With the release this week of Crackle’s first original series, “Chosen,” the cable networks – and the world – should be watching closely. This is history, folks. Plain and simple. Consequently, it will serve as a blue print for future production companies considering the viability of trying to build a web-based audience.
Starring “Heroes” alum Milo Ventimiglia, “Chosen” has a shot at becoming a decent thriller.
Here’s the official description: “Ian Mitchell (Milo Ventimiglia) is a small time defense lawyer struggling to raise his daughter in the aftermath of a messy divorce from Laura Mitchell (Nikki Whelan). His life is uprooted when he discovers an intricate box left at his doorstep. Inside the box is a gun, a photo of a stranger, and simple instructions to “expire” this person in 3 days.
Before Ian can wonder if this box is some sick prank the bullets begin to fly. Someone is also trying to kill him. Ian has been ‘chosen’ join a secret, deadly game that is happening all around us every day – but few will ever know. This is the beginning of an adrenalized life-or-death ride that will change Ian’s life forever and force him to decide what is most important to him.”
You could blame “Avengers” director Joss Whedon for demonstrating that original scripts for the Internet can work (“Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog”), and possibly your own online viewing habits. Most of us have abandoned our computers in favor of viewing content on our tablets, mobile phones, and smart TVs anyway. And that’s a good thing, because watching TV should be fun – even when it’s on the Internet.
So, maybe this’ll impress viewers; maybe not. The Internet series to really watch is Netflix’s “House of Cards” starring Kevin Spacey, which premieres Feb. 1. Consider “Chosen” a warm up.
The six-episode series is free to view. Check it out this weekend.
