Here is the fifth and final part of a look at some of the genre pilots currently in production for each of the major networks. (Thanks to Blastr for some of the background information!) Looks like the CW is continuing to operate according to form:
AWAKENING
Stars: Brian Hallisay (Priviledged), Lucy Griffiths (Robin Hood), Meredith Hagner (Lights Out) and Lost’sTitus Welliver.
Log Line: Two combative sisters “come of age amid the beginning of a zombie uprising.” From partners Bill Laurin and Glenn Davis (The Listener). David Van Ancken (The Vampire Diaries) directs the pilot.
I’ve said it many times: I really find zombies boring. Nothing about this premise sounds remotely interesting to me.
HEAVENLY
Stars: Lauren Cohan (The Vampire Diaries, Chuck), Ben Aldridge, Elizabeth Ho and Ryan Eggold (90210)
Log Line: The series revolves around a San Francisco attorney who teams up with a former angel in an effort to save their clients and their clients’ souls. Created by Richard Hatem (The Gates, Supernatural), with Robert Doherty (Medium, Tru Calling) and Ross Fineman executive-producing. Mimi Leder (Deep Impact) directs the pilot.
I love Lauren Cohen, and Richard Hatem has created some fairly interesting shows over the years. But they also tend to be shows with interesting ideas but inconsistent execution, and given the limited open slots in the CW schedule, I’d rather Cohen just continue making my favorite shows better through targeted guest appearances.
SECRET CIRCLE
Stars: Britt Robertson (Scream 4), Thomas Dekker (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Jessica Parker Kennedy (Smallville) and Phoebe Tonkin
Log Line: Adapted from the book trilogy Secret Circle by L.J. Smith, the story follows a California teen named Cassie Blake who moves to her mom’s hometown of New Salem, Maine, and discovers that she comes from a family of witches. Created by Andrew Miller (Ball & Chain), with Kevin Williamson (The Vampire Diaries) executive-producing and Liz Friedlander (The Vampire Diaries) directing the pilot.
“The Vampire Dairies” is surprisingly good, and this premise (from the same author) sounds like a close cousin that would be equally easy to adapt into a solid series. It might even work in the “Buffy”/”Angel” vein as companion shows with crossover potential. Of the three CW genre pilots, this one sounds the most promising.