Harsh Realm

Even though Nicholas Lea did not get the lead in HARSH REALM, I've gotten a lot of questions about the show, so here's a little more info.

Plot Synopsis:

Though the comic by James Hudnall & Andrew Paquette and the television series by Chris Carter share a title, that seems to be all they share. Carter has changed the original premise profoundly. Instead of a private detective investigating a "pocket universe," we have military officers dealing with virtual reality that has become a little too real. None of the characters from the comic are in the television series. Not even Dexter Green.

In the TV series, the Harsh Realm is a virtual reality military training ground. But the simulation runs out of control. The virtual characters in the program acquire self-awareness and become a danger to the "real" world. The heroes, military officers, must try to contain this danger. (Think The Thirteenth Floor or Lawnmower Man.)

Gastown in Vancouver was reportedly made over to look like a war zone; the opening scene of HARSH REALM is supposed to take place in Sarajevo!

Cast:

Here's a HARSH REALM casting sheet, left on my doorstep by a mysterious secret informant:

Lt. Thomas Hobbes Late 20s to mid 30s. Clear-eyed, determined, blessed with the quiet, simple intensity of the best soldiers. His quiet heroism and his love for his girl define the essence of his nature. He is a Southern, salt of the earth type guy. SERIES REGULAR. Prototype: Young Kevin Costner
Scott Bairstow (The X-Files: "Miracle Man," Lonesome Dove)

Mike Pinnochio 30s. He is a handsome, conflicted protagonist who appears to look somewhat crazed when we first see him, as life for him is a constant struggle to survive. He is cynical and should have good comedic timing. SERIES REGULAR
D.B. Sweeney (Stange Luck)

Lt. Mel Waters Late 20s, early 30s. He once was Hobbes' good friend. Now though, he is working for a potential enemy. He and Hobbes are on opposite sides. SERIES REGULAR
Max Martini (Saving Private Ryan)

Sophie Late 20s, Early 30s) She is Hobbes' fiance. She is beautiful, intelligent with a quiet strength about her. She is a woman whom Hobbes can't wait to come home to. She is physically fit and a survivor. POSSIBLE SERIES REGULAR.
Samantha Mathis (Broken Arrow)

Florence She is extremely tall, strong, somewhat masculine. She can handle herself in dangerous situations with grace and ease. She is also mute. POSSIBLE SERIES REGULAR
Rachel Hayward (Millennium, Xtro-2: The Second Encounter)

Omar Santiago The villain, leader of the Harsh Realm, who is trying to reach out into the real world and take over. SERIES REGULAR
Terry O'Quinn (Millennium)

"Civilian Woman"
Sarah-Jane Redmond (Strange World)

Comments:

I must say, the lead, Hobbes, does not sound like the ideal role for Nick. He's just not the pure hero type. Plus, casting a B.C. boy like Nick to play a Southerner makes about as much sense as casting William B. Davis and Chris Owens to play a character born and raised in Louisiana. (Hey, wait a minute...)

However, two of the other roles, Pinnochio and Waters, sound perfect for Nick. Pinnochio is "handsome, conflicted, cynical," someone for whom life has been a struggle, and who has great comic timing. We know no one can do handsome and conflicted better than Nick. And as we've seen in HIGHLANDER and ONCE A THIEF, Nick has a knack for comedy he rarely gets to display in THE X-FILES.

Mel Waters also sounds like a role made for Nick. He was once Hobbes' friend, but is now working for his enemy. Given the depth and complexity Nick has given to Krycek's relationship with Mulder, I'd love to have seen what he could do with this role.