Image Credit: Chris Haston/NBCOne of this fall’s most intriguing new dramas is NBC’s Undercovers, a Hart-to-Hart type spy series featuring Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw in the title roles of Steven and Samantha Bloom. The show is noteworthy because it highlights the network’s commitment to diversity (the leads are both black). It also comes from the auspices of J.J. Abrams, the uber-producer of Lost, Fringe and Alias.
That’s probably why an Italian website thought it newsworthy, albeit random, to post the first 20 pages of the Undercovers pilot script. IlPost tries to play it safe by saying “we have reasons to think it is the real thing” but the script, which includes the preface “the pace of this series is intended to be unusually, almost unspeakably, fast,” appears genuine. And the pages do set up the premise of Undercovers, which is about two ex-CIA spies – now married – who are reinstated when a fellow spy goes missing. The pilot was written by Abrams and Josh Reims (Dirty Sexy Money) and also stars Gerald McRaney (Deadwood).
Any news involving an Abrams show seems to be a hot commodity on Italian websites these days. Last month, the site Macchianera.net posted six pages from the Lost finale and the final call sheet. Other than in name, Abrams wasn’t involved in the series finale. Given the ilPost story, however, Abrams may want to go undercover himself to see if he’s harboring an Italian mole at Bad Robot, his production company. Sadly, Warner Bros. – which is producing Abrams’ drama for NBC – isn’t commenting.
NBC will air Undercovers from 8-9 p.m. on Wednesdays this fall.
For more on Undercovers:
Fall TV: 10 rookie shows Ken Tucker wants to see
At the NBC Upfront: Trying to make you forget 2009 ever existed, mostly with ‘sex-pionage’
How could they possibly care about this script that much? Even if it turns out great? Its not like its some proven hit or even a secret-twist type show. I am sort of a JJ fan, but this just seems kind of a tired plot for him. Alias was great for two seasons but then totally went off the rails. Felicity, never really a fan of, and Lost – not really a JJ show after the pilot, right?
I’m glad someone agrees with me that Alias went off the rails after two seasons. First plots and twists were great, but later I just stopped carrying. I loved Felicity and Lost though. I would prefer if JJ did another adventure series instead of spy series.
those leads, im not sure tv is ready for them. i saw a preview it’s a bit weird.
This is 2010, not 1976. There are more minorities in tv now.
but not nearly as many as there should be, IMO. how many shows have an african american lead, let alone two? that’s the main reason i hope this show succeeds, honestly, because it could help get more minority-led shows on the air.
We had the Huxtables in the 1980s, so I think tv can handle another black couple in leading roles.
ditto and with most of the new fall series coming out, there doesn’t seem to be too much diversity.. Can’t wait for Hawaii 5 O
Well, given the fact that many thought Kiefer Sutherland was a “weird” choice for the character Jack Bauer before 24 aired in 2001, being “weird” seems to be a good thing.
I am ready for them. And I will watch, first because it is a JJ Abrams project and although Alias completely lost me in S1, and Felicity after S3 I think (I did stay after the haircut for a bit), I have been fans of most of his shows. Second, because I am not familiar with the actors, I am a fan of spy shows and although the premise has been done, I am ready to see some new faces on t.v. and this looks like fun. Old premise, new faces, I am there.
Couldn’t agree more. Also, why ruin it?
I am a spoiler lover, i can’t help it!
I read the 20 pages and they are great! I hope to fit this show into my schedule in the fall!
Like the guy, not the girl. But I do love Abrams!
Has the makings of a big hit. I’m glad NBC is trying out a USA style show. The woman was very good on Doctor Who as Martha Jones sister. She and Boris Kodjoe and Gerald McRaney have good chemistry.
Ah, she was Martha’s sister in Dr. Who, I did not recognize her. Now one more reason to watch. I vaguely remember her.
Spoiler alert! The missing CIA agent is in purgatory.
Its not purgatory! lol
Love JJ so looking forward to this. (while I wait for his movie)
I am hoping for SOMETHING amazing this fall because the loss of Lost leaves a smoke monster sized hole in my heart (and tv schedule).
There’s also The Event from 24 Executive Producer Evan Katz.
I read the Lost-6-page script … well after the finale aired … and it was part of THE script for the finale … so I am sure this will be the same case … why its happening, not sure … there’s definitely a mole around the production team … gotta print this one too … maybe read it and wait for the show to start in the fall …
The trailer for the show is sexy, sexy, sexy. This is my new favorite show and it hasn’t even aired yet.
Yes, Yes, African American (Black Actors) in the lead roles it’s about time. We get to the the Exotic Skin Tone & Exotic Feature of a Black Woman ervery week..
this made me vomit from it’s offensiveness
Yes we get to see a Black Woman in the lead with her real broze brown exotic skin tone, exotic features, real full lips, curves,exotic curly hair texture. Black Women were Blessed with Exotic Everything. And people are jealous of them.
As a black person myself I have to laugh at some of these comments regarding the “wonderful exotic black woman beauty” thing. Truth is the lead black female is the typical type of black female that Hollywood has used forever : light-skinned with somewhat European facial features as well as the type of hair that most black women don’t possess. This type of female is just as “exotic” in the black community as in the white community. Been there, done that. Its actually Boris, as an attractive and light skinned black leading man, who is more of a rarity in Hollywood than Samantha.
Wow! African Americans in The Karate kid. Jaden Smith Will & Jada Smith Kid. and know Black actors in the lead for this drama Undercover!! Blacks Rule
RATS !!!
great show at datingsugarmommies