Fall River Police Department Takes a Slight Jab from the New Netflix Show ‘The Perfect Couple’

In the new Netflix drama The Perfect Couple, a quick scene delivers a lighthearted jab at the Fall River Police Department.

Filmed and set in Massachusetts, the 2024 series weaves together murder, wealth, and small-town dynamics. But in Episode 2, the conversation takes a brief detour, touching on the police force of Fall River in a way that might raise a few eyebrows.

The scene features Chief of Police Dan Carter, played by S.W.A.T. star Michael Beach, in a discussion with State Detective Nikki Henry, played by Donna Lynne Champlin. Henry is assisting Carter’s Nantucket department in solving a high-profile case among the island’s elite, and in their conversation, the differences between police departments come to the surface.

Without giving away any spoilers, Henry inquires about Carter’s police cruiser, pointing out the department's obvious wealth. “Access? Access to what, a new car every three years? Cause I’m pretty sure the ones in Fall River still have cassette decks,” Henry remarks, referencing Fall River’s police cruisers as outdated relics, suggesting they might be a little behind the times. Carter, in response, acknowledges the Nantucket Police Department’s generous funding, leaving viewers to wonder if there’s a grain of truth to the lighthearted dig.

While the comment is all in good fun and doesn’t weigh heavily on the plot, it does highlight a common perception that some cities may struggle with underfunded police departments, while wealthier areas like Nantucket enjoy better resources.

Ultimately, it’s a brief witty remark in a show more focused on unraveling mysteries than critiquing local police departments. Still, for those familiar with the area, it’s an amusing nod and a subtle way of keeping Fall River on the map—cassette decks and all.