TV News and Reviews

Patrick Swayze has been in the news a lot lately, regarding his serious battle with cancer. Despite his illness, he managed to shoot a full season (13 episodes) of a new series The Beast for A&E, and was promoting the show until he got sidelined by pneumonia. Thankfully, word from E!Online is that he looks to be clear of that hurdle, continuing his fight for health. I wish for a complete recovery, both for himself and because it would bring so much hope and inspiration to others battling cancer.

The Houston Chronicle has a good review of The Beast here, declaring the show flawed but with potential. Swayze plays Charles Barker, an FBI undercover agent who may be straying too far over the line from good guy to bad guy. Travis Fimmel costars as his new young protege, Ellis Dove, whom the FBI has asked to spy on Barker. It’s gritty, dramatic stuff and Patrick Swayze’s real life illness has informed his portrayal of Barker’s darker elements. I’ve always felt that Patrick Swayze was better than the material he got after Dirty Dancing brought him stardom, and the Chronicle’s positive review of his performance in The Beast confirms that feeling.

Visit A&E for video clips of The Beast, including the first ten minutes of the pilot.

The Beast truly has the potential to be a big comeback for Swayze, which he deserves. Reuters UK quotes the producers as saying that the show is all about Swayze, and they’re enthusiastically committed to doing another season with him when/if A&E renews the series. Shooting for the next installments could start as early as March.

Tune in tomorrow night for the pilot episode of The Beast, on A&E, 10/9c. It replays the hour after, in case you miss it. Let’s keep the ratings up and help give Swazye his chance for a second season.