Travis Fimmel and Patrick Swayze of “The Beast” -Image © 1996-2009 A&E Television Networks. All Rights Reserved

After watching Patrick Swayze and Travis Fimmel on A&E’s new FBI drama series, The Beast, I left feeling a little beat down, only because there are many elements present in the story that we’ve seen in other crime drama series. Although I love Swayze’s performance, and even his handsome partner. I’m hoping the show gets better.  As for his performance, I think it’s the best I’ve ever seen him. Swayze portrays gritty, dark, irritated (and dare I say dirty?) like we’ve never seen.

Swayze portrays Charles Barker, a veteran FBI agent with attitude. In this debut episode, called “Pilot”, he deals with a rookie partner, a sister who’s husband had gotten involved in something related to secret files, and the sale of a rocket launcher to the big bad Russians. Unbeknownst to him, there is also a secret investigation of his activities by a creepy group of agents who have the unique ability to quietly show up on the L train and scare the bejeesus out of you.

Fimmel’s portrayal as Ellis Dove, the rookie agent, lent a bit of sunshine to the story, but not much. He seems to have some issues of his own when it comes to his new partner. Was Dove trained well enough at the academy? Who is to say. He did almost get killed at the outset of the episode. We also know that he has a brother he ignores, is completely loyal to his new partner, and somehow is able to channel semi-normal when it comes to the sweet young thing (Rose) that lives in his building.

My only other request is for less attention to the soundtrack. For those of you thinking about doing deep-cover work for the FBI, think again. Between the beast that devours you (the job itself), the Chicago atmosphere,  and those exceptionally crazy characters with which you have to deal (the disturbed Black guy who smokes meth and recites his own poetry…), riding with the beast is not for the faint of heart. Catch the new episodes of The Beast on A&E, on Thursday nights at 10/9c.

Post from: FBI Dramas