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Angela Bassett is set as a lead in ABC’s drama pilot Identity. The project, from ABC Studios, Mark Gordon Co. and writer John Glenn, is an action procedural based on a British format, which centers on an elite police unit formed to combat the explosion of identity-related crime. Bassett will play Martha, the Special Agent in charge of the FBI’s new Identity Crimes Unit. Bronx-tough Vassar graduate from Greenwich, Martha is determined to make a go of this division, using sophisticated technology combined with good old fashioned investigative methods. The casting extends Bassett’s relationship with ABC, ABC Studios and producer Mark Gordon. Earlier this pilot season, she was attached to ABC’s drama project One Police Plaza, which was developed for her through ABC Studios and studio-based Mark Gordon Co. In it, she was slated to play another top New York law enforcement officer, the city’s first female commissioner. Bassett, repped by Gersh and Lighthouse, will next be seen in Jumping the Broom and Green Lantern. On TV, she most recently co-starred on the final season of ER.
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Angela Bassett can do no wrong in my book – looks, talent and brains.
I agree! She is truly top in my book! Would’t miss a thing that she stars in. Love her!
“based on a British format”
Why have I been seeing this phrase a lot lately?At first, I was confused by it.I was thinking they meant it would have like 6 episodes per season or something.Why can’t they just say “based on a British series”.
Do they have to acknowledge that it’s an adaptation of a British show, but they don’t won’t to come right out and say it’s a remake because a lot of people get reactionary when the word remake is brought up?
In television the correct terminology is “format,” not remake. Nobody is hiding from anything. That’s just what it’s called.
That’s not what I’m saying.They’re saying it’s based on a British format, which means the same thing as based on a British series.I didn’t say format and remake were the same things, but that entire term is the same as remake.
It’s about freaking time a black woman got the lead in a network series. They better have GOOD writers working on it too.
What about Damage Control with Kerry Washington?That’s two potential ABC series with black female leads.
already happened with kerry washington. this means abc has done it TWICE in one pilot season. awesome!
One of the best actresses today. She is a real leading lady. Want to see her I’m alot more movies.
Yay!
AB rox my socks!
It’s from Mark Gordon productions. It’ll be a top notch cop drama from beginning to end. I hope it’s in the vein of his other hit crime dramas, particularly Criminal Minds.
Identity is so hot & Angela Basset is on Fire in this new cop drama …It may be a tv show but it looks like a hour movie . Depicted in NYC and being shot in Canada ,Mark Gordon has another hit heading your way stay tuned.
Angela Bassett is a superb actress and the British format is excellent. If all concerned resist the urge to ‘improve’ things, e.g. explosions, car chases and shoot outs, this will be a winner.
I will SO watch ANYTHING with Angela Bassett. I’d rather see her on tv than in another piece of Tyler Perry dreck.
It is heartbreaking to see the formidable Angela Bassett and the gifted Kerry Washington are about to star in television shows , because from the very beginning they were never given the film opportunities that they deserved- very similar to Cicely Tyson & Diahann Carroll. Racist Hollywood ( even though they say they are liberals) just doesn’t care for women of color ( and other people of color) . It is just shameful to see Halle Berry , Thandie Newton, Selma Hayek, and others are still struggling to find juicy film roles. Bless their heart !
@sp: Time to get over your snobbery re film vs television. If you’ve been paying attention, some of the finest writing is now found on the fka ‘boob tube’. It’s not the case anymore. Admittedly, the quality on the big ’4′ isn’t typically as strong as cable, there is some very good work being done at every level (writing,directing, acting):The Good Wife, Parenthood, Bluebloods, SVU (long in the tooth, granted, but still good)House,Brothers & Sisters, etc. These women are actresses, simply looking to do good work and I might add, get paid very well, with a (hopefully) STEADY job! So.get off your high horse, please and thank you.!
Ms. Bassett is one of our actresses today along the lines of Meryl Streep. The studios and networks should all be clammoring to put her in their projects regardless of color.
Happy for Bassett and any black women who get “leading” roles in scripted TV.
Right now TV is unfortunately obsessed with so-called
“reality -tv” and poor scripted scenarios of a black female sterotype …loud, cursing, fighting …not like anyone I know.
But I would really like to have seen Angela B get a juicy role on HBO or Showtime..like Edie Falco. They’re of the same type and frankly pay cable outlets like HBO crank out the best scripts that are original, edgy, rich character driven stories which give actors a chance to really be creative.
If I’m an actress/actor I would push for something on those nets…even FX because they seem to be open to anyone over 30.
Now if ONLY the news networks and entertainment shows were more open to black women…NOT one on a night time show…and the few who are there are rarely seen.
This is 2011.
glad to see angela bassett back on anything!
i hope this version of identity is better than the original brit series. honestly, i thought the orig series was flat on the storyline.
Angela basset is one of the best black actresses far As hollywood goes and hollywood should give people of color more leading roles in hollywood.
IMO,she is one of the best actresses not just a black actress. Her training and all the other attributes already mentioned support my opinion. Some of us understand the old game,accept the demeaning roles or no work.