The big four American television networks have announced their new fall shows, and we’re in for a few surprises. Along with more forensic procedural spin-offs comes a crop of unlikely dramas. New twists on old favourites, supernatural thrillers, and post-war spies all have slots in the lineup. Here’s a look at some of the best (and strangest) network TV has to offer this year.
(Fox)
Constantine (NBC): John Constantine isn’t your average hero. This chain-smoking, foul-mouthed Brit has seen the worst of the world and lost his soul in the process, literally. NBC’s adaptation of DC Comic’s Hellblazer looks one part Supernatural and one part Buffy. Is there room in the market for another paranormal adventure? NBC has been taking chances on some unconventional dramas lately, but it’s hard to tell which will stick. Constantine is set to air on Friday nights, a cancellation hotspot. Still, it can’t be worse than Keanu’s crack at the character in 2005, can it?
Gotham (Fox): It’s Batman…without Batman. Fox is taking a page out of Frank Miller’s book (Batman: Year One to be exact) and jumping into the superhero genre. Ben McKenzie stars as rookie detective, James Gordon, the man who will become one of Batman’s closest allies. Gotham will give fans of the Dark Knight a glimpse into the city that created the Caped Crusader and some of his most devious villains. With Gotham, Arrow, The Flash, and Constantine all set to air this season, DC Comics is on course to change the way we think about superheroes.
Marvel’s Agent Carter (ABC): Don’t count Marvel out just yet. The other big name in comics is firing on all cylinders with its top grossing film franchises and the successful renewal of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Peggy Carter may have been Captain America’s love interest in the film series, but that’s no reason she can’t head her own franchise. Agent Carter expands the Marvel universe even further, taking us back to 1946, where Peggy must adjust to life after war, the marginalization of women, and working for a covert operation headed by Iron Man’s father. Hopefully Agent Carter can find some traction. We could use another great female character on television.
Emerald City (NBC): Yes folks, it’s time for another version of The Wizard of Oz. Dubbed as “not your grandmother’s Oz,” this adaptation will bring the tale of Dorothy Gale into the 21st century. After breaking into an underground facility, our protagonist (and a K9 police dog) is whisked way to a land filled with deadly soldiers, wicked witches, and dark magic. Dorothy must become a warrior and holds the fate of Oz in her hands. With the popularity of Wicked and Oz the Great and Powerful, it’s easy to understand why NBC has decided to bring Oz to the small screen. It’s just unclear if anyone will actually watch it.
Galavant (ABC): ABC, you have outdone yourself this time. From the network that brought you Once Upon A Time (a series that mashes together all of your favourite fairytale characters to a ridiculous degree and will never let you forget the power of true love), comes Galavant, medieval musical adventure. Yes, you read that right. Galavant in a singing, dancing, jazz hands musical. After losing his love to the evil King Richard, dashing hero (Joshua Sasse) is ready for revenge and in search of his happily-ever-after. This show is more Spamalot than Game of Thrones and if the trailer tells us anything it’s that they’re diving in head first. I can only assume that Galavant will be used as a mid-season replacement for the aforementioned Once Upon A Time. Musicals (excluding Glee) haven’t done very well in the past (I’m looking at you Viva Laughlin) but who knows? Maybe it’ll work. But please, do yourself a favour and watch the trailer. You won’t regret it.
