes?
“Incorporating a romantic subplot complicates things and introduces unwanted predictability. By keeping them as just colleagues, we avoid such pitfalls,” Walsh hinted to Us. “Their bond is built on mutual support and survival during shifts. Adding a romantic angle would introduce complications we’d prefer to sidestep, allowing for deeper character development.”
Which Guest Stars Made an Impact?
Season 1 featured notable guest appearances, including Chicago Fire‘s Monica Raymund, Ryan Dorsey, and Bart Johnson. Walsh expressed a desire for Kurt Russell to appear in the future, humorously adding, “If I could secure Kurt Russell for this, I would be utterly content.”
Will Other Characters Take Center Stage in Season 2?
Although On Call primarily revolves around Diaz and Harmon, there’s potential for expansion — starting with the characters portrayed by LaSalle and Loughlin.
“They play a significant role,” Walsh confirmed. “In short, absolutely. We’ve already begun brainstorming season 2’s themes and plot points, eagerly awaiting official renewal.”
Loughlin and LaSalle voiced their enthusiasm to Us.
“We certainly have significant opportunities to explore our dynamics further. The intriguing challenge lies in how all of our characters blend together. Although Harmon and Diaz take the spotlight, we’re keen to explore the broader narrative involving all characters. … There’s a wealth of stories to delve into. We have capable writers, so we’re hopeful for progression,” she remarked.
LaSalle commended On Call for avoiding two-dimensional portrayals of Lasman and Bishop, noting, “By the season’s conclusion, they’ve undergone genuine character development. This sets the stage for compelling storytelling, should we be fortunate enough to secure more seasons.”
He added, “Lori and I have been discussing our interest in exploring more interactions between our characters. We have a strong rapport, but we’re curious about the areas where our characters may not align. How do they truly feel about one another?”
Are There Plans for Crossovers with One Chicago or a Spinoff of ‘On Call’?
Before co-creating On Call with Elliot Wolf, Walsh worked on Chicago P.D., yet he prefers to keep the universes separate.
“I’m not inclined to orchestrate a crossover with any existing shows. I believe we inhabit our distinct universe, separate from others,” he shared with Us. “However, we’re quite open to expanding our universe to include other first responders, such as paramedics in Long Beach, depending on audience interest and engagement.”