by Chris Lovato
“It’s a miracle.”
Although people differ in their beliefs on what happens after we die, there’s a common thread that unites quite a few lines of thinking: resurrection. The idea of people coming back from the grave has persisted for centuries, but what if it happened in this day and age? That’s the question Aaron Zellman and ABC are trying to answer with a new series for the spring premiere season, Resurrection.
When Immigration and Customs agent Martin Bellamy finds Jacob Langston a long way from home in China, his questions about how the boy got there soon become replaced when he takes the boy home to Arcadia, Missouri. While his parents are happy to see their son again, Bellamy finds out that it’s impossible for Jacob to be there; he drowned in the river close to their house 32 years prior. As the agent investigates the real circumstances behind Jacob’s untimely demise, another resurrection rocks the town; that of Caleb Richards, father of a girl who was present when Jacob drowned. Amid the wonder and joy of this phenomena grows the fear that something might be wrong with the people that came back, and the ever-present why? And how?
ABC brings a mix of vetted and fresh talent to this new venture, and rounding off the top is a big-hitter, Omar Epps (E.R., House, M.D.). He fits into the role of someone coming to grips with the “miracle” very well, and he brings a strong lead to drive the story forward; it’s as much Bellamy’s story as it is Arcadia’s. Kurtwood Smith of That ’70s Show fame and Frances Fisher (Rose’s mother, Ruth, in Titanic) play Jacob’s parents, and it’s refreshing to see Smith as a father who isn’t constantly threatening to cram a foot up his son’s…well, you know. (He still doesn’t tolerate any nonsense, though!) Fisher steps into a mother who wants to appreciate the gift her family’s been given, even though she doesn’t comprehend it, and you find her sadness resonating in you while she’s on screen. This series marks the introduction of Landon Jimenez, who shines as Jacob, an intrepid youth who later starts to show signs of…something else after his resurrection. Rounding out the main cast is a variety of actors with quite the background. Devin Kelly (The Chicago Code) is Dr. Maggie Langston, Matt Craven (NCIS) is Arcadia’s sheriff Fred Langston, Mark Hildreth (The Tudors, V) is Jacob’s childhood friend-turned-pastor Tom Hale, Sam Hazeldine (The Raven) is Caleb Richards, the second person resurrected, and Samaire Armstrong (The Mentalist) is Caleb’s daughter.
In a surprising turn, ABC forgoes any serious CGI in favor of a character and plot-driven story, and the sets are what you’d expect for a small town in Missouri; however, the effort put into the storylines is very apparent through everything in the show.
Although the residents of Arcadia have yet to figure out what happened in their town, you’ll definitely have a good time trying to figure it out with them. With the end of Once Upon a Time in Wonderland and the big shows drawing to their seasons’ close, ABC’s stepped up to the plate to give us something to get through the summer hiatus (or, at least, something to stave off the withdrawals until the fall season picks up).
Catch Resurrection Sundays at 9 p.m./8 p.m. Central on ABC. Watch episodes and learn more about the show on their website.
Check out other TV reviews in out TV section.
0 Comments