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graycardinalBy way of icepixie, herewith the pitch for Perihelion Race:
In 2038, we finally get our first message from aliens...and a countdown begins. Earth has five years to unite under a single worldwide government -- and to find the Perihelion Key, which when activated will confirm that government's standing in the interstellar community and grant it the technological resources necessary to maintain its authority over planetary affairs. According to the Lector, the sole official contact between Earth and the aliens, the Key has been hidden somewhere on Earth, and may take any form at any time. As might be expected, a desperate scramble promptly begins, but before long three frontrunners emerge in the bid for ultimate power. And oh, yes, there's a catch. If no one claims the Key before time runs out, it will self-destruct...and Earth will be vaporized.
Our stars:
For the United Nations:
Nathan Fillion as Adam McCarron
Claudia Black as Desdemona DeLisle
In the wake of the aliens' challenge, the UN is struggling to take a stronger role in managing the world's affairs. Meanwhile, the Secretary-General has quietly recruited two of the world's most talented undercover agents for the Perihelion Key quest. Adam McCarron, previously attached to Canadian intelligence (don't laugh or he'll hurt you, and he knows at least forty ways to do it without leaving visible marks) is the black ops specialist -- but while he can do the James Bond suave-and-debonair act well enough, he's much happier kicking back with a cheap beer, a hockey game, and a large scruffy dog lounging at his feet. DeLisle has been seconded from -- of all places -- the Vatican, and is one of the world's leading experts on "secret history"; she can tell you why 99% of the stories you hear about the Masons, the Templars, and the Rosicrucians are arrant nonsense, but if she finds out you know which 1% are for real, she may have to kill you. Unlike McCarron, she appreciates elegance and luxury, and doesn't hesitate to let him know it. She claims her deal with the Vatican includes a vow of celibacy (it doesn't, but she's not going to tell McCarron that -- or so she keeps telling herself), but the dictates of the spy game tend to push the alleged oath to its limits as often as not.
For the Consortium:
Wil Wheaton as Dr. Cole Caine
Amanda Tapping as Juliet Weiss
"The Consortium" is the nickname for a not-very-secret alliance between about a dozen of the world's wealthiest corporations, spearheaded by the reclusive multi-billionaire head of a leading software company (we'd name names, but they'd probably sue). They've retained their own talent in hopes of securing the Key -- not so much as a means toward absolute power, but on the theory that getting hold of all that nifty alien technology would be good for business. Dr. Caine has about six degrees, four in various hard sciences, one in linguistics, and one in Asian studies (!), and does most of his detective work electronically. Juliet Weiss is an unlikely-looking mercenary -- she's internationally known as a dancer and stage actress, but has simultaneously held down a second career as a cat burglar and (as rarely as possible) assassin. Much to her chagrin, Desdemona DeLisle is one of the few adversaries who's ever beaten her at a covert mission -- but though DeLisle and McCarron are well aware ofo Juliet's double life, there's never been enough evidence to justify the media uproar that would ensue if they tried to take her down publicly.
For the Cabal:
Avery Brooks as Raoul "the Djinn" Masada
Pauley Perrette as "Madame Siren"
There was no keeping the aliens' challenge from the general population -- but the secret of the Key's Armageddon factor was(mostly) kept under the radar. That said, it did leak to the worldwide terrorist community...about two-thirds of which was rapidly neutralized as various crime lords and would-be tyrants set their sights on the Key and were taken out by some combination of traditional military and intelligence operations, each other, and (in a few cases) direct intervention by the Referee. Such nasties as were left -- largely various drug cartels and a few organizations semi-covertly backed by unsavory Third World governments -- crystallized into the Cabal, a coalition formed specifically to seek and capture the Key. The Cabal's chosen agents are both supremely dangerous. The Djinn is a master tactician and ruthless killer, though his cruelty is masked by his urbane manners and his fondness for multi-stage deathtraps -- in most cases, he's miles away when his victims are shredded, steamrolled, or otherwise dramatically destroyed. And the equally deadly woman known as Madame Siren is a world-class chameleon, capable of impersonating nearly anyone and infiltrating nearly anyplace; even McCarron and DeLisle aren't sure of her true identity or appearance. But while the Djinn is in the game purely for power, the Siren's motives are murkier...and she seems oddly reluctant to kill either Juliet Weiss or Adam McCarron even when given the opportunity.
and
Jewel Staite as Epsilon (the Referee)
While the alien Lector watches the Perihelion Race from a starship stationed safely in high orbit (and defended by technology well beyond humanity's ability to penetrate unaided), the game isn't wholly without rules. Epsilon -- a synthetic intelligence in an artificially created human body -- is the Lector's authorized agent on Earth, bearing the official title of Referee. Her duties include observing searchers, dispensing the occasional clue, answering (or just as often, refusing to answer) questions about various aspects of life in the galaxy at large, and (very rarely) disciplining one team or another. While Epsilon professes total neutrality where the race is concerned, she seems distinctly unhappy when circumstances require her to rule in favor of the Cabal's efforts, and she occasionally supplies the obliquest of hints that the Key may not be entirely physical in nature. She is also either indestructible or reproducible, as she always reappears (with memory and personality intact) even when events suggest that she's been killed, blown up, or otherwise reduced to her component atoms. Dr. Caine and Desdemona have both theorized that Epsilon may be the Key, but the Referee has always replied "Not to my knowledge" when asked the question directly.
Some observations:
With this cast, I found myself resisting the idea of a space-based SF show (been there, done that!), a mystery/police show (no need to do Castle again), or a period piece (somehow, I can't quite justify either a costume drama or a Western here, even one with cross-genre elements). I also had some trouble figuring out how to connect my cast members. But then I started thinking about the spy genre, and specifically about a three-way conflict -- and once I added the alien hook, I had my premise.
On one hand, this would definitely be action/adventure with a touch of humor; at the same time, it's also meant to be thought-provoking and not without moral complexity. While I see the UN team as the main stars and "white hats", and the Cabal duo as the clear villains (Destro and the Baroness from the old G.I. Joe toons, anyone?), adding the Consortium team to the mix -- and making them as likeable as one can -- allows for shifting alliances and an extra layer of fireworks. And Epsilon is definitely meant to become more complex over the life of the series; there, I was thinking a bit of the old Gene Roddenberry pilot The Questor Tapes. Finally, if this were to go to series, I'd anticipate a recurring subplot or two involving attempts by other aliens to slip past the Lector and intervene in the quest, thereby allowing our heroes a chance to get their hands on bits of alien tech -- most of which Epsilon would cheerfully confiscate at the end of the relevant episode.
MEME RULES
So here's The Deal, should you choose to accept it:
You post a comment on this entry requesting to play. In return, I'll give you a list of seven actors. (I may look at your profile for a refresher on your fandoms, so consider this a perfect time to update your Interests section!)
Then you go back to your LJ and do a quickie show bible. The show bible includes:
A one-paragraph blurb on what the show is about (like you get in TV Guide) -- or a longer summary (nudge/wink/cough) if you're so motivated.
Descriptions of each actor's character (character names aren't required, but there should be enough detail to let us get to know our leads). OPTIONAL: if you choose to cast additional roles (thereby introducing more actors), feel free -- the more the merrier!
Finally, post The Deal at the end of your entry, and for anyone who comments on your post and wants to play, give them a list of seven actors.
icepixie, herewith the pitch for Perihelion Race:In 2038, we finally get our first message from aliens...and a countdown begins. Earth has five years to unite under a single worldwide government -- and to find the Perihelion Key, which when activated will confirm that government's standing in the interstellar community and grant it the technological resources necessary to maintain its authority over planetary affairs. According to the Lector, the sole official contact between Earth and the aliens, the Key has been hidden somewhere on Earth, and may take any form at any time. As might be expected, a desperate scramble promptly begins, but before long three frontrunners emerge in the bid for ultimate power. And oh, yes, there's a catch. If no one claims the Key before time runs out, it will self-destruct...and Earth will be vaporized.
Our stars:
For the United Nations:
Nathan Fillion as Adam McCarron
Claudia Black as Desdemona DeLisle
In the wake of the aliens' challenge, the UN is struggling to take a stronger role in managing the world's affairs. Meanwhile, the Secretary-General has quietly recruited two of the world's most talented undercover agents for the Perihelion Key quest. Adam McCarron, previously attached to Canadian intelligence (don't laugh or he'll hurt you, and he knows at least forty ways to do it without leaving visible marks) is the black ops specialist -- but while he can do the James Bond suave-and-debonair act well enough, he's much happier kicking back with a cheap beer, a hockey game, and a large scruffy dog lounging at his feet. DeLisle has been seconded from -- of all places -- the Vatican, and is one of the world's leading experts on "secret history"; she can tell you why 99% of the stories you hear about the Masons, the Templars, and the Rosicrucians are arrant nonsense, but if she finds out you know which 1% are for real, she may have to kill you. Unlike McCarron, she appreciates elegance and luxury, and doesn't hesitate to let him know it. She claims her deal with the Vatican includes a vow of celibacy (it doesn't, but she's not going to tell McCarron that -- or so she keeps telling herself), but the dictates of the spy game tend to push the alleged oath to its limits as often as not.
For the Consortium:
Wil Wheaton as Dr. Cole Caine
Amanda Tapping as Juliet Weiss
"The Consortium" is the nickname for a not-very-secret alliance between about a dozen of the world's wealthiest corporations, spearheaded by the reclusive multi-billionaire head of a leading software company (we'd name names, but they'd probably sue). They've retained their own talent in hopes of securing the Key -- not so much as a means toward absolute power, but on the theory that getting hold of all that nifty alien technology would be good for business. Dr. Caine has about six degrees, four in various hard sciences, one in linguistics, and one in Asian studies (!), and does most of his detective work electronically. Juliet Weiss is an unlikely-looking mercenary -- she's internationally known as a dancer and stage actress, but has simultaneously held down a second career as a cat burglar and (as rarely as possible) assassin. Much to her chagrin, Desdemona DeLisle is one of the few adversaries who's ever beaten her at a covert mission -- but though DeLisle and McCarron are well aware ofo Juliet's double life, there's never been enough evidence to justify the media uproar that would ensue if they tried to take her down publicly.
For the Cabal:
Avery Brooks as Raoul "the Djinn" Masada
Pauley Perrette as "Madame Siren"
There was no keeping the aliens' challenge from the general population -- but the secret of the Key's Armageddon factor was(mostly) kept under the radar. That said, it did leak to the worldwide terrorist community...about two-thirds of which was rapidly neutralized as various crime lords and would-be tyrants set their sights on the Key and were taken out by some combination of traditional military and intelligence operations, each other, and (in a few cases) direct intervention by the Referee. Such nasties as were left -- largely various drug cartels and a few organizations semi-covertly backed by unsavory Third World governments -- crystallized into the Cabal, a coalition formed specifically to seek and capture the Key. The Cabal's chosen agents are both supremely dangerous. The Djinn is a master tactician and ruthless killer, though his cruelty is masked by his urbane manners and his fondness for multi-stage deathtraps -- in most cases, he's miles away when his victims are shredded, steamrolled, or otherwise dramatically destroyed. And the equally deadly woman known as Madame Siren is a world-class chameleon, capable of impersonating nearly anyone and infiltrating nearly anyplace; even McCarron and DeLisle aren't sure of her true identity or appearance. But while the Djinn is in the game purely for power, the Siren's motives are murkier...and she seems oddly reluctant to kill either Juliet Weiss or Adam McCarron even when given the opportunity.
and
Jewel Staite as Epsilon (the Referee)
While the alien Lector watches the Perihelion Race from a starship stationed safely in high orbit (and defended by technology well beyond humanity's ability to penetrate unaided), the game isn't wholly without rules. Epsilon -- a synthetic intelligence in an artificially created human body -- is the Lector's authorized agent on Earth, bearing the official title of Referee. Her duties include observing searchers, dispensing the occasional clue, answering (or just as often, refusing to answer) questions about various aspects of life in the galaxy at large, and (very rarely) disciplining one team or another. While Epsilon professes total neutrality where the race is concerned, she seems distinctly unhappy when circumstances require her to rule in favor of the Cabal's efforts, and she occasionally supplies the obliquest of hints that the Key may not be entirely physical in nature. She is also either indestructible or reproducible, as she always reappears (with memory and personality intact) even when events suggest that she's been killed, blown up, or otherwise reduced to her component atoms. Dr. Caine and Desdemona have both theorized that Epsilon may be the Key, but the Referee has always replied "Not to my knowledge" when asked the question directly.
Some observations:
With this cast, I found myself resisting the idea of a space-based SF show (been there, done that!), a mystery/police show (no need to do Castle again), or a period piece (somehow, I can't quite justify either a costume drama or a Western here, even one with cross-genre elements). I also had some trouble figuring out how to connect my cast members. But then I started thinking about the spy genre, and specifically about a three-way conflict -- and once I added the alien hook, I had my premise.
On one hand, this would definitely be action/adventure with a touch of humor; at the same time, it's also meant to be thought-provoking and not without moral complexity. While I see the UN team as the main stars and "white hats", and the Cabal duo as the clear villains (Destro and the Baroness from the old G.I. Joe toons, anyone?), adding the Consortium team to the mix -- and making them as likeable as one can -- allows for shifting alliances and an extra layer of fireworks. And Epsilon is definitely meant to become more complex over the life of the series; there, I was thinking a bit of the old Gene Roddenberry pilot The Questor Tapes. Finally, if this were to go to series, I'd anticipate a recurring subplot or two involving attempts by other aliens to slip past the Lector and intervene in the quest, thereby allowing our heroes a chance to get their hands on bits of alien tech -- most of which Epsilon would cheerfully confiscate at the end of the relevant episode.
MEME RULES
So here's The Deal, should you choose to accept it:
You post a comment on this entry requesting to play. In return, I'll give you a list of seven actors. (I may look at your profile for a refresher on your fandoms, so consider this a perfect time to update your Interests section!)
Then you go back to your LJ and do a quickie show bible. The show bible includes:
A one-paragraph blurb on what the show is about (like you get in TV Guide) -- or a longer summary (nudge/wink/cough) if you're so motivated.
Descriptions of each actor's character (character names aren't required, but there should be enough detail to let us get to know our leads). OPTIONAL: if you choose to cast additional roles (thereby introducing more actors), feel free -- the more the merrier!
Finally, post The Deal at the end of your entry, and for anyone who comments on your post and wants to play, give them a list of seven actors.
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Date: October 25th, 2010 06:11 pm (UTC)Which sort of makes McCarron and DeLisle my take on John Steed and Mrs. Peel, I suppose. Although making my Steed character gleefully scruffy in private appeals to my sense of irony.