This Valentine’s Day, ABC premiered the thrilling new drama “Zero Hour.” This new series follows the story of Hank Galliston (Anthony Edwards, “ER”), a New York publisher for Modern Skeptic Magazine. When his wife Laila is abducted by a globally known terrorist, he comes to realize that he has been trapped in a web of conspiracy thousands of years old.
The many questions and mysteries of “Zero Hour” center on an antique clock that houses a cryptic treasure map, the number 12 and an ancient secret society known as the Rosicrucians. Throughout the pilot episode, Hank and his reporters at Modern Skeptic attempt to find out the truth surrounding his wife’s abduction and are hurled into a dangerous world of enigma and intrigue.
Fans of conspiracy dramas like “The DaVinci Code” and “National Treasure” will immediately be hooked on ABC’s new series. The pilot episode is a desperate flurry of questions and answers, with viewers learning information right along the characters. Consequently, the episode is much like a game for audiences, giving them the chance to decipher clues and discover secrets that the lead to the unraveling of the series’ mystery. What’s more, the pilot provides viewers with just the right amount of information—enough to get them interested, but not enough to give everything away. The result is a series opener that will leave audiences yearning to learn more.
The new series also gets a positive mark for its historical plotline. With mysteries surrounding the 12 apostles, the Nazi party and a religious secret society, “Zero Hour” has plenty to offer in terms of faux historical intrigue. Additionally, as Hank and his reporters get advice from a local priest, audiences will learn about ancient demonic languages and mysteries of lost cities—and in the middle of it all is a secret from thousands of years in the past that could end the reign of humanity forever.
The characters of “Zero Hour” are also intriguing. Hank Garrison is the editor for “Modern Skeptic Magazine,” a publication akin to something like “The National Enquirer.” His two young employees, Arron (Scott Michael Foster, “Greek”) and Rachel (Addison Timlin), are youths driven by the idea of a successful journalistic career, when in reality they are running stories about werewolf families and supernatural activity. Then there’s FBI agent Rebecca Riley (Carmen Ejogo) who’s after one thing and one thing only—the head of terrorist “White Vincent” on a plate. These characters are interesting as well as engaging and serve to enhance the dramatic plotline of the series.
In terms of acting, “Zero Hour” is well cast and well performed. Anthony Edwards shines as leading man Hank Garrison with a performance that causes audience to sympathize with him on a personal level. Genuine, engaging and emotional, Edwards’ enactment creates an endearing and relatable character. Performances by Scott Michael Foster and Addison Timlin are also notable and add an element of comedic relief to the dramatic adventure series.
As a whole, “Zero Hour” is a series worth watching. For mystery fans, the series holds copious amounts of suspense and conspiracy, with a historically based plot that adds substance and intrigue. A mystery-based plot coupled with endearing characters and well-done performances make for a pilot episode that will thrill audiences. Overall, if “Zero Hour” continues in the same fashion as the first episode, ABC may have a new hit on their hands.
