From a media release:
CANWEST DECLARES CHECKMATE WITH ORIGINAL SERIES ENDGAME
- Thunderbird Films produced series slated for Showcase Spring 2011
Canwest Broadcasting proudly announces the pick-up of Endgame, Thunderbird Film’s much-anticipated drama series in association with Front Street Pictures. The one hour, 13-episode series is set to premiere Spring 2011 on Showcase.
Endgame is an original drama series centering around a brilliant chess master. Using the skills that made him chess champion of the world, Arkady Balagan solves the crimes that mystify others. Traumatized by the murder of his fiancée, Balagan has become a prisoner in his luxury Vancouver hotel, terrified to step outside. To pay his bill, Balagan starts solving mysteries – using an unlikely band of hotel employees and chess fanatics to do his legwork. Arrogant, brilliant and charismatic, the Russian-born Balagan is able to envision his unknown opponent’s motives and moves. He imagines events, interviews the living and the dead, and runs conflicting scenarios – all in his head. And we get to watch right along with him as he solves crimes that baffle the police. In Endgame, we see genius at work.
Production on Endgame is scheduled to begin this Summer 2010 with casting announcements forthcoming.
Endgame is developed and produced by Thunderbird Films in association with Front Street Pictures. It has been commissioned by Canwest. The impressive creative team behind Endgame includes creator and showrunner Avrum Jacobson (ReGenesis, Republic of Doyle) and Executive Producers Michael Shepard and Harvey Kahn.
wow ,highly original; should send canwest laughing all the way to the creditor — NOT –LAME!
INteresting! I have since discovered some of the cast members; namely Patrick Gallagher, Shawn Doyle, and Veena Sood. Cannot go wrong with these actors – give them a few episodes and this show will win huge ratings!
Mmmm sounds like a carbon copy of usa’s monk.
Actually, sounds like Monk meets The Mentalist. IMO
I agree sounds just like Monk meets The Mentalist. Can’t wait!
I’m a fan of Canadian shows – and this one is set in the West. Am looking forward to seeing a show that is SHOT in Vancouver, featuring Vancouver, and using many Vancouver actors!
Seems that we are going to enjoy a really good show!
I caught the opening episode, and was completely enthralled with the whole premise. Being a Vancouverite myself, perhaps I’m a bit prejudice, but as a woman, it’s impossible not to be charmed by the lead character. Balagan is smoking hot, and his “genius” only adds to his good looks. Overall, I think it’s a real winner, and I hope it’s picked up for more than one season.
Seeing the previews I immediately scoffed and wrote it off. But my roommate was watching it so I sat and watched and it actually exceeded my expectations. It is slightly reminiscent of The Mentalist but it was in no way a cheap bastardization. The main character is compelling and interesting and I’m sure as the series unfolds we will see more depth to the secondary characters (that’s not to say they are two-dimensional now). The thing I like about it however is that there are little things going on in the background which add humour and depth to the show.
The best and I think most original part about this show is the way that the flashbacks are done. When he does the part with the kid in the car it was hilarious. “Hello Keaton, I am Arkady, I have this candy would you like some?”
From the moment I first heard of the premise for the story behind this series and its characters, I was intrigued. Since I started watching, now I am hooked. Good writing and good acting makes this series stand out from the standard TV offerings.
Myself and my friends are totaly enjoying the story…to think this is Canadian…and its really good…We hope it lasts a long time…the music at the end is just as interesting and mysterious as the story…thank you for some good to look forward too…and Balagan is very charming and handsome…:)
It is the most intresting storyline that I have watched in a long time……
Please bring it back for another season…
It is the most intresting storyline that I have watched in a long time……
Please bring it back for another season…
I think you writer’s did (and are) doing an wonderful job !!