by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
There are four reasons for subscribing to Showtime–the penetrating drama Brotherhood, the dark comedy Weeds, the demented but fascinating Dexter, and now a new eight part miniseries Sleeper Cell: An American Terror, which is a sequel to last summer’s Emmy award winning drama.
Based on the high quality production values and acting on the first Sleeper Cell, I’m thrilled by the production of a new anti-terrorist series which mirrors real life, when terrorist sleeper cells are activated to execute preplanned terrorist events. True, we haven’t had major terrorist event on American soil since 9/11, thanks to the real life FBI and CIA agents working to thwart the cells’ action. Like real life, Sleeper Cell’s undercover FBI-agent Darwyn al-Sayeed, played by Michael Ealy is deep into the terrorist organization. Many FBI assets are quietly working undercover to stop these sleeper cells from following through with their attacks.
This exciting and suspenseful series showcases a stellar cast and exemplary script writing. One could compare it to 24, but it’s much more complex in tone and mood. Its cast is more realistic, than superhero Jack Bauer’s death defying antics. In SC, main characters die and terrorists sometimes win as the story arc progresses. In fighting terrorists, antiterrorist agents have to be right a hundred percent of the time, but terrorists need only be right once. In other words, the odds are in their favor.
The main cast are experienced actors with heady credentials. Henri Lumbatti plays Bosnian terrorist Ilja Korjenic. He escaped capture during the failed terrorist attack at Dodger Stadium in last season’s finale. Omid Abtahi plays Iraq-born terrorist Salim. He is new to the series. Salim is an electrical engineer and an expert at building rocket launchers. Kevin Alejandro is a former L.A. gang member turned terrorist Benny Velazquez. Benny converted to Islam in prison where he met Darwyn. When he was released from prison, he joined a radical mosque, where Darwyn keeps a close watch on him. This connection launches a new cell.
The women in this series are tough, gorgeous, and intelligent. Thekla Reuten plays Mina, a new Dutch terrorist and munitions expert. She was once caught up in prostitution, but she was converted to Islam by a friend who turned her into an extremist. Melissa Sagemiller plays Darwyn’s girlfriend, Gayle Bishop. She learned of Darwyn’s real identity when he saved her son’s life in last season’s finale. As a single mom, she tries to convince Darwin to take a less dangerous job. But she supports him, knowing that he is saving lives.
This absorbing series features a worthy villain, terrorist mastermind Faris al-Farik played skillfully by Oded Fehr. Caught by the FBI, he’s being interrogated in a secret U.S. prison. Farik is moved to a secret prison in Saudi Arabia where he’s tortured. Of course, Al-Qaeda is planning a rescue operation to free al-Farik. Now that he is located in Saudi Arabia, Al-Qaeda has a shot at grabbing him back.
The settings shift from Los Angeles to Saudi Arabia to Sarajevo, giving the series an international overview, with rapidly building tension. Darwyn risks his life every minute of every day as he delves deeply into the cell’s plans. The first Sleeper Cell was riveting and an important television event for Showtime. Now, on Sunday, December 10th 9:00 pm, the new series launches with eight episodes over eight consecutive nights. However, after the debut episode airs, all eight episodes will be available on Showtime’s On-Demand so one can record them on DVR for future viewing.
This new SC series again proves that all the best writing is in television. With many noteworthy shows, Showtime is the new HBO in terms of high quality production across the board. The first Sleeper Cell set new high standards of production, writing, and acting. Now we are treated to another eight episodes.
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