A new cast of characters are being welcomed to USA Network’s ambitious development slate for the 2007/2008 season. Among them is an FBI team going undercover as a normal suburban family to solve a national security case; a woman who turns to crime solving after a life-threatening accident renders her fearless; and a top crisis negotiator who becomes a relationship counselor in New York City. Bolstering the “Characters Welcome” brand, a slate of five new pilot scripts was announced today by Jeff Wachtel, USA’s executive vice president, original programming.
“Our scripted series development continues USA’s mission to bring unique, powerful and engaging characters to life – something our audiences have come to expect from us,” said Wachtel. “Great characters, marketable concepts and an unprecedented commitment to quality these are what make our shows work.”
USA Network’s upcoming slate includes:
“The Negotiator” (working title)
From executive producer Donald De Line (“The Stepford Wives,” “The Italian Job”) comes “The Negotiator.” For ten years Archie Stark has been a top crisis negotiator for the FBI, averting disasters and saving lives with an unconventional, in-your-face style. But in the new, by-the-book FBI, Archie’s abrasive approach doesn’t have a place, and he finds himself without a job. So Archie puts his life-and-death problem solving skills to an even more difficult test: he becomes a relationship counselor in New York City. If he can diffuse a hostage situation, surely Archie can counsel a couple on the verge of a break-upif only it were that easy. Executive producer is Donald De Line. Writer is Stephen Falk.
“American Girl”
Cindy loves her comfortable life, living in Poughkeepsie and working at Wal-Mart. The only problem is people always take advantage of her and she has been too afraid to do anything about it. This all changes one day. While working as a greeter at Wal-Mart, Cindy accidentally gets shot in a robbery gone awry. She survives the shooting but it transforms her: Cindy suddenly has no fear. While fearlessness can be great when you need to stand up for yourself, it sometimes gets Cindy into precarious situations. She often mouths off to the wrong person, or follows someone who looks shady. She finds herself needing to face danger to escape her daily routine. Executive producer is Toni Graphia (“Battlestar Galactica,” “Roswell,” “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”).
“Family Values”
Most families don’t have a problem maintaining the image of a normal, happy household. But the Peytons have to try a little harder, because they’re not the average familyin fact, they’re not a family at all. They’re a team of FBI agents on an undercover assignment in the suburbs. The “teenage kids” are actually young-looking agents in their 20s; the loving Mom and Dad are ex-lovers. Forced to live together under one roof, the Peytons must solve cases involving national security while pretending to be the typical suburban family. From writer David Titcher (“Around the World in 80 Days”) and producer Kevin Brown (“Roswell”).
“The Oldest Rookie”
Steve Upstone is 43 years old and has a good life: an adoring wife, a wonderful family and a comfortable routine. But like a lot of people, Steve wants a new challenge and switches careers. Now Steve has to deal with a wife who thinks he’s crazy for trading his stable job for an annoying supervisor who’s younger than he is and a steep learning curve involving new rules and procedures in his new role asa police officer. In addition to juggling everyday life pressures, Steve must deal with being the oldest rookie on the force. Writer is Patrick Wiegers.
“Spying in High Heels”
Maddie Springer lives by a simple mantra: Fashion, Fashion, Fashion. In an effort to track down her missing boyfriend, Maddie realizes that her knack for fashion also serves another purpose: It makes her a great detective. Maddie’s uniquely female perspective helps her pick up clues, using her designer’s eye to discern tell tale shapes, colors and patterns, among other things. Along with her best friend Dana, an out-of-work actress, Maddie decides to open a detective agency operating out of her stepfather’s hair salon. Producer is Larry Shuman and Executive Producer/Writer is Sara Endsley.
