‘Shark’ Ends First Season with a Vengeance
Rookie Hit’s Season Finale Wraps Up Some Unfinished Serial-Killer Business
Unlike, say, NBC, CBS has enjoyed great success with a number of freshman series introduced in the Fall 2006 season, including the fashionista dramedy Ugly Betty, the doomsday serial Jericho, and the legal procedural Shark. The last show is distinguished by its star, multiple Emmy-winning and twice Oscar-nominated film veteran James Woods, whose engaging and often abrasive portrayal of the title character, Sebastian Stark, has helped the series rise all the way to the coveted Top 10 weekly ratings list. Sure, it doesn’t hurt to have the phenomenally popular CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as a lead-in, but in the case of Shark, a little movie-star clout—not to mention compelling writing and acting—goes a long way, too.
Tonight’s first-season finale, “Wayne’s World 2: Revenge of the Shark” (love that title), picks up a gripping plotline first unraveled in the January 18 episode “Wayne’s World.” The central dilemma involves the acquittal of Wayne Callison, a cunning serial killer played by none other than Billy Campbell, the same talented actor who portrays resident 4400 baddie Jordan Collier over on basic cable’s USA. Stark gets the opportunity for a second chance at conviction when another murdered woman is discovered with wounds identical to those on Callison’s previous victims. Yet, the fact that Stark failed to make the case the first time around leads to concerns that the second time may prove just as futile.
Watching will be exactly the opposite, however, since Shark always delivers when it comes to intriguing drama, both in and out of the courthouse. Add the exceptional guest-star casting of Campbell, and viewer satisfaction is guaranteed. Needless to say, renewal for a second season is equally assured, which means fans can look forward to more great episodes in coming months.
Related Posts: Henry Simmons Newest ‘Shark’ Regular | Shark: James Woods Braves the TV Waters
Shark currently airs Thursdays on CBS at 10pm EST
Shark photo courtesy of CBS
