In this latest news round-up, speculation ensues on what changes the networks will announce in the coming months for shows like Without A Trace and Cold Case. Some networks look to Canada for fresh programming, and economic benefits, and actor Mark Wahlberg gets involved in what is perhaps one of our old favorites:

Wahlberg’s “Prisoners” – Same Old Hat?

What’s wrong with this picture? A new script for a dark crime thriller called Prisoners has caught the attention (and commitment) of actor Mark Wahlberg and all the major studios in Hollywood.  The project is said to resemble the likes of films, Seven, and The Silence of The Lambs. The problem? The plot centers on the story of a Boston man who takes the law into his own hands after his six year-old daughter and best friend are kidnapped.

Unfortunately this sounds like a few other films (i.e. Mel Gibson’s latest project, Liam Neeson’s Taken, and others..) we’ve seen. Being the optimist, I’ll wait to the see the finished project, but so far it sounds like more of the same hard boiled plot. I applaud the fact this comes from a fresh and previously unknown writer (Aaron Guzikowski).

***

Your favorite crime drama shows are always in danger of being…messed with.

Just ask any fan of these canceled series: The Shield, Prison Break (just a few episodes left…and poof), Life On Mars, Eli Stone, Boston Legal, Battlestar Galactica, etc.).

In a few weeks, networks announce the series line-ups (upfronts), so some shows may either be moved, postponed, or (*gasp*) canceled. Variety reports the series Eleventh Hour will be giving up its nightly spot to a new CBS mystery series called Harper’s Island in April. There’s also speculation that Without A Trace, Cold Case or The Unit could sit on the bench in the fall.

***

Does NBC and CBS need economic stimulus?

Bloomberg is reporting both networks have turned to Canadian TV to reduce their prime-time programming costs. Evidently, U.S. networks have made shows in Canada for years to get tax benefits. And we thought it was just because the shows were so good.

Some of the examples mentioned in the article are CBS/CTV’s Flashpoint, and two new up -and-comer crime series, The Bridge, and The Listener. It’s no surprise networks are seeking frugality as advertising revenue goes down. However this all adds up, viewers who have increasingly beefed up their TV time here in the U.S. still get the best end of the deal…awesome programming.

Image: Newscom

Post from: FBI Dramas

Of note, Bruckheimer is set to executive produce a yet unnamed series that follows a team of amateur detectives who work on cases of unidentified victims..for ABC!

Written by Mark Friedman, this will be Bruckheimer’s first scripted series on ABC.

Some years ago, the network passed on CSI, and most recently pursued Bruckheimer and the FBI drama series, Eleventh Hour. Eleventh Hour of course ended up on CBS.

No doubt the folks in charge have come to regret that first decision, as the CSI franchise is highly popular. One reviewer has even referred to the series as being the cop show that conquered the world. It could be the third time’s the charm for ABC, and of course, we know the series has to be good. So far there’s no word of more details of this new detective series, or possible actors.

So what else has Mr. Bruckheimer been doing?  He’s been trolling MTV studios asking fans for a lead to play the Lone Ranger in a new film beside Johnny Depp as Tonto. He’s also produced a 3-D movie called G-Force, an adventure film about a covert government program aimed at training animals for espionage. Can you say Disney?

Image Via Newscom

Post from: FBI Dramas

Eleventh Hour’s

Can he be successful in helping Agent Young protect the passionate biophysicist, Dr. Jacob Hood (Rufus Sewell)?  We can’t wait to see. This new agent is tapped for at least three episodes so far.

Miller is also a director and writer. Some of his film credits include The Express with Dennis Quaid and Charles S. Dutton, and Things We Lost In The Fire with Halle Berry.

What Is Eleventh Hour?

Eleventh Hour follows Dr. Hood (Rufus Sewell) as he investigates scientific oddities as science advisor to the government. He is considered the last line of defense, and is therefore called in at the eleventh hour.

If you thought Fringe had some strange goings-on, wait until you see some of Eleventh Hour. From an entire family in California becoming paralyzed after eating breakfast, to a frozen body that won’t thaw in the LA sun, and finally, a case of secret government experiments gone horribly wrong, Eleventh Hour has more than a few oddities.

What’s unique is the human aspect of the show. Some series, in an effort to shock us, take a bit of the humanity from the crime victims. This is not the case with Eleventh Hour, and we are looking forward to next season. You can catch Eleventh Hour on Thursday nights at 10:00 PM on CBS!

Image: Newscom

Post from: FBI Dramas

Jerry Bruckheimer

So hasn’t this already been done, you may ask, with the old TV series, Miami Vice? Well, maybe, but HBO is known for its original and gritty programming. This series may prove to be Miami Vice on speed.

Bruckheimer is also the executive producer for CBS crime series, Eleventh Hour, and Cold Case. Notably, he’s producing a new drama fantasy starring Nicholas Cage, called The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. As an aside, it sounds like Mr. Cage is taking a break from portraying the guy who knows everything (National Treasure, Bangkok Dangerous, Next, etc.)…or is he?

Kudos for Mr. Bruckheimer taking a step in the 1980s Miami drug scene, and in the meantime, let’s hope the series is as influential as Vice was in its time.

Image: Newscom

Post from: FBI Dramas

Of course we expect that on CBS, Without A Trace, Criminal Minds and Numb3rs will continue its success on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday nights respectively. Notably, Criminal Minds and Numb3rs have both had some amazing guest stars, and we look forward to more of the same.

There is some speculation the police drama Flashpoint might figure into the mix. Also, the new murder mystery series, Harper’s Island might become a fixture on Thursday or Friday nights.

The science crime drama, Eleventh Hour currently airs on Thursday nights. If you haven’t seen this one, it’s definitely worth a look. From acclaimed producer Jerry Bruckheimer, it features a biophysicist/advisor to the FBI, and his watchful protector, a decorated FBI protection officer. In the series, scientific crimes and crises are investigated.

On Fox, Fringe will no doubt continue to reap huge rewards in viewership, especially with its fan following, and the prime spot of Tuesday night, right after House. Bones is still ever-popular, and 24 will be back in a big…big way!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.Net; Info Via Bloomberg

Post from: FBI Dramas

As noted this is nothing new, except what was once just a few foreign actors has now become a boatload. The reason behind the shift is economics, but as viewers, we just simply enjoy our stars.

So let’s see who some of these FBI drama stars are, what we like about them, and who is our favorite?

Anna Torv of Fringe – As Agent Olivia Dunham, she lends a fresh face to Fox’s new season line-up. She was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Notably, other foreign stars of Fringe include Joshua Jackson, and John Noble.

Anthony LaPaglia of Without A Trace - Portrays Senior Agent Jack Malone, leader of the New York Missing Persons Squad of the FBI. He was born in Adelaide, Australia, and lives in Los Angeles.

Poppy Montgomery of Without A Trace – As Agent Samantha Spade, she adds to the team’s success with her complex approach to investigation. She was born in Sydney, Australia, and lives in Los Angeles.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste of Without A Trace – She has a special insight into victim’s families. She was born in London, and lives in London and Los Angeles.

Other Crime Drama Stars We Love

Rufus Sewell of Eleventh Hour – Portrays a biophysicist and special science advisor to the government. He was born in Twickenham, England, and was raised in Wales and London, where he currently resides.

Simon Baker of The Mentalist - He portrays Patrick Jane, a man who uses his sharp skills of observation to solve crimes for the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Most of the cast of Flashpoint – This series is inspired by Toronto’s Emergency Task Force, and portrays the stories of a highly-skilled tactical team. Stars include Enrico Colantoni, Hugh Dillon, and Amy Jo Johnson.

Image ©2008 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: George Holz/FOX

Post from: FBI Dramas