The Bridge (2013 TV series)

The Bridge

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	July 10, 2013 (2013-07-10)
Founder	Meredith Stiehm, Elwood Reid
Fate	Cancelled after two seasons
Headquarters	United States
Area served	United States, Mexico
Key people	Meredith Stiehm (creator), Elwood Reid (creator)
Products	Television series
Parent	FX Productions, Shine America
Website	www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-bridge

The Bridge is a crime drama television series from the United States, created by Meredith Stiehm and Elwood Reid, broadcast on the FX network. It is adapted from the Danish-Swedish original series Bron/Broen. The cast features Diane Kruger and Demián Bichir in leading roles, supported by Ted Levine, Annabeth Gish, Thomas M. Wright, Matthew Lillard, and Emily Rios. The show consists of two seasons, each containing 13 episodes, which premiered on July 10, 2013, and ended on October 1, 2014. The production was developed bilingually, in both English and Spanish.

Set along the Mexico–United States border, the storyline revolves around a murder investigation triggered by the discovery of a body on the Bridge of the Americas, linking El Paso and Juárez. This case brings together El Paso detective Sonya Cross (Kruger), who is guided by Hank Wade (Levine), and Marco Ruiz (Bichir), a detective from Chihuahua State police. Alongside the investigation, journalists Daniel Frye (Lillard) and Adriana Mendez (Rios) from the El Paso Times cover related developments. Although the series received positive critical reception, it suffered a 42% drop in viewership during its second season and was subsequently canceled after two seasons.

Plot

The Bridge centers on two detectives—one from Mexico and one from the United States—working jointly to apprehend a serial killer active across the border following the death of an American judge known for his anti-immigration stance. The victim is found on the bridge connecting El Paso, Texas, with Juárez, Mexico. Sonya Cross of El Paso PD partners with Marco Ruiz of Chihuahua State Police; their differing investigative approaches highlight Cross’s adherence to procedure shaped by her undisclosed condition resembling Asperger syndrome, contrasted with Ruiz’s practical style. Their pursuit unfolds amid complex themes such as illegal immigration, drug trafficking, violence, corruption, and the influence of powerful border drug cartels. The narrative is set primarily around the Bridge of the Americas, a vital border crossing point.

Production

FX commissioned the pilot episode in July 2012, completing filming in El Paso by December that year. The pilot was directed by Gerardo Naranjo, acclaimed for Miss Bala. Production for the remaining twelve episodes commenced in April 2013. Meredith Stiehm (creator of Cold Case) and Elwood Reid served as executive producers and head writers. The series was co-produced by FX Productions alongside Shine America. Alex Plank from Wrong Planet acted as a consultant to ensure an accurate depiction of Sonya’s Asperger syndrome.

Initially, Shine America suggested setting the story at the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor to replicate the original series’ winter environment. However, Stiehm and Reid opted for El Paso and Ciudad Juárez at the Bridge of the Americas to better capture the realities of U.S.–Mexico border relations.

In September 2013, FX confirmed renewal for a second season consisting of 13 episodes. Following season one, co-creator Meredith Stiehm departed to return to work on Homeland, leaving Elwood Reid as sole showrunner. Recurring cast members Matthew Lillard and Emily Rios were elevated to main cast status for season two. Despite favorable reviews, low ratings led to cancellation after two seasons; FX attributed this decision primarily to audience metrics.

Primary cast

• Diane Kruger portrays Det. Sonya Cross, an El Paso Police Department detective with undiagnosed Asperger syndrome. The murder of her sister when Sonya was 15 remains a pivotal influence on her investigative approach.
• Demián Bichir plays Det. Marco Ruiz, a homicide detective working for the Policía Estatal (State Police) in Chihuahua, Mexico.
• Ted Levine appears as Lieutenant Hank Wade, Sonya’s superior in El Paso who frequently guides her on diplomatic matters amid her unwavering quest for justice.
• Annabeth Gish is Charlotte Millwright, a wealthy widow whose late rancher husband’s hidden cross-border dealings come to light during the case.
• Thomas M. Wright takes on the role of Steven Linder, a solitary figure navigating the precarious border environment.
• Matthew Lillard features as Daniel Frye (season 2; recurring in season 1), a reporter for the El Paso Times whose career has declined due to personal difficulties.
• Emily Rios portrays Adriana Mendez (season 2; recurring in season 1), a young journalist from Juárez working for the Times.

Supporting cast

• Johnny Dowers as Tim Cooper, a detective with El Paso PD
• Eric Lange as Kenneth Hasting, colleague and trusted associate of Alma
• Carlos Pratts as Gus Ruiz, son of Marco Ruiz
• Catalina Sandino Moreno as Alma Ruiz, Marco’s wife
• Ramón Franco as Fausto Galvan, cartel leader and proprietor of El Rey Storage
• Alejandro Patiño as Cesar, loyal aide to Karl Millwright and Charlotte’s connection to her husband’s illicit affairs
• Juan Carlos Cantu as Captain Robles, Marco Ruiz’s superior in Juárez
• Diana-Maria Riva as Kitty Conchas, El Paso PD desk clerk of Mexican descent who does not speak Spanish
• Stephanie Sigman as Eva Guerra, Hector’s girlfriend and Steven Linder’s romantic interest
• Alma Martínez as Graciela Rivera, smuggler linked to Karl Millwright who pressures Charlotte for access to the ranch
• Brian Van Holt as Ray, Charlotte’s former lover recruited against Graciela Rivera
• Daniel Edward Mora as Obregon, Fausto’s enforcer and bodyguard
• Larry Clarke as Manny Stokes, ambitious deputy sheriff in El Paso County
• Lyle Lovett as Monte P. Flagman, attorney representing Graciela Rivera
• Arturo Del Puerto as Hector Valdez, employee working for Fausto Galvan
• Don Swayze as Tim, Ray’s contact based in Tampa
• Chris Browning as Jackson Childress, an immigrant hunter
• Franka Potente as Eleanor Nacht, fixer for the cartel
• Manuel Uriza as Abelardo Pintado, Mexican state prosecutor investigating corruption within Juárez police forces
• Nathan Phillips as Jack Dobbs, brother of Jim Dobbs—the man responsible for killing Sonya’s sister
• Abraham Benrubi as Agent Joe Mackenzie, DEA agent probing Fausto Galvan’s activities
• Bruno Bichir as Sebastian Cerisola, CEO of Grupo Clio with cartel connections
• Jenny Pellicer as Romina Cerisola, daughter of Sebastian Cerisola

Critical response

Season one achieved a Metacritic rating of 77/100 based on 37 critic reviews, signifying "generally favorable reviews." On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 91% approval rating from 46 critiques with an average score of 8/10. The series was lauded for its "seductive crime drama" qualities and its culturally insightful themes. Chuck Barney of the San Jose Mercury News described it as "mesmerizing," while Alan Sepinwall praised its engaging characters alongside its relevant political backdrop.

Maureen Ryan from The Huffington Post recognized the show’s innovative approach to the mismatched cop formula through meticulous world-building. Tim Goodman of The Hollywood Reporter declared it "essential viewing for drama enthusiasts," though he noted some narrative clarity issues. Conversely, Robert Bianco from USA Today critiqued the reliance on simplistic catchphrases despite its rich thematic potential.

For season two, Metacritic assigned a score of 67/100 from 13 reviews, still reflecting "generally favorable" reception. Rotten Tomatoes rated it at 86% based on 22 evaluations, highlighting impressive cinematography and compelling characters despite occasional pacing lapses. Sepinwall commended this season for its enhanced control and self-awareness while Maureen Ryan emphasized its deliberate pacing and detailed execution.

Robert Rorke of the New York Post labeled the series "unique," focusing on its depiction of drug cartels and corruption affecting both sides of the border. Mike Hale from The New York Times offered a cautiously positive assessment, acknowledging strong elements but noting that the show had yet to fully develop into a gripping mystery.

Awards

In June 2013, the series received the Critics' Choice Television Award for Most Exciting New Series. The pilot was honored with the 2013 Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing in Television: Long Form – Dialogue & ADR by the Motion Picture Sound Editors organization. Furthermore, the show earned a 2013 Peabody Award, recognized for its uncommon and nuanced portrayal of cultural exchanges.