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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About Marc Eastman
Marc Eastman is the owner and operator of Are You Screening? and has been writing film reviews for over a decade, and several branches of the internet's film review world have seen his name. His reviews have brought him personal praise from the director of a major motion picture, and have been used as required reading in a course at a major University. These priceless rewards, along with just bags of cash, keep him from straying from freelance writing. He is also a member of The Broadcast Film Critics Association and The Broadcast Television Journalists Association.
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