TV Jots

Short-Lived Crime Drama Returns on DIRECTV

Last Wednesday, May 27, satellite network DIRECTV began airing the 2006–2007 crime drama The Nine, which lasted just nine (how ironic!) episodes on ABC before the network yanked it due to low ratings. Many viewers were upset at the time about the show’s quick death, largely because the strictly serial format left them hanging when it came to what eventually happened to the numerous main characters.

Good thing, then, that DIRECTV has committed to airing all 13 produced episodes of The Nine, which includes four that never made it to the tube on ABC. As a result, lucky fans can re-experience the series-opening crime that started it all — a robbery gone very, very wrong at Los Angeles’ Fidelity Republic Bank — as well as the aftermath and its impact on nine people held captive against their will for 52 hours during the event.

The robbery ended after a standoff with cops, leaving the hostages shaken and their lives forever changed. More intriguing, the glimpses into each person’s backstory and future raised numerous questions about whether any of the hostages were actually in cahoots with the crooks.

One of the most interesting things about The Nine to me is how every last one of the top-notch main cast members went on to land other good acting gigs after the show ended. Those regulars are Lourdes Benedicto (Cashmere Mafia, forthcoming V), John Billingsley (24), Jessica Collins (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), Tim Daly (Private Practice), Dana Davis (Heroes), Camille Guaty (Cupid), Chi McBride (Pushing Daisies, forthcoming Human Target), Kim Raver (Lipstick Jungle), Scott Wolf (forthcoming V), and Owain Yeoman (The Mentalist).

You can catch some of those actors on their current and upcoming shows … when the series return or premiere in the fall, of course. If you want them now, however, The Nine on DIRECTV is the way to go. Catch the drama Wednesdays at 10pm ET throughout the summer on DIRECTV’s 101 Network.