Those clinging to the hope that Syfy will shift its focus to nothing but science fiction programming are probably in for a disappointment, but looking at the situation more positively, Syfy does seem to be willing to take chances with their genre programming. Between shows like Defiance, Being Human, Haven and Continuum, not to mention Ronald D. Moore’s upcoming series Helix, the network seems set on showcasing series with stories that stretch the bounds of reality, and it looks like we can add Dominion to that list.
We’ve known since this summer that Syfy was developing a supernatural action drama that would follow up in the 2010 feature film Legion. Today, Syfy announced that they’ve given Dominion a series order, with a goal to get the show on the air in 2014. The announcement didn’t include an exact episode order, but here’s the series description:
Based on characters from the hit theatrical film Legion (2010), Dominion is an epic supernatural drama set in the year 25 A.E. In this transformed post–apocalyptic future an army of lower angels, assembled by the archangel Gabriel, has waged a war of possession against mankind. The archangel Michael, turning against his own kind, has chosen to side with humanity against Gabriel. Rising out of the ashes of the 25 year-long battle are newly fortified cities which protect the human survivors. In Vega (formerly Las Vegas), the largest of these cities, two houses vie for control and the stage is set for political upheaval and a dangerous power shift. Meanwhile, a rebellious young soldier begins a perilous journey as the war between the human race and the fallen angels hell-bent on their domination escalates.
The series will star Kings’ Christopher Egan, 300’s Tom Wisdom, Game of Thrones’ Roxanne McKee, Lost’s Alan Dale and The Borgias’ Luke Allen-Gale. Also set to star is Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Anthony Stewart Head, who’s no stranger to Syfy, having appeared in Warehouse 13 and Merlin.
The angel aspect added to the “transformed post-apocalyptic future” setting suggests that Dominion will fit in (or stand out) as one more show on Syfy that’s not like any of the others. While it may be more supernatural than it is science fiction, it’s another example of Syfy’s willingness to take risks and think outside the box. Hopefully Dominion turns out to be a hit.
We haven’t seen any glimpses of this new series just yet, but hopefully we’ll see a picture or teaser sometime soon, now that we know the project is moving forward. In the meantime, the network says the show is being filmed in Cape Town, South Africa. While we wait for updates, those who want to see the film on which this show is based can find it over at Amazon and iTunes.
