It's been over a year and a half since we first learned of a show called Morton. Since then, Frank Spotnitz' latest project transformed into Nemesis and finally landed as Hunted. The UK based series premieres tonight on BBC1 at 9pm. In the U.S., it will premiere in two weeks on Cinemax at 10pm on Friday, October 19th.
If you haven't been following the show's production though, here's why you should watch:
The obvious reasons. This is Frank Spotnitz's very own television show. He was one of the most important figures in shaping The X-Files, so why wouldn't you want to see more of his work? He is just as important to Mulder and Scully as David and Gillian are, and now we have the opportunity to see his ideas come to life in his favorite genre. Not to mention that Frank has always supported the X-Files fandom.
Now to the show itself. Sam Hunter is a female Jason Bourne. She's got a dark and complex past and has channeled that into espionage. But which side is she on? Good or evil? See, that's the thing...we don't know. And neither does Sam. She works for a private security company, Byzantium, so she serves the agendas of anonymous clients. Not surprisingly, this leads to hightened danger, intrigue, and action. But Hunted isn't just explosions and shooting.
As you would expect, there is a great deal of depth to Sam Hunter, as well as the series. In Frank's own words:
Spies live in a world of deceit and distrust. Their stories externalize our deepest fears. By design, Hunted plays on these fears in the most intimate way I could imagine.
And if you've been paying attention to the marketing of the series, you've probably noticed the connection to Occupy Wall Street and the 1%. You can read more on the show's social commentary in Frank's blog and this interview.
For many of us, watching The X-Files made us realize that television could be more more than just entertainment. It can explore some of the most interesting and darkest ideas and problems facing people and society. So if you're in the UK, settle in this evening with Hunted. And US Philes, make sure to mark your calendars for October 19th because you're not going to want to miss Sam Hunter's debut.