Ya Know It Won't be what It Seems to Be

NBC announced May 3, that it's first scripted pickup for the 2010/2011 season is Undercovers. Described as ".... a sexy, fun, action-packed spy drama that proves once and for all that marriage is still the world's most dangerous partnership." Inspired, perhaps, by the Pitt/Jolie hit, Mr. and Mrs. Smith? The series is from JJ Abrams. 'Tis hard to think it will be a boring series.

As with anything from Abrams, expect surprises. There's always, always something else going on between the lines. Abrams is co-writer, executive producer, and director of the pilot. NBC notes that this is JJ's first time directing a pilot since Lost's gripping plane crash on that mysterious island which now bends time and storylines.

In Undercovers, Steven Bloom (Boris Kodjoe, "Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion," "Soul Food," "Resident Evil: Afterlife") and his wife, Samantha (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, "Doctor Who," "Bonekickers"), are your ordinary married couple. They own a catering business in Los Angeles. Samantha's "easily frazzled" younger sister, Lizzy (Jessica Parker Kennedy, "Smallville"), helps them with the business.

Before they were cooking, Steven and Samantha were two of the CIA's best spies. Five yars ago, they fell in love and retired. Then, their friend Nash (Carter MacIntyre, "American Heiress"), also a spy, disappears while tracking a Russian arms dealer. Their old boss Carlton Shaw (Gerald McRaney, "Deadwood") reinstates them so they can find and rescue Nash.

As they travel the world looking for their friend, the Blooms realize that the exciting covert world of espinage that brought them together is what will recharge their marriage.

Ben Schwartz (NBC's "Parks and Recreation") also stars in Undercover.

"Undercovers" is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television. The pilot was written by J.J. Abrams & Josh Reims and directed by Abrams. Abrams, Reims and Bryan Burk ("Fringe," "Lost, "Alias") are the executive producers.

Should be lots of buzz about this at the Upfronts.

Source: NBCU Media Village