On Call Season 1 recap: Harmon & Diaz vs East Barrio & Smokey

The police drama On Call kicks off with a bang, introducing us to Officer Traci Harmon and her rookie trainee, Alex Diaz. Their story starts with a tragedy when one of Traci’s former trainers, Officer Maria Delgado, is killed by a gang member from East Barrio. This horrific event sets the tone for the series, unraveling a chain of dangerous events, including a gang war that shakes the Long Beach police department.

Traci is determined to solve the case and bring justice for Delgado, even if it means bending a few rules. Let’s break down the season and see how Harmon and Diaz tackle their challenges while dealing with gang wars, personal struggles, and difficult decisions.

Season 1 recap

At first glance, Traci Harmon seems like a strict rule-follower. However, she’s an exceptional mentor who sees potential in Alex Diaz. Instead of just training him to be a good cop, she focuses on shaping him into a better person.

Traci gives her trainees a quirky “get out of jail free” card, a one-time pass for when they inevitably mess up. Confident he won’t need it, Diaz tries to return it early, but Traci refuses. She knows he’ll need it soon enough.

The East Barrio gang is thrown into turmoil after Delgado’s death. In episode 2, severed body parts are discovered in a camp, signaling the gang's internal strife. The gang’s leader, Maniac, becomes a primary target for Harmon, who relentlessly hunts him down.

Harmon’s senior officer, Sergeant Lasman, has a different approach to policing. He prefers hitting back hard, while Traci prioritizes safety and strategy. Their conflicting styles create friction, especially when rumors about Traci being a whistleblower resurface.

Diaz faces challenges beyond the job. His brother is in prison, causing his family to resent cops, while Diaz wrestles with his loyalty to Harmon amid swirling rumors. His volatile behavior often lands him in tricky situations, from losing his gun to questioning Harmon’s integrity.

Traci's investigation leads her to Smokey, a key figure in East Barrio. Smokey warns her to stay away from Maniac, but Traci is relentless. She eventually tracks Maniac to a motel, leading to an intense confrontation. Though she has the chance to kill him, she chooses to arrest him instead, staying true to her principles.

Arresting Maniac puts Diaz’s brother in danger. Traci initially refuses to seek help from Smokey but later agrees, recognizing her debt to Diaz for helping her sister. Together, they arrange a transfer for Diaz’s brother to ensure his safety.

The stakes escalate when Smokey’s daughter, Leona, is targeted during a robbery. Leona is shot but survives, leading to a violent gang retaliation. Smokey’s anger threatens to spiral out of control, and a young boy’s death intensifies tensions.

Lasman initiates a controversial “tactical alert,” arresting anyone with ties to East Barrio. Harmon opposes the plan, fearing it will worsen the situation. Meanwhile, Harmon’s ex-trainer, Koyama, uncovers critical evidence about Smokey’s drug operations.

The season’s climax centers around a drug deal involving Smokey. Traci and Diaz join Koyama’s team to intercept the shipment. However, chaos ensues when Leona shows up to collect the drugs and is ambushed by rival gang members.

Diaz confronts Leona, only to be shot by her in a heartbreaking twist. Koyama ultimately kills Leona, leaving Diaz devastated. Smokey, injured, and grieving finally surrenders.

Despite Diaz’s personal growth and heartfelt speech about how Traci transformed him, she decides he isn’t ready to graduate from training. His reckless decisions, especially during the gang bust, prove he still has lessons to learn.

Harmon’s own career takes a hit when her promotion is denied due to how she handled Maniac’s arrest. Though disheartened, she remains committed to training Diaz, recognizing his potential.

The season ends with Diaz restarting his probation under Traci’s guidance. Season 2 could explore the aftermath of the gang war, Lasman’s controversial tactics, and new challenges for Traci and Diaz. Their evolving partnership promises more intense moments and life lessons.

On Call Season 1 delivers a gritty, realistic portrayal of policing in Long Beach, blending high-stakes action with deeply personal narratives. Traci Harmon’s determination and Alex Diaz’s journey from rookie to responsible officer form the heart of the story, leaving viewers eager for more.