Most wanted: A fugitive pair run for their lives in ‘The Passage’
The new year is officially upon us, which means New Year’s resolutions are in full vogue once again. As usual, countless well-meaning men and women will resolve to change themselves for the better, be it by getting in shape, learning a new language or exploring the world. Many people resolve to read more, but who has the time? Fortunately, Hollywood has us covered.
Like last year, a myriad of book adaptations are poised to grace the big and small screen in 2019. Looking to capture the world’s attention and become the next “Game of Thrones” or “The Handmaid’s Tale” are Hulu’s “Catch22,” HBO’S “Watchmen” and plenty of other contenders. On Monday, Jan. 14, “The Passage” looks to become the next big adaptation when it premieres on Fox.
Based on the bestselling novel series by Justin Cronin, “The Passage” focuses on Project Noah, a secret medical facility located in Colorado, where the country’s best scientists are conducting experiments on an extremely dangerous virus found in the jungles of South America. Working tirelessly, they hope to develop a new immunity-boosting drug that would have the potential to cure all diseases. However, the deadly virus also has the power to wipe out the human race. It’s safe to say that the stakes are incredibly high and that things might get a bit apocalyptic.
Like all good tales of science gone bad, the Project Noah scientists, comprised of lead scientist Dr. Major Nichole Sykes (Caroline Chikezie, “The Shannara Chronicles”), Dr. Jonas Lear (Henry Ian Cusick, “The 100”) and other geniuses are in desperate need of human test subjects.
After seeing the effects of the virus on patient zero — Dr. Tim Fanning (Jamie Mcshane, “Bloodline”), who survived the jungle expedition — the lead doctors moved on to Death Row inmate Shauna Babcock (Brianne Howey, “The Exorcist”). In both cases, the test subjects became unstable, highly contagious and incredibly violent, turning into vampire-like beings.
Operating under the belief that the virus’s side-effects might be somehow related to age, the Project Noah scientists set out to find a new and younger guinea pig.