Earlier this month, AMC announced that it had commissioned a new pilot for a western series entitled ‘Hell On Wheels‘ which focused on the construction of the first transcontinental railroad. Sure, it’s not immediately my cup of tea because I’m relatively young and also a woman; I’m just not into the whole western thing. But I’m sure there are tons of (older) men and women are just itching for another western to hit the screens. Surely the network will capture some fans of the old HBO favorite ‘Deadwood‘.
Today, it was announced rapper/actor Common will star in the series (interest piqued) as a freed slave who sets out West to find work on the railroad (disappointment ensues). For the record, I’m not disappointed at all by Common playing the lead role. I think it’s smart on the producers part to include him, he’s sexy. Just five minutes ago I could care less about the western but now that you’ve thrown Common in, I’m watching just so I can get a glimpse of him.
But why is he playing the role of a freed slave? I’m sure all we need in 2010 is another antebellum slave-esque saga. I’m not passing any judgment until I’ve seen a trailer or receive more information on the show’s synopsis but this situation is already setting itself up for many potential eye rolls.
