Since it first aired on US TV screens, on September 27 2015, Quantico has proved a hit with critics and viewers alike. The Joshua Safran created thriller achieved an early 83% positive critics review rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an average 7.5 star rating from over 9,000 users on IMDB. One of the biggest talking points has been the breakthrough from Bollywood to Hollywood of Priyanka Chopra as Alex Parrish, FBI new recruit and prime suspect in a terror attack on New York.
For over a decade Chopra has been Bollywood royalty; actress, singer, dancer and even a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Winner of the Miss World Pageant in 2000, she has gone on to become an award-winning actress, with over 10 million Twitter followers. Now 33 year old Chopra has brought her talents to a wider audience in a role she describes as “Jason Bourne in a female form.”
Running for cover
Chopra spent her first seconds in the show covered in debris, having survived a terror attack on Grand Central Station. It’s not long before we see her become the prime suspect for the attack and under arrest by the FBI. Freed by her FBI mentor, Miranda Shaw (Aunjanue Ellis) she goes into hiding, on a mission to clear her name.
The terror attack is obviously the final part of a long running plot. So in the pilot episode we have an ending of sorts, but we have no denouement. Alex has been framed but why and by whom? The answers will no doubt be revealed in flashback form as we zip back in time to see Alex and her fellow recruits begin their FBI training. It’s just as well the show has been picked up by ABC for a full 19-episode run. We’ll get to see the journey to that day at Grand Central and unpick the puzzles along the way.
New and old faces
Chopra may be a new face to major US TV drama, but the Quantico cast also contains some more familiar faces. Cougar Town favourite Josh Hopkins replaced Dougray Scott as FBI veteran Special Agent Liam O’Connor. Joining Hopkins, Chopra and Ellis (who many may remember as Madeleine Hightower in The Mentalist), are Jake McLaughlin as Ryan Booth an undercover FBI operative at the academy, Yasmine Al Massri as twin FBI recruits Nimah and Raina Amin, Johanna Braddy as Alex’s best friend Shelby Wyatt and Tate Ellington as Simon Asher.
Homeland meets Grey’s Anatomy
Quantico has been described as Homeland meets Grey’s Anatomy. So far it hasn’t displayed the grit of the former but you get the feeling there might be a fair helping of the sexiness of the latter. Quantico is a thriller for those who love easy on the eye TV; Gossip Girl with guns. That doesn’t make it any less watchable and it’s currently holding steady in the Sunday night US TV ratings. The cast certainly has a plethora of acting skills amongst its members, and it doesn’t fall short in the looks department either; Chopra and Hopkins being most notable in this area.
Going international
Quantico has already premiered on STAR World India and Severn Network Australia. In the UK screening rights have been bought by Alibi. Traditionally US thrillers have secured a committed fan base on UK TV; Homeland has regularly attracted viewing figures in excess of 1.5 million. Shows such as 24 continue to be popular long after their original TV air dates, especially with enticing media deals available at online providers such as VoucherBin. It’s never been easier for UK audiences to obtain US shows at discount prices. The glossier feel of Quantico could arguably give it a wider appeal, and it could retain a following for years to come. The long-term fate of Quantico remains to be seen, but it has certainly made a promising start. Bollywood beauty Chopra seems to have finally achieved her breakthrough in the US.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&v=C_zu6XuI_g4
Originally published October 22, 2015. Updated November 12, 2018.
