Two new summer series are launched thusly, from divergent sparks. One is Windfall; the other is Hex. One deals with how winning the lottery changes the lives of a group of loosely related people, while the other deals with how past occurrences change the future for one very conflicted young woman and possibly the world. Both have the potential to capture a loyal audience, but neither is remarkable in the way the “What if?” formula demands.
Windfall features a large cast of familiar faces, the most prominent being Luke Perry of Beverly Hills, 90210 fame. Unlike its more sophisticated, big-casted predecessor, Lost, the links between some characters are set early (married couples, friends, and co-workers), which helps the series feel like it has hit the ground running. Of course, not everything is what it seems. Greedy interlopers soon appear, and the happy yuppie couples are haunted by lingering desires for former lovers. This will surely lure soap fans, who seem to never tire of this “I’m with her/him, but really want you” dilemma. However, it’s the less connected characters that create the most interest: A nurse barely getting by, a single mother holding down too many jobs while going to school, and a quiet delivery man who turns out to have a shady past are the most interesting to this viewer. In reality, Windfall has someone for everyone to root for, whether it’s the teenage kid who makes a deal with a Russian bride to save her from life with a boorish, middle-aged suburbanite or the aforementioned soaped-up couples, the twists and turns this series will travel promise some agreeable summer viewing.
Not sure if that’s the case for Hex. This supernatural drama has the hallmarks of the classic girl-hero story: A comely blonde (Christina Cole as Cassie); a wacky best friend (Jemima Rooper as Thelma); trouble fitting in at school; and, most importantly, the discovery of supernatural powers. However, anyone hoping Hex would be a suitable successor to Buffy the Vampire Slayer is in for a sobering surprise. Instead of being destined to save the world, Cassie might be the key to its destruction – or at least to her own. To make matters, well, curious, Cassie is not particularly heroic and is borderline pathetic. Sure, most can relate to that teenage angst of wanting to fit in, but the cool kids Cassie wants to be accepted by are so vile and self-centered, it’s painful to watch her continue to seek their approval. While this view of teenage social anxiety is probably more true to life than Buffy, the overall grimness of the series – particularly in the plodding, two-hour pilot – makes Hex the antithesis to light, summertime fare.
Windfall airs Thursdays at 9pm on NBC; Hex airs Thursdays at 9pm on BBC America.
Get ready for your close-up
Music & Entertainment Television (ME TV) is expanding their programming by summer’s end and need more on-air talent. Open auditions will be held Saturday (June 17) at 501 N. I-35. Bring a recent photo or head shot and a résumé or bio. Auditions start at 10am.
Besides expanding programming and adding new talent, ME TV is moving. The former “dirty movie theatre” on Congress and Live Oak is currently being renovated. Got a brief walk-through last week. Though the dust hasn’t settled, and the studio is still a hard-hat area, several sales staffers have their offices up and running. A rooftop terrace provides a swell view of downtown Austin that ME TV Executive Producer Jacqueline Renee predicts will be put to good use. The parking lot south of the building, alongside Live Oak (split by a grassy island), begs for an outdoor concert come grand opening time, say, on a First Thursday? I’m just saying …
Upcoming premieres
Treasure Hunters, Sunday at 7pm on NBC: Teams search for treasure while learning about “a well-known American icon.” Sounds like The Amazing Race with a lesson plan. Blade: The Series, Wednesday, June 28, at 9pm on Spike TV. Sticky Fingaz stars in the title role with a female sidekick. America’s Got Talent, Wednesday at 7pm on NBC. What? Another talent show? Blame American Idol‘s Simon Cowell, the creator behind this new reality competition hosted by Regis Philbin. Judges are David Hasselhoff, Brandy, and Piers Morgan.
This article appears in June 16 • 2006.