Based on a BBC show written by Stephen Gallagher and starring Patrick Stewart, the American version of Eleventh Hour unfortunately only ran one season. When I reviewed the DVD release of the original I said that the new one didn’t quite measure up, and I have to stick by that, but that doesn’t mean that the new one isn’t still miles better than a lot of other television, or that it didn’t deserve to continue on.
Starring Rufus Sewell, on the short list of most underrated actors, as one of the world’s leading scientists who works for the government tracking down criminals who abuse science in ways few other people would understand, Eleventh Hour is an order of magnitude beyond your typical crime show. There’s investigating using science, and then there’s investigating using science, and this show is simply off in another world. Whether it’s cloning, bizarre viruses, or people with two hearts, if Dr. Hood gets sent in, we’ve moved into realms no one else wants to be involved with.
There’s a good deal more to the show than just the odd subjects of the cases though. As with the original, the show is carried by a strong lead playing a fairly unique character. Dr. Hood, often lost to his genius and firm moral convictions, is unlike anyone you’ve ever seen poking their nose around criminal activity. A bit eccentric, and in certain ways unable to protect himself (largely from himself), things have gone so far as to require he be assigned an FBI bodyguard. Well, people have tried to kill him.
The dynamic of having a genius, who rather bumbles along, and apparently has jurisdiction over anyone he might run into, makes for a different perspective in the way the episodes play out. The struggles with his bodyguard, Rachel Young (Marley Shelton), also offer for interesting diversions as Rachel is increasingly frustrated by Dr. Hood’s unwillingness to follow the simplest precautions. But, she’s not about to go the way of all those that have come before her, who were apparently driven off by Hood.
Though it only lasted 18 episodes, the show is a treasure which falls into the class of most disappointing casualties of the system. Truly a show which should have been given more of a chance, and a hell of a lot more marketing push (I mean, did you even know it was on?), this is one everyone should check out now that it’s available on DVD.
The 6-disc set is available exclusively through the WB Shop Website, and while the DVD has no special features, it doesn’t particularly need them.
Own it on DVD today!
Leave a comment below and include the word, “Win,” and you are automatically entered to win your very own copy. U.S. and Canada only. Winner will be selected at random Nov. 30th.
Check out a great clip below.
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Wow! This article rocks and it is nice to see that EH is being given some of the due it deserves. CBS should be ashamed that they ditched this gem. We actually have a campaign that is actively trying to get it back on TV, which I will leave as my website.
Thanks for the article. I agree with all you had to say about this wonderful series!
Oh, and WIN!
Wow! This article rocks and it is nice to see that EH is being given some of the due it deserves. CBS should be ashamed that they ditched this gem. We actually have a campaign that is actively trying to get it back on TV, which I will leave as my website.
Thanks for the article. I agree with all you had to say about this wonderful series!
Oh, and WIN!
Wow! This article rocks and it is nice to see that EH is being given some of the due it deserves. CBS should be ashamed that they ditched this gem. We actually have a campaign that is actively trying to get it back on TV, which I will leave as my website.
Thanks for the article. I agree with all you had to say about this wonderful series!
Oh, and WIN!
Sorry, the website for the Campaign did not show up. Any of you interested can find it here:
http://planet-hood.net/campaign
Sorry, the website for the Campaign did not show up. Any of you interested can find it here:
http://planet-hood.net/campaign
Sorry, the website for the Campaign did not show up. Any of you interested can find it here:
http://planet-hood.net/campaign
Dude, pick me for the win since I'm Canadian and can't buy the set through the WB site!
XP
Dude, pick me for the win since I'm Canadian and can't buy the set through the WB site!
XP
Dude, pick me for the win since I'm Canadian and can't buy the set through the WB site!
XP
I was disgusted by the lack of respect CBS showed this quirky little show. Such a plethora of talent wasted. Sewell was perfectly cast and loved his offbeat performances. Silly and serious when he had to be. Such a genuine and talented actor that was wasted. Shelton perfectly cast as well. Was a loyal viewer and was disappointed to see this show cancelled.
I was disgusted by the lack of respect CBS showed this quirky little show. Such a plethora of talent wasted. Sewell was perfectly cast and loved his offbeat performances. Silly and serious when he had to be. Such a genuine and talented actor that was wasted. Shelton perfectly cast as well. Was a loyal viewer and was disappointed to see this show cancelled.
I was disgusted by the lack of respect CBS showed this quirky little show. Such a plethora of talent wasted. Sewell was perfectly cast and loved his offbeat performances. Silly and serious when he had to be. Such a genuine and talented actor that was wasted. Shelton perfectly cast as well. Was a loyal viewer and was disappointed to see this show cancelled.
Mr. Eastman, thank you, thank you, thank you! So many 'critics' have overlooked or ignored this amazing series, it's great to finally see someone with half an once of sense commenting on it for a change. While I've already ordered and eagerly await my own DVD set, I wouldn't mind a chance to win another – I know several people that would be overjoyed to receive it for Christmas.
Meanwhile, the Campaign continues. Wish us luck, and may intelligent people prevail.
~ Sarah
Mr. Eastman, thank you, thank you, thank you! So many 'critics' have overlooked or ignored this amazing series, it's great to finally see someone with half an once of sense commenting on it for a change. While I've already ordered and eagerly await my own DVD set, I wouldn't mind a chance to win another – I know several people that would be overjoyed to receive it for Christmas.
Meanwhile, the Campaign continues. Wish us luck, and may intelligent people prevail.
~ Sarah
Mr. Eastman, thank you, thank you, thank you! So many 'critics' have overlooked or ignored this amazing series, it's great to finally see someone with half an once of sense commenting on it for a change. While I've already ordered and eagerly await my own DVD set, I wouldn't mind a chance to win another – I know several people that would be overjoyed to receive it for Christmas.
Meanwhile, the Campaign continues. Wish us luck, and may intelligent people prevail.
~ Sarah
Thank you so much for the nice article. Everything you said is so true. We fans are working hard to try to bring this show back to tv. I would love to WIN this dvd because I plan to wear the one I ordered out.
Thank you so much for the nice article. Everything you said is so true. We fans are working hard to try to bring this show back to tv. I would love to WIN this dvd because I plan to wear the one I ordered out.
Thank you so much for the nice article. Everything you said is so true. We fans are working hard to try to bring this show back to tv. I would love to WIN this dvd because I plan to wear the one I ordered out.
You're right. I did not even know this series existed. It sounds good, though…and I'd like to win a copy.
You're right. I did not even know this series existed. It sounds good, though…and I'd like to win a copy.
You're right. I did not even know this series existed. It sounds good, though…and I'd like to win a copy.
I'm a big fan of Roofy! Would love to WIN this as a nice Christmas present for a loved one… me!
I'm a big fan of Roofy! Would love to WIN this as a nice Christmas present for a loved one… me!
I'm a big fan of Roofy! Would love to WIN this as a nice Christmas present for a loved one… me!
Rufus Sewell really brought the character of Dr. Jacob Hood to life. I enjoyed this show, but Rufus' performance made it great! I would love to WIN so I could watch all my favorite Rufus scenes over and over again!
Rufus Sewell really brought the character of Dr. Jacob Hood to life. I enjoyed this show, but Rufus' performance made it great! I would love to WIN so I could watch all my favorite Rufus scenes over and over again!
Rufus Sewell really brought the character of Dr. Jacob Hood to life. I enjoyed this show, but Rufus' performance made it great! I would love to WIN so I could watch all my favorite Rufus scenes over and over again!
I miss this show, it should've gotten a second chance! I'd love to win it on DVD, then I wouldn't have to ask Santa for it!
I miss this show, it should've gotten a second chance! I'd love to win it on DVD, then I wouldn't have to ask Santa for it!
I miss this show, it should've gotten a second chance! I'd love to win it on DVD, then I wouldn't have to ask Santa for it!
Great show, should have been given a chance!!
Win!!
You win!
You win!
WIN