Would Be Kings (2008) is a gripping Canadian crime drama miniseries that delves into the corruption, loyalty, and moral conflict within a modern police force. The story revolves around two cousins, Patrick Lehane and Jamie Collins, who are both police officers working in the same unit but have drastically different personalities and moral compasses.

Patrick Lehane, portrayed by Currie Graham, is a veteran officer who has lost his sense of duty and integrity. Once idealistic, Patrick has become corrupt, accepting bribes and turning a blind eye to criminal activities. He justifies his behavior as part of surviving in a system he believes is already broken. His charisma and confidence hide a deep inner conflict as his choices begin to spiral out of control.

Jamie Collins, played by Ben Bass, is the opposite—young, ambitious, and devoted to justice. He believes in doing what’s right and is driven by a strong moral code. Jamie initially looks up to Patrick, but as he discovers the depth of his cousin’s corruption, their relationship starts to unravel. Jamie’s growing disillusionment with Patrick sets off a series of confrontations that threaten to destroy both their careers and their family ties.

The narrative intensifies when Patrick becomes entangled with a dangerous criminal network and starts making reckless decisions that put everyone around him in danger. Meanwhile, Jamie’s investigation into police misconduct brings him closer to exposing Patrick’s crimes, forcing him to choose between family loyalty and the truth. The tension reaches its peak when betrayal, guilt, and desperation collide, leading to a tragic and powerful climax.

What makes Would Be Kings stand out is its realistic portrayal of moral decay and the psychological cost of corruption. The series does not present simple heroes or villains; instead, it explores how power, greed, and human weakness can erode even the strongest sense of right and wrong.

Visually gritty and emotionally charged, the film paints a bleak yet compelling picture of modern law enforcement and the thin line between justice and crime. By the end, Would Be Kings becomes more than a police story—it’s a tragic exploration of ambition, redemption, and the price of one’s choices.