MEN OF HONOUR FACING A 'LAST RESORT'

US submarine fugitives make a stand at the LAST RESORT. Images: ABC TV/SONY.

Looking set to combine the claustrophobic edge of your seat drama of CRIMSON TIDE, as well as shades of Nevile Shute's classic Nuclear War novel ON THE BEACH and probably a little bit of LOST's lush island visuals thrown in, the upcoming submersive drama THE LAST RESORT, created by THE SHIELD's Shawn Ryan and Karl Gajdusek, promises much in its premiere series ambitions, starting on the UK's SKY ONE HD channel at the end of the month (30th October).

Trailer: Last Resort ABC Trailer (HD) - YouTube

On the bridge of the Colorado, Robert Patrick and Andre Braugher face a nuclear catastrophe.

Finally getting away from lots of supporting roles on film and TV, though staying within the realm of  normally playing stern or gruff military men or authority figures which I've always known him for, experienced character actor Andre Braugher gets a chance to take series centre lead as Captain Marcus Chaplin, captain of the US nuclear submarine Colorado, who questions a vital order from his superiors to fire nuclear missiles on Pakistan. Its a decisive action against his superiors that soon leads him and his loyal crew into becoming pursued fugitives from their homeland. Arriving and commandeering a NATO listening station far out in an undesignated spot in the Pacific Ocean, the shows conspiracy thriller roots are explored as the crew try to find out what has lead them to this scenario. Other sub-plots and story directions ripe for exploration include the Captain and his command crew overcoming internal dissent, trying to get along with the island's already fractious established natives, and taking on a dangerous drug cartel.

Islanders and command staff mix in the opening episode. But will they get along?

Executive produced and directed by top New Zealand action director, and helmer of two of the best modern James Bond films- GoldenEye and Casino Royale, Martin Campbell will surely add style and gloss to the opening pilot episode, whilst a solid supporting cast includes Bruce Davison, DOLLHOUSE's Dichen Lachman and THE UNIT's always great Robert Patrick. It's been a long time since there's been a series like this on the small screen, surely a bold and expensive gamble by ABC TV, and as a huge fan of the edge of your seat submarine thriller sub genre I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing how this format crossing series will pan out. Currently getting respectable ratings in its US timeslot, lets hope that LAST RESORT gets a chance to show future episodes rise to the surface rather than dive, dive, dive down the Nielsens.