Frank Darabont LA NOIR Nears Sale to TNT

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When it comes to cable TV drama talent, Frank Darabont is like the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Yes, he is sometimes difficult to work with. And yes, he has a bottomless wealth of human misery – at least in his shows. But the man contains more Emmy gold and nuclear-fueled ratings than can be denied.

Find that metaphor a stretch? Here’s another stretch: TNT might not buy Frank Darabont’s crime drama, L.A. Noir.

“What?” you say, “That’s madness!” And, indeed, it is, but everybody at the network is still pretending there’s a slim likelihood of that happening. Reports have it that the L.A. Noir pilot episode is yet to be screened to the TNT executives. Until that happens, nothing is certain.

Just like, you know, science says that the Earth’s magnetic field might, suddenly and without warning, shift, thereby dooming us all.

So, sure, TNT, act like you are really performing due diligence on the star-studded, already-hyped flagship show from the creator of The Walking Dead, The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile. We’ll all continue to play along and wonder whether you’ll pick up such a hot commodity, or whether it just won’t measure up to your current banner show, Rizzoli & Isles.

This is all to say, I think we can mark our calendars for Mickey Cohen, Chief Parker, and the rest of the rogue’s gallery from Los Angeles’ most wild and glamorous time to show up on TNT. Considering that the network is set to renew Dallas despite a lukewarm reception, it’s safe to say that TNT will crave that Frank Darabont magic, even if the pilot of L.A. Noir is as pitiful as Chicago Blue.

In Hollywood, a name is 90% of success, and Frank has a top-tier moniker. Next month will be the true telling point, but come next year – mark my words – we’ll see L.A. Noir slated filling a slot once occupied by Franklin & Bash or Falling Skies.

Provided, of course, the magnetic field shift of Earth doesn’t kill us all.