Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Back behind the badge: Allison Tolman stars as a police chief in ‘Emergence’
Dr. Abby Frasier (Zabryna Guevara, “Gotham”). Meanwhile, her father, Ed (Clancy Brown, “Carnivàle”), keeps his sense of humor as he battles cancer.
The stellar cast is sure to draw viewers, and ABC has a proven track record with the mystery-thriller-drama genre before. The network’s “Lost” had TV viewers riveted with its story of plane crash survivors on a mysterious island when it premiered in 2004. A “Lost” alum could bring the magic back with a recurring role in “Emergence.” In August, news broke that Terry O’Quinn, who played John Locke in “Lost,” would appear as ruthless selfmade billionaire Richard Kindred in “Emergence.”
With its supernatural bent, “Emergence” is part of a sci-fi/ fantasy prime-time trend that includes superheroes, ghost hunters and even fairies. It may be tough to lure viewers from binge-watching such series as Amazon Prime’s “Carnival Row” and the Disney+ streaming service’s “The Mandalorian,” and it’ll also face stiff competition in its time-slot from the other big networks. CBS’s established “NCIS: New Orleans” already has a loyal following and NBC’s medical drama “New Amsterdam” pulled in impressive ratings last season, and both are in direct competition with “Emergence” for live viewers.
Only time will tell if ABC’s latest offering will prevail in the ratings. Watch the mystery unfold as Evans strives to protect Piper in “Emergence,” airing Tuesday, Oct. 1, on ABC.