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For his much-anticipated television debut, Academy Award-winner James Cameron ("Titanic",
"Terminator 2") teamed with Emmy Award-winner Charles Eglee ("Murder One") and created
"Dark Angel," a sci-fi adventure series set in the near future.
Dark Angel stars Jessica Alba ("Never Been Kissed") as Max, a genetically-enhanced human
prototype with attitude to spare. Having escaped her military handlers, she is hunted by
them through the underground street life of 21st Century Pacific Northwest. Max is aided
in her quest - both to avoid capture and to reunite with her surviving "siblings" - by
Logan (Michael Weatherly). Logan, an idealistic computer geek/reporter, battles
corruption and the oppressive establishment in this futuristic landscape.
Michael Weatherly, who besides acting enjoys playing piano and guitar, is very comfortable
in his role as Logan and describes his character as "a very solitary figure in the 2020
future of 'Dark Angel.' He has no social life to speak of and is obsessed with his job as
a revolutionary underground cyber-journalist." Logan seems to like obsession as he
quickly starts to have feelings for Max, whom he met as she was breaking into his home to
steal an expensive statue.
Although ultracool, detached Max initially resists Logan's attempts to enlist her in his
crusade, she ultimately brings her unique skills and abilities to bear in taking on
ruthless power-brokers of the new millennium.
Fans of the show are happy about the way things are turning out with the two main
characters. Danielle, an avid watcher, is drawn to the show because of the story between
Max and Logan. "I think their romance is rather original," comments Danielle. "Logan and
Max are both quite independent on the outside, but quite different underneath. They have
an amazing chemistry onscreen and their story is the only romance to be dragged out that
remains interesting."
Special effects play a big part in this television series. From high jumps to rapid
gunfire, FOX network doesn't seem to spare any expense. Michael gets excited as he
recalls how "In the episode 'Prodigy,' Logan is thrown off the roof of a building by
terrorists. The ensuing fall and rescue by Max, swinging through a window twenty stories
below, was all 'green screen', harnesses and other trickery. But damn, it looked great!"
As most television shows today, the work hours on "Dark Angel" are relentless.
Nevertheless, it pays off, with the end result being an enjoyable and thought-provocative
one-hour piece of entertainment. "A typical work day on 'Dark Angel' is 12-14 hours of
rolling around, looking out for wires, boxes, cameras and attractive leading ladies," says
Michael. He jokingly adds, "Too many of those in a row and your brain turns to oatmeal."
One thing fans love to hear about are bloopers - mistakes that happen on camera. Michael
laughs as he recalls a scene where Logan and Max are arguing: "I was staring at Jessica's
forehead and she was looking at my ear, so that we wouldn't crack each other up. It
didn't work and they had to stop production for 15 minutes while we collected ourselves.
Laughter can be expensive. Fortunately, the scene turned out to be great. Go figure."
It's easy for fan Danielle to figure out a character that she'd like to portray as a guest
star on the show. "I'd like to play a female friend of Logan's," she states confidently.
"Someone has to tell the man that he needs to open himself up a bit more."
With all of this hard work, where does the relaxing and fun come in? "You know, now that
you mention it," says Michael, "we really could have a little more fun on the set. I'll
get right on it and let you know how it goes!"
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"Do Dark Angel’s Have Wings?"
