Notable actors Kerry Washington and Columbus Short have signed on to co-star in acclaimed screenwriter and producer Shonda Rhimes’ new drama pilot, “In Crisis,” for CBS.
As reported by deadline.com, the pilot is based on the career of professional crisis management consultant, Judy Smith, and the lives of her dysfunctional staff.
Washington will play the lead role, Olivia Price, and Short will play a lawyer on her team.
The character of Price is being described as formidable, insightful and fearless legend, which is undoubtedly not unlike Smith herself, who counseled both Monica Lewinsky and former Washngton, D.C., Mayor Marion Barry during the highly publicized political scandals.
While the lead role was almost guaranteed for Washington, the rest of the roles will be cast blind, a method which was also used by Rhimes on her hit show, “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Last year, NBC featured actors Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as the leads for the J.J. Abrams spy series, “Undercovers,” and the show ended up being cancelled mid-season due to low ratings.
On the bright side, having Rhimes, an “it” girl in the television industry, back the series will likely help to bolster the show’s promotion and ratings.
Do you think Washington and Short have what it takes to front a prime time drama? –nicholas robinson
