This year is shaping up to be a promising year for television fans, who likely had their appetites whetted after January ushered in the new year with an intriguing array of series premieres. Among the return of old favorites was the unveiling of IFC’s latest miniseries, “The Spoils of Babylon” on Jan. 9, which has been highly, rated among critics.
Will Ferrell, one of the show’s producers, is also among the A-list cast which features Tobey Maguire (“Spiderman”), Kristin Wiig (“Date Night”), and Jessica Alba (“Good Luck Chuck”). The show’s quirky plot follows a wealthy oil family on the rise from humble beginnings through major wars, risqué love tangles, and family rivalries. Classified as a comedy, “The Spoils of Babylon” appears more like a melodramatic satire with blatant overtones reminiscent of the famous ‘80s soap-opera, “Dallas.”
February also holds an array of new premieres sure to impress viewers, as many homebound couples and Netflix fans affirmed after the Valentine’s Day release of season two of “House of Cards.” A suspenseful political drama laced with dark humor, “House of Cards” is a Netflix original series starring Kevin Spacey (“Pay it Forward”) and Robin Wright “Forrest Gump” as a string-pulling White House power couple. Spacey and Wright give sterling performances in the roles that one almost hates to love. Critics were infatuated after the release of the first season, which entailed twisting plot devices and some surprising double-dealing. Season two proves no less enthralling, although with considerably more under-handed scheming and butchery.
Viewers not subscribed to Netflix can tune in on March 9 to ABC’s new fantasy drama series “Resurrection.”
The anticipated series stars Omar Epps (“House”), Frances Fisher (“The Lincoln Lawyer,”) and Kurtwood Smith (“That 70’s Show”) among others as inhabitants of a small town in which deceased loved ones have begun to return from the dead. The trailer for “Resurrection” found on ABC’s website shows the emotional reunion of a couple and their 8-year-old son who died 30 years prior. The premise for the show brings to mind “The 4400,” which previously aired on CBS and followed the lives of a selection of people impacted after their loved ones, some absent for decades, return to them as if no time has passed.
Whether their preference is funny, suspenseful or emotional, viewers are certain to have something to look forward to with a full year of entertainment ahead.