In this week’s episode of The Beast, Barker (Patrick Swayze) goes undercover in his old cover, Apache, to infiltrate a group of Latin drug dealers who are involved in the disappearance of a fellow agent. Lou Diamond Phillips guest stars as Capone, an undercover DEA agent who has been in deep cover for 4 years. In this short video above is a preview of Capone that features Lou Diamond Phillips.

Capone was in my opinion, the best episode of The Beast I’ve seen so far. The crux of the series is that Barker’s superiors have feared for sometime that he’s been undercover too long, and has become a dirty FBI agent.  Even in this episode, Barker’s boss reminds him that the last the time he slipped into is old cover, Apache, it took quite some time for them to “find Barker” again.

Here, Barker, who has more than a little experience in becoming immersed in a undercover persona, looks at Capone and sees himself, and what he could have become. Ellis (Travis Fimmel) meanwhile works the other end of the case as he is assigned to partner a detective that IAD believes knows something about the missing partner, Owens. Here Ellis is in his element, as he is able to gain the trust of this guy who is not only distraught about his partner missing, but also in his own role in the events.

Seeing Swayze and Phillips work the room as their characters was an amazing treat. Both actors portray bad really…really well. Phillips as the flawed DEA agent was amazing, and his portrayal of DEA Agent Fred Lopez aka Capone left me feeling overwhelmed and sad. His character had many layers.

Some of my favorite scenes were when Barker and Capone were both hanging out, each unknowing that they are really agents. Capone “orders” a couple of girls for them to party with, does some drugs, and suddenly becomes a little crazed as he starts playing with Apache’s knife with one of the girls. You didn’t really know what was going to happen in this scene, or how far Barker would go to protect his identity, and/or to protect the girl.

The ending was in some ways shocking for me, and it contained of my other favorite scenes. In them, you see how both Barker and Ellis are affected by their work. Ellis takes out his pain on a punching bag and wall, and Barker seeks solace in the love(?) of a woman (the hooker, Savannah) as he calls to see if she’s available.

Post from: FBI Dramas

Without A Traces character Martin Fitzgerald is getting an on-screen love interest. That lucky lady is actor Vanessa Marcil (General Hospital, Las Vegas). According to TV Guide, her character develops a deep love for Martin, but they must overcome a secret she’s been hiding. I wonder what it could be. Here’s a short video clip of Trace’s Agent Malone talking a guy back across the border:

Criminal Minds‘ writer Mark Bruner is featured in a Vienna Connection article about his work and first produced script, the latest episode called Bloodline. The episode is about a family of serial killers that live in a small Alabama town. Bruner describes himself as “…just your average nerdy kid”. The story of how he became a writer for the show is quite inspiring for those who have ever wanted to write for television, or just be a part of a cool FBI drama.

The Beast megastar Patrick Swayze has decided to write his memoirs for posterity. He’s been fighting pancreatic cancer, and starring in his new FBI drama series on A&E. His wife Lisa is also going to collaborate on his book. Although it hasn’t yet been picked up by a publisher, the book is sure to be a success.

CSI: Miami’s star Rory Cochran will be taking a bite out of 24 later in the season. He’ll portray a henchman of Jon Voight’s evil character on the show.

There’s confirmation that The Mentalist’s characters Jane (Simon Baker) and Lisbon (Robin Tunney) will not develop a love relationship anytime soon, and for now, their most wanted and evil suspect Red John will continue to be on the lam, according to the show creator, Bruno Heller.

Hat tip to Criminal Minds Fanatic

Post from: FBI Dramas

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

Dirty Dancing and FBI Drama star Patrick Swayze says in a Barbara Walters’ interview set to air on Wednesday that he may only have 2 years to live. According to Reuters, this is his first interview since being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year.

Swayze has a strong and realistic outlook about his chances for survival,  but also says in so many words that he’s not giving up without a fight. He also mentions that he plans to stay around until there is a cure.

January 15 is the series premiere date for his new A&E show, The Beast, in which he portrays an unorthodox yet hard-nosed FBI veteran with a past. His character is tasked with taking on a rookie partner who must learn the hard way that life as an undercover FBI agent is not all it would seem. What’s most intriguing is Swayze’s character as his mentor, and what makes him so edgy. We still wonder why the series is called The Beast. Whatever the reason, we know that Swayze will portray the character with all the heart and soul he’s known for bringing to all his acting projects.

Post from: FBI Dramas

Pancreatic cancer is a serious condition, but it seems Swayze, with the help of his doctors (and probably a lot of fan prayers) have put him in a favorable position to stem the tide.

Patrick has said in so many words that he is totally committed to this role, and “can’t wait to get to work…”, according to an email he sent to project reps. He’s also been working on his ranch while in recovery. What a guy.

In his first TV role, Swayze will portray an unconventional FBI agent and mentor to a “newcomer’ agent portrayed by Travis Fimmel. There is no change in the script, according to Zack Van Amburg, co-President of Sony’s television studio, because they felt they must be true to the story, which is amazing news for fans who have been drawn to this because of Swayze.

Notably, the series, The Beast, will be lensed in Chicago,and although Swayze will still continue his treatment regimen, network reps have noted they will not do anything to hinder his recovery, and that they believe in karma. It’s pretty cool when a network believes in karma. Were we all to believe it! You can read the article here at the N.Y.Times.

Image via Newscom

Post from: FBI Dramas