By Trevor Fik (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: June 24, 2011
While it is still far too early to be heralding in the end of long days and warm weather, it is reassuring to know that at the end of the summer the inevitabvle seasonal hangover that follows will be softened by the long list of blockbuster television series the studios have arranged for our consumption.
Upfronts, which studios use to gain advanced revenue by giving advertising executives a preview of what their fall lineup has to offer, has given audiences a sneak preview at what new programming each channel will offer come this fall.
If the upfronts are any indication, this season of television, amongst other things, will be remembered and characterized by its blockbusters. Leading the charge are such shows as JJ Abram-produced Alcatraz and the Steven Spielberg-produced Terra Nova.
Anybody who was obsessed with Lost as I was, or who enjoyed this summer’s sleeper blockbuster hit Super 8 will recognize producer-director JJ Abrams. Abrams, who has enjoyed monumental success on both the big and small screen, will be in the involved once again in the thriller-mystery Alcatraz. Though it will not premier until mid-season on FOX, Alcatraz takes place decades after the inhabitants of the famous San Francisco penitentiary have vanished. The show follows one such criminal who has returned, onlyh to embroil others in the secrecy and cover-up that has characterized that famous prison.
The show stars Sam Neil (Jurassic Park), Sarah Jones (Sons of Anarchy), and Lost‘s own Jorge Garcia. While the plot reeks of classic Abrams, one concern is that the show may just turn into Lost: Prison Edition, according to The Los Angeles Times. If this is the only thing that prevents viewers from tuning in, however, it is hardly one of the greatest problems in the history of television.
Abrams’ name alone will bring in those who are curious to see if the esteemed producer-director can repeat the success of Lost, while the name brand recognition of Alcatraz will trap viewers expecting a documentary on the American landmark, only to emerge hours later craving to know what happens next. Abrams has a way of making you cry out in frustration at his lack of giving anything away, only to have you come crawling back a week later desperate to know what is going on.
Another television show with blockbuster potential, and an even bigger name behind it, is the fantasy adventure Terra Nova. This prehistoric drama takes place after inhabitants of Earth’s desolate futuer have travelled back in time thousands of years to re-colonize the world.
With the famed Steven Spielberg producing, the expected dinosaurs, aliens, and action/adventure that have characterized his movies will define this series.
Just one look at the preview online and it is evident the network has pulled out all the stops on this one. With stunning cinematography, and enough action and excitement to get any television aficianado’s heart pumping, Terra Nova provides intrigue and excitement above and beyond most other teleivision programming.
Fortunately for viewers, these two shows are just the tip of the iceberg for television this upcoming season. Next issue I will look at the Jonathan Nolan-written Person of Interest, NBC’s Grimm (think Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Supernatural), CBS’s A Gifted Man, and ABC’s Once Upon a Time.
