Fox TV’s new Monday night police drama, “Chicago Code,” will feature a Polish American as the lead character, according to Shawn Ryan, the show’s producer and director.
The first episode of “Chicago Code” is scheduled for February 7th at 9:00 p.m. (Eastern) and 8:00 p.m. (Central) on Fox network stations.
Mr. Ryan told the Anti-Bigotry Committee of the Polish American Congress the role of Det. Jarek Wysocki is played by the Australian actor, Jason Clarke.
Regular TV viewers should recall that Ryan is also the creator of “The Shield.”
As a native of Rockford, Illinois, Ryan’s association with Polish Americans in his formative years was an influence in giving a Polish ethnic identity to his lead character with the City of Chicago as a backdrop.
Summarized by Ryan, “Chicago Code” centers around Chicago Police Detective Jarek Wysocki (Jason Clarke) and his attempts to tackle city corruption with his boss (Jennifer Beals).
The Polish-American Wysocki is a local legend in the Chicago Police Force and is widely regarded as the smartest and best Detective in the city.
The son of a retired Chicago Police Officer, Jarek also mentors his Polish-American niece, Vonda Wysocki, who has just started a career as a police officer.
Brash, opinionated, respected, self-deprecating and proud, Jarek is a hero with flaws - a man who makes mistakes, both personally and professionally, but ultimately overcomes them to do the right thing on behalf of his family and his city, according to Ryan.
After reviewing the advance promotional material Fox issued, the chairman of the Polish American Congress Anti-Bigotry Committee, Frank Milewski, felt Jarek Wysocki appears to be the kind of TV character with whom Polish Americans should be pleased.
Fox has taken some “cheap shots” at Polish Americans in the past. While all the advance promotional material looks to be positive, Milewski cautioned Fox against any “unwelcome surprises.”
The Polish American Congress formed its Anti-Bigotry Committee as a response to the media’s “nasty” treatment of Polish Americans in the past.
On the other hand, NBC aired the series, “Banacek” in 1972-74 which starred George Peppard as an outstanding Polish American insurance investigator who quoted Polish proverbs in every episode.
“That show gave a positive portrayal of our ethnic group and we hold high expectations for Chicago Code,” said Milewski.
