As we previously reported, True Blood creator Alan Ball has been developing a series called Banshee that, at the time, was being pitched to HBO and Cinemax. Now Cinemax has officially picked up the series for a ten-episode first season order. To Alan Ball fans everywhere: now is the time to jump around hooting and hollering for joy. There wasn’t any doubt Ball’s series would be picked up given his success with True Blood, but it’s still fun to get excited about these kinds of announcements.
Criminal Complex pointed to the drama’s pick up, comparing it to a mish mash of Walking Tall and A History of Violence. Banshee will follow an ex-convict and thief of extraordinary skill as he impersonates the sheriff of Banshee, PA. Using his new identity to his advantage, the thief continues his life of crime while being hunted by mysterious gangsters he double-crossed years earlier. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m glad this is a far cry from vampires, werewolves and anything else supernatural. It’s just a straight up drama.
The series is being executive produced by Ball with Jonathon Tropper (This Is Where I Leave) and David Schickler (Kissing in Manhattan) as writers. Greg Yaitanes (House) has signed on to direct the first episode, which should give it the oomph it’ll need to secure an audience. My interest is certainly piqued, mainly because of the premise. I have very little love for Bell. As long as this doesn’t suffer from the same flaws as True Blood, I’m sure I’ll like it just fine.
