The brutally titled, “Knifeman,” appears to have a brutal basis; here is the official synopsis...
Set in 18th century London, "Knifeman" will focus on the untold story of a charming, arrogant, decorum-breaking genius who challenges societal norms to transform his visions into cutting-edge discoveries. A surgeon or “barber” in a time when blood-letting and praying was the norm, John Tattersal is a hard drinking, hard living man not afraid to push the boundaries of modern medicine, even if it takes digging up a few graves to do it.
While he makes his living running an unlicensed operating theatre out of his residence, he picks up extra cash harvesting organs for his brother Julian, favorite son and prized physician of the St. Stephen’s teaching hospital. "Knifeman" is a fast paced, entertaining romp filled with emotion, tackling dark themes with a biting wit. The pilot was written by Rolin Jones ("United States of Tara") and developed by Jones and Ron Fitzgerald ("Last Resort"), both of whom will serve as executive producers. Media Rights Capital ("House of Cards"), Josh Donnen and Robert Zotnowski are also executive producers. Knifeman is inspired by the biography of John Hunter by Wendy Moore, “The Knife Man: Blood, Body Snatching and the Birth of Modern Surgery.”
Who will play this "Sweeny Todd"-esque character? Does anyone come to mind? David Morrissey might be a good choice but he's already slated to star in AMC's sci-fi/drama, "Line of Sight."
As for "Galyntine," the LA Times reports that it "...takes place on a planet long after a technology-based disaster has made humanity reject technology, causing society to re-form in small tribes scattered across the face of the planet. It was written by Jason Cahill, who worked on another upcoming AMC series 'Halt and Catch Fire.' 'The Walking Dead's Greg Nicotero and Ridley Scott are among the show's executive producers."
Here is its official synopsis:
"Galyntine" is a wholly-original vision rooted in a both fantasy/action adventure and science-fiction. Our pilot takes place at a time after a cataclysmic technology-induced disaster has resulted in a new society that has eschewed any form of technology. This catastrophic event leaves small numbers of survivors scattered around the planet and forced to adapt to isolation and unique challenges. "Galyntine" will explore a post-apocalyptic world in which humanity has evolved – with some strange detours. "Galyntine" is a man’s journey of discovery through a changed world and its mysterious people.
"Knifeman" and "Galyntine" are being produced in 2014 to be considered for 2015 debuts. Two other set-in-the-past AMC series, "Halt and Catch Fire" and "Turn," are expected to premiere in 2014.
Do these shows sound like something you'd watch? We'll keep you posted on further developments.
-Larissa Mrykalo