In a universe where networks are scared to take risks with ‘fresh’ material over the ‘safer bets’ of known/recognizable stories of yesteryear, NBC‘s reimaginging of Wiseguy is at least interesting in that the original has serialized connections.
The Peacock will reboot a new take on Stephen J. Cannell’s 1980s cop series, Wiseguys, which will be written by Homeland‘s Alex Cary. The original version, featuring standout performances by Kevin Spacey and Jerry Lewis, followed an undercover cop named Vinnie Terranova who served a prison stint in order to deepen his cover. The new version will eschew that particular element by making the lead character a disgraced cop who cuts a deal to work undercover in return for a reduced sentence. Phew! And there I was thinking it would be an exact copy.
The original Wiseguy was noted for paving the way in introducing intricate serialized elements to a crime procedural, with each season comprising several story arcs.
Let’s hope that, at the very least, the reimagined NBC version has similar arc-related intent. The project has a script commitment with penalty, which means that if a pilot is not shot (i.e. the deal is scrapped) NBC will have to put their hands in their pockets and pay the producers $$$. Not always a guarantee that the pilot will get shot, but it makes it more likely. We’ll keep you updated on Wiseguy developments.
Source: Deadline
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Wow, what a blast from the past. This was one of my all time favorite shows back in the day, and it still stands out in my mind whenever I see Kevin Spacey. I was always saddened to know that Ken Wahl (who portrayed Vinnie Terranova) career was destroyed by substance abuse.
(Donnie Brasco does TV, again)
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