Thursday 3 June 1999
By eBroadcast Staff and agencies.

'I'm not an actor, I'm a thesbian'

In an interesting decision, Studios USA and Renaissance Pictures, will replace Hercules with, not one, but two half-hour shows: Jack of All Trades, and Cleopatra 2525. The new offerings will move into Hercules’ timeslot in January, promoted as "Back 2 Back Action."

Variety reports that Jack of All Trades will detail the adventures of Jack Styles, an aristocratic, James Bond-esque British Secret Service agent stationed on a Caribbean island in the early 18th century. Styles' job is to monitor the progress of the New World for the crown.

Cleopatra 2525, follows the futuristic trials of an actress/exotic dancer who is cryogenically frozen in the year 2001 and accidentally dethawed in 2525, where she wakes up in an underground world ruled by evil robots. Cleo, and two femme warriors who found her, band together to break out of the endless underground corridors and reclaim the wild surface of the planet. Sounds like Futurama with double the cleavage, and real, live women. We like it already.

Both series will be shot in New Zealand, where Hercules and Xena also are lensed.

Steve Rosenberg, President of Studios USA Domestic TV feels the new offerings are unique. "Renaissance will break new ground by producing the only half-hour action-adventure shows on TV," Rosenberg said. "The faster-paced stories and action will set them apart from the typical hour fare found on the networks."

Executive Producer Robert Tapert seems sure that Cleo and Jack will deliver the goods. "The 'Back 2 Back Action' hour will transport viewers to some very exciting times and places,' Tapert said. "It will be every bit as dynamic and groundbreaking as Hercules and Xena, with the same broad action, strong drama, humor and sex appeal that has attracted both men and women to these shows."

Sounds good to us.