La hora 11

Network: CBS; Genre: Remake, Crime/Mystery; Content Rating: TV-PG; Perspective: Contemporary (star range: 1 – 4);

Seasons Reviewed: 1 Season

I wanted to dislike "Eleventh Hour". Yes, it is yet another US remake of a UK series, yet another CBS procedural drama produced by Jerry Bruckheimer where nerdy professionals spout scientific and medical jargon paired with an attractive female. It's been disheartening watching Bruckheimer's name go from being associated with loud, boisterous, flashy, trashy, action movies to being a television brand name for "CSI" and endless, lifeless CBS procedural clones. The Bruckheimer Executive Producer template is tried-and-true and "Eleventh Hour" gets run through that ringer. Take a UK series starring Patrick Stewart and Ashley Jensen, flattening out any potential substance to leave only the most basic tent-posts of the CBS formula standing and bingo: ratings gold. Yet with a little polish in the production and an ear for creating mild thrills, "Hour" is a little bit better than the "CSI"s of the world.

Rufus Sewell plays genius scientist Dr. Hood, who advises the FBI through the lens of physics, biology and chemistry, under the handling of partner Rachael Young (Marley Shelton). This often includes viruses and toxins that are on the verge of spreading into a fatal pandemic unless Hood can find the a) terrorists and malevolent corporations or b) accidental combination of common chemicals responsible. Sewell fits the scientist bill well. He's halfway commanding on screen and about as devoid of personality as any procedural drama nerd. Sewell, perfect cast as the personality-free amnesiac in "Dark City", stretches limited acting abilities to the max here. With no chemistry (but a welcome lack of a forced sexual undercurrent) with Sewell, a miscast Shelton is also stretched to the max. Albe it with a smaller reservoir.

But around these obstacles, the writers, show-runners and directors behind "Eleventh Hour" actually stitch together a reasonably entertaining, intellectually stimulating and kind of exciting thriller. The first thing I appreciate is the show's willingness to be topical, not shying away from bioterrorism and stories about anthrax - both natural and engineered. The show also finds a good balance between the chemistry jargon, making it relatable and the thriller elements. These elements all come together well in "Subway" where a group of American teenagers who have formed their own radical Islamic sleeper cell set off a virus in the subway system. A sequence where Young and fellow agent Felix (Omar Bensen Miller, also miscast) track the potential path of the virus carrier through the subway halls is crisply turned into an action scene of excitement.

The look, sound and feel of the show come together to make a polished visceral thriller and "Eleventh Hour" solid shallow entertainment.

* * ½ / 4

I love this show because it is similar to the CSI shows, yet it has a scientific twist to it. Everything is explained scientifically, as on my other favorites, Bones. It's very refreshing to divert from the good guy/ bad guy routine, and concentrate more on the scientific side of how they solved the crime.

If you can't follow the "squint talk" then you probably won't like this show. It's geared towards the more intelligent society. Regardless of that, there is still enough action and comedy (if you get the jokes)

Both the main character could use some "tuning", but that will come with more seasons. The acting and story lines are very realistic, introducing crime scenarios that most of us had not thought possible.

'Eleventh Hour' is a new show to UK screens but, so far, I'm liking what I'm seeing. Based on the same premise as a British show of the same name, this show centres around Doctor Jacob Hood, a gifted science adviser to the FBI who investigates cases with heavy science implications. Assigned as his bodyguard is FBI Special Agent Rachel Young, who ensures Hood's safety and also has to reel him in when he goes off on a tangent.

Part of what makes this such an interesting show is that it offers a mix of detective action drama and science fact with a dabble of science fiction. 'Eleventh Hour' deals with Hood and Young becoming involved in cases which sound like science fiction only to have a real science origin to them and, in come ways, can be described as a detective/FBI version of 'House' (with the male lead being far more amiable than House!). Rufus Sewell and Marley Shelton, as Hood and Young respectively, do well in their roles and have a great chemistry together even from the first episode. They give the characters a likable edge that compliment each other well.

I've not seen the British version of the show but I imagine there are quite a few moans that this show exists. I agree that there are some instances where American remakes are pointless and mediocre, however, I don't feel this is one example. I have to admit that when it comes to cop shows, I do prefer my US imports as they are not so dour-natured. American shows tend to offer a more positive outcome with characters who actually smile and, yes, they do tend to be flashier which I like.

'Eleventh Hour' has proved itself to be a promising show so far and certainly deserves a chance (not least to be judged on its own merit, without being compared to it's British processor). I do hope that it is given a second season because I'm getting sick and tired of seeing good shows being cancelled before a proper run.

I've been watching this show from the very first episode. I have to admit I wasn't very convinced but I gave it a chance and watched the second episode and it got better. Rufus Sewell does a great job playing the absent minded professor, that needs to be taken care of in order to keep him out of danger. Marley Shelton, on the other hand, started out a little bit off (as well as her character) but has improved a lot in recent episodes and now I just can't imagine another actress playing Rachel Young. The chemistry between the main characters is excellent and is growing with every episode. Not romantic relationship is implied (nor I want to see one), but those conversations between Hood and Rachel where they talk about their lives are very interesting and they come out natural.

I hope CBS gives this show a second season. The show is different from those procedural shows. Science may be boring but this show gives you the other side of it. Sure sometimes the science is inaccurate but, what isn't on TV? There is absolutely no comparison to Fringe since the characters have an interesting dynamic and are both very strong.

If you haven't watched this show, give it a chance. You might get hooked.

Dr. Jacob Hood (Rufus Sewell) is a scientific adviser to the FBI. FBI agent Rachel Young (Marley Shelton) is assigned as his partner in unusual incidence.

I guess this was another attempt at importing Brit TV. It lasted only 1 season or 18 episodes. It wasn't particularly successful. There's nothing particularly new here. It's a basically a police procedural with hot Marley Shelton and dark Rufus Sewell. The most interesting part of the duo is how low is Marley Shelton going to open her shirt down to and how much energy can Rufus Sewell suck out of the TV. It's not one of my favorites. Certainly not surprised of its cancellation.