Christian Slater Spies NBC Spy Series

Christian Slater by Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com The star of such movies as Broken Arrow, Heathers and the one with the baboon heart may be headed to the smaller screen. Sources tell the Reporter that NBC is close to ordering a series starring Christian Slater as a suburban dad who comes to realize, Jekyll-and-Hyde style, that he possesses a secret alter ego who is a top-echelon spy. The as-yet-untitled drama (may I suggest "Mr. & Mr. Bourne"?) was first developed years ago for Fox by writer-producer Jason Smilovic (Kidnapped, Lucky Number Slevin), and would mark Slater's first regular TV series gig. What's your take? Actor with film cred meets promising premise? Leave a Comment
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Posted by TV Guide Staff Mar 14, 2008 8:55 AM Report Abuse

I'm always glad to see big film stars who are willing to do television. I prefer TV to movies (such a better chance to develop characters and stories over a few seasons vs. 2 hours) and have never understood why people are so eager to leave TV for the big screen. Money and perceived prestige, as well as not being committed to one project for many years, I suppose, but creatively television just seems like the better place to be.

Posted by Dianora

Mar 14, 2008 9:51 AM

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Don't forget that Slater did a boring and unfulfilling 3 or 4 episode arc on the "West Wing."
Posted by princessebird Mar 14, 2008 9:53 AM Report Abuse

God, I hope so. He's a fabulous actor and I haven't seen in quite awhile.
Posted by Cobby Mar 14, 2008 10:17 AM Report Abuse

eh - I can take him or leave him.
Posted by mackattack Mar 14, 2008 11:37 AM Report Abuse

I would love to see Christian Slater on the small screen!
Posted by scobb6210 Mar 14, 2008 11:38 AM Report Abuse

A well written story is always a welcome change of pace, especially in television. Lets hope he is provided with good material.
Posted by thunder7 Mar 14, 2008 11:41 AM Report Abuse

I love Christian Slater!
Posted by PatWax Mar 14, 2008 11:55 AM Report Abuse

Love Christian Slater, glad he is coming into light again.
Posted by zzwrigm Mar 14, 2008 11:59 AM Report Abuse

I just watched Heathers AND Untamed Heart for the umpteenth time (after several years of not). It was one of those “oh yeah, I loved these movies” moments. And I must say – I miss Christian Slater and would welcome him on my TV. FDL-out
Posted by fleurdelorie Mar 14, 2008 12:07 PM Report Abuse

These days the actors are of less consequence. The show succeeds or fails based on the writing. If it's written well, Slater can rise to the challenge, if it isn't, it'll get dumped. Going back to his short stint on Alias, I think he can pull it off, if he checks his ego at the door.
Posted by Uilleam Mar 14, 2008 12:10 PM Report Abuse

Princessebird, I have to agree with you about his West Wing sting. But, I always got the feeling there was supposed to be more to his appearances and somehow the storyline got messed up. It seemed unfinished and I never knew why. Slater is a good actor, but they didn't give him any meat to chew on.
Posted by Katcon Mar 14, 2008 12:10 PM Report Abuse

He also spent several months playing DJ LaSalle on Ryan's Hope as a love interest for Yasmine Bleeth (Ryan Finelli) against Grant Show (Rick Hyde).
Posted by Teep_P12 Mar 14, 2008 1:14 PM Report Abuse

The premise sounds really interesting; as Uilleam said, if the writing is up to par, then it should be a good show. I'm looking forward to checking it out.
Posted by monkey65 Mar 14, 2008 1:15 PM Report Abuse

"The show succeeds or fails based on the writing. If it's written well, Slater can rise to the challenge, if it isn't, it'll get dumped." ... Really?! I wish that were so, but it seems just the opposite to me. Every truly well-written show in the last two seasons has been dumped, usually in favor of reality-trash. I'd love to see Christian Slater in a quality TV show, but I wouldn't bet on its longevity.

Posted by steve-annie

Mar 14, 2008 1:17 PM

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