The Show
Now and Again was an American television series which aired in the US on the 24th September 1999 and ran till 2000 on CBS . The story revolves around the United States government developing the perfect human body for use in espionage, but not being able to yet perfect the brain. In an attempt to get the project off and running, they take the brain of overweight family man Michael Wiseman, who is killed in a subway accident.
Given a new life, Michael is kept in an apartment where he is trained by government experts including Dr. Theodore Morris, in espionage and reconnaissance missions. Despite his new life, and new abilities, Michael longs to return to his wife Lisa and daughter Heather, who are themselves discovering that not all is as it seems with Michael's death.
The show mixed action with comedy (particularly in the relationship between Dr. Morris and Michael), and focused largely on Michael's emotional connection to his family.
History
The show premiered in 1999. After just one season, however, CBS pulled the plug citing, among other things, the expense of the show which they could not justify. The fanbase of the show was not large but a reasonable size, and is now campaigning for DVD release. Both of the show's main stars - Eric Close and Dennis Haysbert - went on to have regular roles in successful series ( Without A Trace and 24 respectively).
Cast
- Eric Close as Michael Wiseman
- Dennis Haysbert as Dr. Theodore Morris
- Margaret Colin as Lisa Wiseman
- Heather Matarazzo as Heather Wiseman
- Gerrit Graham as Roger Bender
- John Goodman played the original Michael Wiseman.
- Christine Baranski as the voice of Ruth Bender, despite being an unseen character .
- Chip Zien guest starred in several episodes as Gerald Misenbach, Lisa's suitor.
- Chad Lowe had a recurring guest role as Craig Spence, Roger and Michael's boss.
- Timothy Devlin had a recurring role as "Special Agent #1," ostensibly Dr. Morris' right-hand man.
- Reiko Aylesworth had a guest role as Dr. Taylor, a physical therapist for Michael Wiseman, also designed to test his romantic attachment to his former wife.
Awards
In 2000 Now and Again won three Saturn Awards for;
- "Best Genre TV Actress" - Margaret Colin
- "Best Genre TV Supporting Actor" - Dennis Haysbert
- "Best Network Television Series"
Now and Again was also nominated for an Emmy in 2000 for Outstanding Main Title Design .