Many press people over at the Television Critics Association press tour weren't too happy with how NBC introduced (or not introduced) Crusoe, as part of its fall line-up premiering on Fridays in mid-October.  According to some, while it is true that the cast and crew and currently filming in South Africa, the NBC people could've done something similar to how they presented the network's coverage of the Beijing games from the Chinese capital.

To its credit, NBC did screen a clip-reel loop of the new adventure series but the absence of a panel with cast and producers via satellite from Africa left a lot disappointed (with not so much to write about).  Some say it worked, to increase anticipation and build up suspense for Crusoe while others were simply blanked out.

Crusoe, of course, is based on Robinson Crusoe, the British classic by Daniel Defoe. First published in 1719, it is widely regarded as the first novel in English.  The story about the shipwrecked dude already demands comparisons with Lost, especially since flashbacks will reportedly be employed to give viewers a glimpse of the titular character's life on the mainland.  Either that, or Tom Hanks in Castaway.  Over all, however, most have a hard time judging this prematurely since not a lot is known about it.  If that will work for NBC's benefit, we will find out come fall.

The new series boasts of an international cast that includes Brit Sean Bean and New Zealand's Sam Neill.  Critics also noticed an increasingly becoming popular trend of casting a predominantly foreign ensemble or adapting foreign concepts (novel, in this case) to suit the American palate .  Aside from Crusoe, some notable examples are Ugly Betty and The Office, while the recent wave of new ones include Kath and Kim (Australia), Life on Mars (UK), The Eleventh Hour (UK), The Ex List (Israel), and Worst Week (UK).


-Glenn L. Diaz, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Seattle Pi
(Image Courtesy of NBC)