TNT has always been an abode for shows that features female actresses portraying tough, flawed police officers just like in The Closer and Saving Grace.  However, the network is attempting a different approach with its new action-packed series, Leverage, which has an Oscar winner at the center.  On Sunday, December 7, Timothy Hutton will return to our small screens to headline the modern day Robin Hood drama following his lead role in the NBC short-lived series, Kidnapped.

Leverage, which has been given a 13-episode order by the network, revolves around a team of thieves, hackers and grifters who are crusading for truth and justice.  Nathan Ford (Hutton) serves as the leader of the motley crew who is determined to take revenge against the rich and powerful companies and individuals who strike against the needy.

On Sunday's opener, viewers will learn more about Nathan's back story as his own insurance company denies the medical help that could have save his son's life.  Haunted by the death of his son and the failure of his insurance company to cover his extensive medical bills, he puts together a group of thieves to con them back.

"Leverage is great entertainment," Michael Wright, senior vice president in charge of the content creation group for TNT, TBS and TCM, said in a statement.  "It's fast-paced, smart and just great fun.  Dean Devlin directed the pilot to perfection.  Timothy Hutton is outstanding, and he and the cast around him have a great chemistry.  This is a new genre for us in our series efforts, and it's great to be able to tackle it with Dean.  His Librarian movies for TNT have been huge successes. We couldn't be happier having him and John Rogers bring that same sense of style and storytelling to us in series form."

Aside from Hutton, who is credited for Ordinary People, A Nero Wolfe Mystery and Digging to China, the cast also includes Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf and Aldis Hodge.

Following its commercial-free debut on Sunday at 10pm, Leverage is moving to its 10pm Tuesday slot starting December 9.



-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: TNT
(Image courtesy of TNT)