Here are the three basic things you need to know about NBC's "Kidnapped": First, it's effective. Second, it's a serial. And third, but not least, Jeremy Sisto is the crusty, sour, dangerous and hairy (casually and coolly unkempt) Knapp. No first name given on this character, and no first name needed. It would feel redundant, entirely too cozy (and wouldn't play off the show's title; maybe one day we'll learn his nickname is "Kid.")
So it's just Knapp: He's a "Dog the Bounty Hunter" type who disdains the by-the-book methods of the FBI (his former employer) with all the scorn and ridicule that Yankees fans hold for Red Sox fans. He gets the call when the daughter or son of some rich chucklehead is snatched. They'll pay anything to get their dear brat back. He'll do anything to achieve that end.
Now, the foregoing suggests the most cliched stock character imaginable - a Jack Bauer rip-off (comparisons will be inevitable) with a deranged barber. But Sisto (who played Billy, Brenda's seriously disturbed brother on "Six Feet Under") gives Knapp legs and, as a result, "Kidnapped" is solidly on two feet as well.
There are other good things about "Kidnapped," to be sure, including a batch of cameos that are bound to turn into recurring/regular roles as the season gets underway. Dana Delany is Ellie, wife of billionaire Conrad Cain (Timothy Hutton) and a vain/vainglorious rich girl who whispers phrases in French to her haute-cultured and equally haughty kids. When everything falls apart, Delany has to locate another side to this character - and she does.
Meanwhile, there's British-born Delroy Lindo as special agent Latimer King, disgusted with the New FBI and the overeager, overeducated feds in charge of the bureau. Lindo (Broadway's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," HBO's "Lackawanna Blues") gives King just enough world-weariness and passion to counteract Knapp, as well as one of those New Feds, eager beaver agent Andy Archer (Linus Roache).
Best of all, "Kidnapped" is the genuine New York article. It's shot at Silvercup Studios East in Long Island City (with exteriors filmed around the city). This show feels infinitely more New York than competing "CSI: NY," which even has the city in its name.
In this drama, the Cains' teen son, Leopold (Will Denton), is snatched on his way to school, after which kidnappers then dispatch those who could ultimately lead Knapp (or the FBI) to them. They're deeply cruel and cunning - cunning enough to keep this pot boiling for an entire season. Hutton's Cain is also especially sinister, and Knapp is ultimately forced to explore his own patron's shadowy background.
Yes, there have been some valid questions about TV's recent embrace of the serial. (Too many? Will people stay tuned?) "Kidnapped" feels so fresh that viewers won't even care. KIDNAPPED. Big Apple-set serial drama premieres Wednesday at 10 on NBC.
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