
"Bordertown" is a crime drama that incorporates typical elements of the genre such as a dedicated investigator (in this case, journalist Lauren Adrian) pursuing a complex and dangerous case—involving a series of murders—set against a backdrop of social issues. It includes the classic crime genre's focus on uncovering hidden truths and tackling systemic injustice. What sets "Bordertown" apart from other crime titles is its unique setting along the United States–Mexico border and its exploration of the socio-economic impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement, particularly the exploitation of Mexican women in maquiladora factories. This blend of crime investigation with socio-political commentary provides a deeper, multifaceted narrative uncommon in typical crime dramas.