"Heroes" Fans Need To Start Watching This New Action-Packed, Bingeworthy Show
You've never seen a superpower story like this before.
Written by Lee Emjay and Julianne Ishler
When we think of superheroes, we think of Spiderman or Superman -- characters with innate powers that only exist in comic books and movies. WGN America’s new show “Underground” challenges the traditional superhero concept head-on.
"Underground" is a high-octane, character-centric thrill ride that's part action, part period drama. The show was created by Joe Pokaski, one of the masterminds behind "Heroes," though you need not be familiar with either "Heroes" or history for "Underground" to give you a swift kick in the emotional gut.
Instead of traditional comic book-esque superpowers, the "Underground" crew is made up of real badass heroes who flee 600 miles to escape to freedom. It's no wonder the premiere crushed network ratings and received tons of critical praise - you’ll be hooked after the first episode.
Noah (Aldis Hodge) is the ringleader.
Noah, the “brains” of the group, formulates a complex escape plan that kickstarts in the pilot episode. He believes no one runs alone, so he wants to make sure everyone is on board before taking any action. While this leads to some group conflict, most people trust him enough to guide them to freedom. He’s a smart, brave romantic.
Rosalee (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) is the caretaker.
Rosalee may look delicate, but she’s strong-willed and a true fighter. She stands up for what she believes in and trusts in Noah’s leadership. She’s a beacon of morality and her resolve and bravery represent the strength and resilience needed to make it through such wicked oppression. You’ll be in love with Rosalee for more than just her looks - she puts everyone else before herself and is a true martyr for the cause of freedom. She’s played by Jurnee Smollett-Bell, who you probably recognize from "Friday Night Lights" or "True Blood.’ You’ve never seen her quite as tough as this, though.
Zeke (Theodus Craneis) is the strong one.
He’s basically the Incredible Hulk of the group - compassionate and caring, but not afraid to use his size and brawn when a good old-fashioned ass-kicking is called for. He’s a badass, to say the least, and pounds his oppressors with no mercy.
John and Elizabeth Hawkes (Mark Blucas and Jessica De Gouw) are an abolitionist couple who put their lives at risk to help those running the Underground Railroad.
Driven by societal expectations, Elizabeth and John struggle to start a family. The couple is disgusted by the horrific treatment of slaves, and vow to help them escape to freedom, even if it means putting their lives on the line.
Cato (Alano Miller) is both the ally and antagonist.
Cato challenges Noah (the ringleader) by questioning his leadership. In return, Noah questions his loyalty. Sly and charismatic, he's in cahoots with the plantation owners, all while desperately wanting freedom.
Ernestine (Amirah Vann) is the selfless risk taker.
She will do anything to keep her family safe, even sacrifice herself to keep her son from working in the field. The plantation owner’s wife picks on her because she knows just how protective she is of her family, but that’s not to say Ernestine can’t and won’t outsmart her.
August Pullman (Christopher Meloni) pushes morality to the limit to help his family survive.
Unlike watching him as Elliot Stabler in "Law & Order," you might not be so sure you want to root for August. He’s not afraid to venture into evil territory if it means protecting his family. While he appears as one of the good guys at first, he’s actually using his kindness for arguably unscrupulous means.
Pearly Mae (Adina Porter) is the voice of freedom.
Pearly May sings a song loaded with escape clues, and is incredibly valuable to the master plan. The team communicates through a secret song language to mask the plan from their masters.
Sam (Johnny Ray Gill) is the creator.
Rosalee’s half-brother Sam is determined to break free. He dreams of a future free from the plantation and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. A carpenter by trade and passion, he takes the notion of building a better life for himself both figuratively and literally.
Henry (Renwick Scott) is the kindhearted young spitfire.
Essentially the mini-me of Noah, Henry is a teenage boy with a rebellious streak - but he’s fiercely loyal to his clan.
Moses (Mykelti Williamson) is the savior.
Just like his Biblical name implies, Moses - the preacher of the plantation - escapes and inspires everyone to follow through on the path to freedom. Though he's strongly devoted to God and the message he preaches, he’s conflicted on whether or not it’s really worth risking everyone's lives, let alone his own.