The Beast, starring Patrick Swayze and Travis Fimmel , will premiere on A&E network on January 15, 2009. This reviewer just got a chance to view an advance copy of the premiere episode and was impressed with the acting, story and photography.
Filmed on location in Chicago, often in the dark of night, the show had a shadowy look that reflected the gray, wintery Chicago winter and the smoke and mirrors of the story itself. Patrick Swayze, who has been battling pancreatic cancer, looked rugged but his face was filled with intensity and character.
The Beast
The Beast is the story of two FBI agents who are partnered in Chicago. Patrick Swayze portrays Charles Barker, the unorthodox but effective agent with years of experience. Barker mentors his new partner, Ellis Dove, who is portrayed by Travis Fimmel.
Fimmel looks like he could be Swayze’s younger brother, or his son. The two actors have similar builds, coloring and face shapes.
The Beast is the FBI, who devours the agents who work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Barker is a brilliant agent whose unorthodox methods make him a subject of suspicion to his superiors.
The Beast Episode One
Charles Barker manipulates situations as he takes his young partner under his wing and pushes Dove to delve deeper into his secret identity, teaching him to act out the assigned role. Dove has to sharpen his skills to keep up with his older partner, who forces him to think on his feet.
Dove first thinks that Barker is a jerk, as the gruff agent doesn’t mince words and is often rude. As the two work together, the rookie starts to respect and trust Barker.
In the series premiere, the gruff veteran and the rookie get to know each other while taking on an arms dealer operating in the City of Chicago. Dove sharpens his skills and comes to learn that working for The Beast requires the sacrifice of normal relationships. The rookie faces an even bigger challenge at the end of the episode, when he is approached by FBI Internal Affairs who tell him that they feel that Barker has gone rogue and they try to enlist him as a double agent.
Cast of The Beast
- Patrick Swayze as Charles Barker
- Travis Fimmel as Ellis Dove
- Larry Gilliard Jr. as Ray – a fellow FBI agent
- Lindsay Pulsipher as Rose Lawrence - Dove’s neighbor and love interest
- Kevin O’Connor as Conrad - FBI Control Agent
The Beast Series Premiere on A&E
The Beast is an original drama on A&E Network. The series premieres on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 10 ET/PT.
Patrick Swayze an Impressive Acting Career
Exclusive Interview: Travis Fimmel of The Beast
