After nearly a year of cryptic teasers, HBO’s Watchmen series is finally upon us. Showrunner Damon Lindelof’s remix of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ acclaimed graphic novel premieres in less than two weeks. With this, the network is beginning to share a few last-minute clues about how the show relates to Moore and Gibbons’ original story. Via CBR, HBO has just unveiled the official synopsis for the series’ first episode. You can read it for yourself below.
“Episode 1: ‘It’s Summer and We’re Running Out of Ice’ — Debut date: SUNDAY, OCT. 20 (9:00-10:00 p.m.) — In an alternate America where police conceal their identities behind masks to protect themselves from a terrorist organization, Detective Angela Abar (Regina King) investigates the attempted murder of a fellow officer under the guidance of her friend and Chief, Judd Crawford (Don Johnson). Meanwhile, the Lord of a Country Estate (Jeremy Irons) receives an anniversary gift from his loyal servants. Written by Damon Lindelof; directed by Nicole Kassell.”
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A recent featurette revealed that this “terrorist organization” is the Seventh Cavalry, whose members pay tribute to Rorschach by wearing masks inspired by his inkblot visage. It’s interesting that HBO omitted the name of Jeremy Irons’ character, since everyone knows he’s playing Adrian Veidt/Ozymandias. But even more curious is the mention of an anniversary. Trailers have previously shown Irons’ character blowing out a candle on a cake. Now, we have to wonder if he’s commemorating his role in stopping a global nuclear catastrophe years prior.
The pilot episode’s success will also be the earliest indicator of whether HBO is willing to invest more resources into future seasons. Lindelof has already said that he’s fine with the show concluding after one go-round. However, if enough viewers tune in, it’s possible that he could crank out a few more stories to keep the show on for years to come.
Watchmen debuts on Sunday, October 20 at 9pm on HBO.
What do you make of the synopsis for the series’ first episode? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
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