Upfront 2016: USA Trailer Verdicts Roundtable Reactions

Let’s find out if Shooter makes a perfect shot and how safe Falling Water is to add to our Fall TVAD watchlist.

USA Network released two new series during last week’s upfront 2016 starring some familiar faces like “Secret and Lies” Ryan Phillippe. The network picked up two series that seemed to be the going theme inspired by popular films such as Sniper and Inception. Good idea? It’s that time again when TV After Dark contributors will deliver our trailer verdict on what shows we’re going to watch live, pass on or give it a try with our four episode challenge. Fans can also deliver their own verdict by leaving a comment which could be featured in our follow up posts on fans react version of this article. So let’s see what USA has to offer viewers shall we?

Plot – SHOOTER is an uncompromising exploration of the definition and evolution of a hero. Ryan Phillippe (“Secrets and Lies”) is a producer on the project and will star as Bob Lee Swagger, an expert marksman living in exile who is coaxed back into action after learning of a plot to kill the president. Omar Epps (“House”) plays Isaac Johnson, an ex-Marine and former commanding officer of Swagger. Now a Secret Service Agent, he solicits Swagger’s expertise for a clandestine operation that has disastrous results.

Watch Live 3/8 | Pass 3/8 | 4 Episode Challenge 2/8 

Here’s what our TVAD Roundtable had to say about Shooter:

Romancia (Editor in Chief): Well, it is Ryan Phillippe and even though I’m tempted and a fan of Phillippe, (not as huge a fan as our social media director Shenna) however, should this series make it on our Fall TVAD watch list? I’m not so sure, based on the series premise I’m really not that interested, I wasn’t when Sniper came out either. I do find the trailer itself mildly captivating so unfortunately even though I may be ‘underestimating Bob Lee Swagger at my own peril’ and I’m smacking myself for missing the chance to see Ryan on tv once again. I’m going to have to pass.

Shenna (Social Media Director): HELL TO THE YES! I will watch anything Ryan Phillippe is in.

Jessenika: I don’t think it should’ve been made into a series at all because the film was enough. Also, nothing against Ryan Phillipe but I’m not a huge fan of his.

Theresa: While the cinematography and production look interesting and intriguing to watch, (reminiscent to me of BBC’s Sherlock), I’m entirely uninterested in the entire plot. I’ve seen way too many movies, shows, about the super elite snipers working for whatever agency to protect the president. That being said, the plot looks as if it will vary here to some sort of form of The Fugitive. Still not enough to make me want to watch this show at all.

Nicola: Shooter is adapted from the acclaimed novel Point of Impact–whose main character, Bob Lee Swagger was loosely based off the legendary sniper Carlos Hathcock. Ryan Phillipe is someone I think could definitely hold his own in leading a television series, and whilst I’m not infinitely familiar with all of his work, he was incredibly convincing in the trailer. I’m a bit on the fence about whether it’ll get picked up or not–but I’m also a sucker for a good conspiracy drama when there is one. Of the two, I don’t think it’s the most intriguing, thrilling and exciting.

Andrea: I’m not a huge fan of Ryan Phillipe, but when I saw Omar Epps I thought I could be into this.  It reminds me a little of Quantico, which I like, and looks like it could have a good bit of action and intrigue.  I’d give it four episodes.

Lisa: Shooter’s gotta be good, right? It comes to us via Mark Wahlberg and the executive producers of Boardwalk Empire and Entourage. Add to that the star, always underrated Ryan Phillippe, and I think you’ve got a new series that may actually pan out as something watch worthy. After viewing the promo, I’m adding this one as a must-see on the TVAD watch list. USA spent some buck on Shooter’s action sequences, and honestly, who doesn’t want to see Phillippe run around sweaty, bloody, and jumping from buildings in a single bound?

Dominic: USA nailed it by casting Ryan Phillippe as the main character and Omar Epps in the supporting role. Phillippe still has a lot of ladies in love with him and both actors together are guaranteed to bring masterful swagger to the screen. The trailer blows you away from start to finish with the arcs presented. Expert marksman resourceful and skilled enough to single-handedly hold off an Army versus a corrupt government agency responsible for killing the president?!? This is going to be an incredible show if it flows like the trailer.  

Plot – A mind-bending drama, FALLING WATER is the story of three unrelated people, who slowly realize that they are dreaming separate parts of a single common dream. Each of them is on a mysterious and highly personal quest – one is searching for his missing girlfriend, one is searching for a lost child, one is looking to cure his catatonic mother – and it is the clues found in their collective dream that come to guide them. The deeper they dig, though, the more they come to realize that their missions touch on stakes that are much larger than their individual agendas. That the visions found in their common dream just might hold the key to the fate of the world.

Watch Live 1/8 | Pass 4/8 | 4 Episode Challenge 3/8 

Here’s what our TVAD Roundtable had to say about Falling Water:

Romancia: This series looks very interesting and I’m also intrigued by the premise especially since I thoroughly enjoyed Netflix Sense8 and it reminds of it a little and that’s a great thing. I’m not entirely sure why USA has a hard time finding an audience for a majority of their recent shows in the past, where they are canceling them after one season but this particular show happens to peak my interest enough to give it four episodes.

Shenna: Just… no.

Jessenika: I think the plot is very creative but it doesn’t capture my interest for some reason. The cast and show title are not appealing to me either.

Theresa: Holy COW. I am way excited for this one and this is the first time I’ve heard of it. Even though the theme is bordering on an Inception rip off, I am way on board for this one. Dreams have always fascinated me and the possibility of shared dreams and control over them? Count me in! This is definitely going on my TO WATCH list.

Nicola: ‘Falling Water’ looks interesting. After all human nature dictates that what we don’t know or what we aren’t conscious of are perhaps the most intriguing. It’s a spooky, almost dystopian-headed premise–and with the snowball success of something like ‘Inception’, I think that whilst ‘Falling Water’ is certainly interesting, it’s not got quite the unique factor. It does have the potential though to really question our own minds, humanity and free will–as many successful novelists and film-makers have done!

Andrea: I’m not into horror as a genre in general, and this one looks Inception-level confusing. I don’t even understand what invading people’s dreams has to do with anything, including getting the protagonist’s kid back? I’ll pass.

Lisa: Falling Water is Inception meets Matrix borrowing a little from The Leftovers. This supernatural, mind bending series is based on the premise that people can hop, skip, and jump into others’ dreams. Hmmm, so what? The promo states, “If you control people’s dreams you can control the world.” Hmmm, really? Nah, I’ll pass on this one that seems more melodrama than twisty, turny fun.

Dominic: A very interestingly creative concept reminiscent of Inception with traces of Nightmare on Elm-Street dream sequences. I would personally watch this show just to see how well the director plays into the dream-world. The trailer raises a lot of questions which in itself should peak interest in the everyday sci-fi fan.  My honest reaction…This one looks really cool.