My Exclusive Advance Review of TNT’s Leverage Pilot
I wrote about TNT’s Leverage earlier this November, and showed you guys a ton of pictures. As promised, I’m back to review the Leverage pilot: The Nigerian Job. And read on to the end to see a special announcement about Taylor’s blog.
Leverage pilot picture : The Nigerian Job
If you like a good A-team, you’ll enjoy this show. I ended up watching the pilot twice. This show is an action/thriller in a similar vein to Alias or 24. Their motto could be ‘yay for deception!’ Only they don’t wear wigs - uh, yet.
Timothy Hutton plays Nathan Ford - our Robin Hood ringleader. He has a major thing for Sophie Devereaux as played by Gina Bellman. She’s an actress with the ability to think on her feet - even when they’re pinched by expensive shoes. These two characters have a past together, although admittedly (though I like romance) I am the least interested in them and their intertwined story. I mostly enjoyed the three other main characters: Parker, Spencer and Hardison (in no specific order).
“That’s 20 lbs of crazy in a 5 lb bag,” is how Christian Kane’s character, Eliot Spencer, describes Beth Riesgraf’s character, Parker. He isn’t lying, either - she is crazy. Crazy in the best way possible. Parker is a thief who became one when her father got mad at her and angrily told her to, “be a good girl, or…a better thief.” She decided on the latter. When I saw what she did in retaliation, at first I thought it was overkill. But as we got to know the character I decided that she truly is that crazy. She’s very possibly the most dangerous person on the show due to her unpredictable nature.
Leverage pilot picture : The Nigerian Job
Eliot Spencer is what I’d call a humble badass. He’s an expert in all things violent, so you should probably not piss him off unless you fancy having your limbs broken.
On the other end of the spectrum, Alec Hardison (Aldis Hodge) doesn’t try to be humble, nor should he. He’s the tech guy, and he also brings in a lot of the funny.
Quotes I liked:
“How many plans do we have? Is there like, a plan M?” - Alec Hardison
“Yea, Hardison dies in plan M.” - Nathan Ford
“I like plan M.” - Eliot Spencer
“…that makes me cry inside in my special angry place.” - Parker
“You seem pretty relaxed for a guy with a gun pointed on him.” - Alec Hardison
“Safety’s on.”- Eliot Spencer
“Like I’m gonna fall for that.” - Alec Hardison
“No, actually he is right, the safety is on.” - Nathan Ford
Leverage pilot picture : The Nigerian Job
The series premiere is on Sunday, December 7th at 10/9 c. It will be airing commercial free. The regular time will be on Tuesdays at 10/9 c. - this will start December 9th, so you’ll only have to wait a couple days for your next Leverage fix.
ANNOUNCEMENT!
I will now be contributing to the blog run by Taylor, TEN Gossip, a couple times a week - how exciting is that? (Um, VERY!) Did you hear about my fake!boyfriend cheating on me with Emily Blunt? 
About the Author: Your above-average sweet, smart, and snarky Girl Friday. Impeccable taste. Analytical. Liberal. Friend to animals. Always found in cute shoes. Check the Sofachip 'About' page for more (classified!) info.
Taylor Blue | Nov 25, 2008 | Reply
What you are contributing to my blog and I didn’t know it?? LOL… I am so happy to have you around. I SQUEEEE all day..
Jessica Rae | Nov 25, 2008 | Reply
I think you knew unless I was talking to your evil twin! It sounds dangerous to ’squee’ all day! But also fun.
Taylor Blue | Nov 25, 2008 | Reply
She is my evil twin..
I know the squeeing has to stop..the neighbors have been complaining.
OMG I watched I Know What You Did Last Summer Part One on Supernatural..OMG!!!
Jessica Rae | Nov 25, 2008 | Reply
Taylor Blue | Nov 25, 2008 | Reply
You’ll have to wait until I am done with them.. LOL
doublebitch | Nov 25, 2008 | Reply
I am so stoked for this show. The pilot is like a movie. I’ve watched it atleast 4 times myself. I see great things for them if they can keep up the stamina of the first ep.
I’m slightly in love with Christian Kane. I will admit I shivered when he said “I dont like guns.”
Jessica Rae | Nov 25, 2008 | Reply
Cause his arms are the guns, or something lame…that I am not saying…since I’m way too cool for that. Psh. *Hairflip*
Dude! I just got my mail and now I have two more episodes and a ‘high energy drink’ with Leverage pictures on it - it’s a Thanksgiving miracle. (Cause how else am I supposed to survive this holiday with my crazy family?)
Were you also a fan of Angel? That’s why I was like ‘Hey, it’s Kane, I gotta watch this.’ And now I love it.
doublebitch | Nov 25, 2008 | Reply
Did you sign up for that street team thing? Damnit i should have done that but I thought they’d see through my veil of I’m not thowing a party i really just want swag for myself.
I was yeah! And I maybe have Her Minor Thing kicking around here. Michael Weatherly and Christian Kane? It’s like a early 2000’s sci-fi power house. You should check out his music too if you havent.
Uh I totally just let my inner fangirl out of the closet again. oops. I’m gonna go add you to our blogroll.
Jessica Rae | Nov 25, 2008 | Reply
Oh, no - no street team thing. I get sent press things to share with the sofachippers.
I have indeed heard his music and like it (and Anthony Stewart Head’s and James Marsters, too). I’d have to check online but I almost think that a Kane song is used in a Leverage ep. But I’m not super familiar with country music so it might have just been another nice country crooner.
I am a fangirl (and proud of it, oh yea) so I am adding you right on back. I love your blog with Jerk < 3 LoL.
MaidenGreen | Nov 27, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the terrific review of Leverage. I was looking forward to it before, but now even more!
Jessica Rae | Nov 27, 2008 | Reply
No problem
In an upcoming episode of Leverage Kane gets his cowboyness on.
Nick K | Dec 1, 2008 | Reply
I can’t wait. This should be awesome.
If you want to see more behind the scene’s pictures, they have some up at LA Times.
http://photos.latimes.com/backlot
Nick K | Dec 1, 2008 | Reply
Also, there’s exclusive interviews galore with the cast, right now Christian Kane at
http://ifmagazine.com/
Jessica Rae | Dec 2, 2008 | Reply
Thanks, Nick