Post by Forever Xena on Aug 7, 2005 11:39:02 GMT -6
Saunders: Critics hail 'Chief' as can't-miss fall drama
August 6, 2005
HOLLYWOOD - It's my understanding that Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice don't watch much make-believe television.
Their reasons are obvious - both are deeply involved in the real world.
Still, out of curiosity, they might want to take a peek this fall at ABC's Commander in Chief to see how the reel world pictures the problems facing the nation's first female president. They might come away feeling that Geena Davis' character is more "reel-istic" than realistic.
Despite the make-believe aspects surrounding the series, many media experts have pinned a "can't miss" tag on the fall Tuesday-night drama because of its intriguing story line in an era when women are gaining more political clout, and polarizing politics are in the news on a daily basis.
Davis portrays Vice President Mackenzie (Mack) Allen, a political independent in a Republican administration (in a post- George Bush era), who takes over after the well-liked president dies following a stroke.
Her problems are immense. Before his death, the incapacitated president asks her to resign. So do party members, since they feel Mackenzie, a former college professor, was merely a popular "token" on the ticket.
Waiting in the wings is the Speaker of the House (Donald Sutherland). You could write that first script, plotwise. Davis says the role was "irresistible."
"I leapt at the chance. When my agents said that I had been approached to play the president, I said 'So do I have to read it first or will you just say yes now?'
"For Thelma (Davis starred in the movie Thelma and Louise) to be president . . . I just think it will be delightful. It's certainly the role with the most intrigue that I've had to play and I find that fascinating.
"I love the way Mackenzie views the world and how she deals with people. I love her intelligence and the confidence she has."
Noting a survey that says 81 percent of American voters are ready to vote for a woman for president, Davis says the story line, while make-believe, is "not out of the realm of possibility."
And, of course, the question of personal politics came up. When asked about her political leanings, Davis replied: "I am very much involved right now in the politics of making sure that ABC and Touchstone (the production company) are very happy with this show."
When pressed further, she said, "I'm a Democrat as well."
Creator and executive producer Rod Lurie readily admits he's a Democrat, adding: "This show presented a challenge because we don't want to be caught on just the 'left' side of the world. I really don't have a political agenda here.
"The series is about the coming into power of this woman, the obtaining of more power in general and the struggle she has in this unique situation."
Still, the specter of a political agenda remains, particularly since Lurie, Davis and the majority of he cast and key production officials are Democrats.
"I hope that won't be a turnoff," Lurie says. "We're really trying to walk a line here, politically. And the family stuff certainly is not political.
"Numerous women have risen to power in our country. But many remain the primary caregivers of their children and I don't think that's ever going to disappear, even if a woman becomes president."
While calling NBC's The West Wing "one of the great shows in network television history," Lurie claims Commander in Chief is going in a different direction.
"Episodes won't be nearly as much 'West Wing' oriented. The West Wing often deals with the president and his communications staff," Lurie reminds.
"We're primarily going to deal with what goes over the transom of the Oval Office. And we're concentrating more on 'East Wing' stuff - Mackenzie Allen's family life."
The president has a husband (Kyle Secor), who's her political adviser, and three children. Her duties and problems in the Oval Office will create several family traumas. Davis laughs when comparing her presidential role to past film characters.
"I consider myself incredibly fortunate. I love that I went from being a deadly assassin in Long Kiss Goodnight to the mother of a mouse (Stuart Little).
"Now it's equally interesting to go from all that to the leader of the free world. I feel like I've been able to hit a lot of colors in my acting.
"And age (she's 49) certainly helps with a part like this."
Dusty Saunders is the broadcasting critic. 303-892-5137 or saunders@RockyMountainNews.com
August 6, 2005
HOLLYWOOD - It's my understanding that Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice don't watch much make-believe television.
Their reasons are obvious - both are deeply involved in the real world.
Still, out of curiosity, they might want to take a peek this fall at ABC's Commander in Chief to see how the reel world pictures the problems facing the nation's first female president. They might come away feeling that Geena Davis' character is more "reel-istic" than realistic.
Despite the make-believe aspects surrounding the series, many media experts have pinned a "can't miss" tag on the fall Tuesday-night drama because of its intriguing story line in an era when women are gaining more political clout, and polarizing politics are in the news on a daily basis.
Davis portrays Vice President Mackenzie (Mack) Allen, a political independent in a Republican administration (in a post- George Bush era), who takes over after the well-liked president dies following a stroke.
Her problems are immense. Before his death, the incapacitated president asks her to resign. So do party members, since they feel Mackenzie, a former college professor, was merely a popular "token" on the ticket.
Waiting in the wings is the Speaker of the House (Donald Sutherland). You could write that first script, plotwise. Davis says the role was "irresistible."
"I leapt at the chance. When my agents said that I had been approached to play the president, I said 'So do I have to read it first or will you just say yes now?'
"For Thelma (Davis starred in the movie Thelma and Louise) to be president . . . I just think it will be delightful. It's certainly the role with the most intrigue that I've had to play and I find that fascinating.
"I love the way Mackenzie views the world and how she deals with people. I love her intelligence and the confidence she has."
Noting a survey that says 81 percent of American voters are ready to vote for a woman for president, Davis says the story line, while make-believe, is "not out of the realm of possibility."
And, of course, the question of personal politics came up. When asked about her political leanings, Davis replied: "I am very much involved right now in the politics of making sure that ABC and Touchstone (the production company) are very happy with this show."
When pressed further, she said, "I'm a Democrat as well."
Creator and executive producer Rod Lurie readily admits he's a Democrat, adding: "This show presented a challenge because we don't want to be caught on just the 'left' side of the world. I really don't have a political agenda here.
"The series is about the coming into power of this woman, the obtaining of more power in general and the struggle she has in this unique situation."
Still, the specter of a political agenda remains, particularly since Lurie, Davis and the majority of he cast and key production officials are Democrats.
"I hope that won't be a turnoff," Lurie says. "We're really trying to walk a line here, politically. And the family stuff certainly is not political.
"Numerous women have risen to power in our country. But many remain the primary caregivers of their children and I don't think that's ever going to disappear, even if a woman becomes president."
While calling NBC's The West Wing "one of the great shows in network television history," Lurie claims Commander in Chief is going in a different direction.
"Episodes won't be nearly as much 'West Wing' oriented. The West Wing often deals with the president and his communications staff," Lurie reminds.
"We're primarily going to deal with what goes over the transom of the Oval Office. And we're concentrating more on 'East Wing' stuff - Mackenzie Allen's family life."
The president has a husband (Kyle Secor), who's her political adviser, and three children. Her duties and problems in the Oval Office will create several family traumas. Davis laughs when comparing her presidential role to past film characters.
"I consider myself incredibly fortunate. I love that I went from being a deadly assassin in Long Kiss Goodnight to the mother of a mouse (Stuart Little).
"Now it's equally interesting to go from all that to the leader of the free world. I feel like I've been able to hit a lot of colors in my acting.
"And age (she's 49) certainly helps with a part like this."
Dusty Saunders is the broadcasting critic. 303-892-5137 or saunders@RockyMountainNews.com