Professionals Television Show: Brendan Fraser and Tom Welling Star in CW Action Series
Brendan Fraser’s career resurgence is in full swing, with acclaimed performances in films like The Whale and upcoming projects with renowned directors. However, amidst the buzz surrounding his film work, many are unaware of his starring role in the CW action series, Professionals. This article delves into the show, its premise, and why it might not be generating the same level of attention as Fraser’s other ventures.
Professionals: A Second-Run Action Series
Professionals, starring Brendan Fraser and Tom Welling, is not a new production. Originally a Swedish series loosely based on the 2014 film Soldiers of Fortune, it premiered internationally in 2020. The CW acquired the rights for re-broadcast, strategically scheduling its US debut following the premiere of their highly anticipated Supernatural prequel, The Winchesters. This move aimed to capitalize on the renewed interest in Fraser, leveraging his current popularity to draw viewers to the action series.
The Premise of Professionals Television Show
The show centers on billionaire scientist Peter Swann (Fraser), whose satellite designed for early pandemic detection explodes during launch. He enlists the help of Vincent (Welling), a former counterintelligence agent, to investigate the sabotage. The investigation is complicated by various subplots: Swann must acquire an entire hotel for surveillance footage, Vincent grapples with past dealings involving Interpol and organized crime to save his brother, and a romantic entanglement between Swann’s girlfriend (the satellite’s lead engineer) and Vincent adds further tension.
Production Value and Performances
While Fraser and Welling deliver solid performances, elevating the material with their charisma and experience, the show’s overall production quality falls short. The disparity in acting talent between the leads and the supporting cast is noticeable. The budget constraints are evident in the visuals and writing, resulting in a production that feels less polished than typical network television fare. The dialogue is often clichéd, and the supporting characters rely heavily on stereotypes.
Why Professionals Might Be Flying Under the Radar
Several factors contribute to the lack of widespread discussion surrounding Professionals. Its status as a re-broadcast of an older international series limits its novelty. The show’s modest production value and formulaic storytelling might not resonate with audiences accustomed to higher-budget productions. Furthermore, the overwhelming focus on Fraser’s film career overshadows his television work, diverting attention away from the series. While Fraser delivers a compelling performance, it might not be enough to overcome the show’s inherent limitations.
Conclusion
Professionals offers action-packed entertainment with a familiar buddy-cop dynamic. While the performances of Brendan Fraser and Tom Welling provide some redeeming qualities, the show’s overall execution leaves much to be desired. For dedicated fans of the actors, it might offer a glimpse into their range and ability to elevate even mediocre material. However, for viewers seeking innovative storytelling and high production value, Professionals falls short of expectations. Ultimately, the show serves as a minor footnote in Fraser’s career resurgence, overshadowed by the well-deserved acclaim he receives for his film work.
