#10: The Asset (Fox)

The US networks are deep into development season and have spent the past few weeks frantically ordering pilots ahead of this year’s Upfronts and LA Screenings. TBI takes a look at some of the most interesting projects that are up for consideration.

#10: The Asset

Josh Friedman, writer of Tom Cruise-fronted feature War of the Worlds, is hoping that his new spy drama The Asset will make it through the sausage factory more successfully than his last pilot – Locke and Key, the hottest series of last year’s development slate not to make it to air.

The Asset stars Ali Larter, star of Heroes and the original Final Destination film, as a spy for the CIA Agency’s Human Intel Specialist whose cover is as a photojournalist.

Friedman, who also exec produced Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, wrote the pilot, which will be directed by Limitless‘ Neil Burger. The series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television for its sister network.

The big question, however, is whether the show will be serialized or procedural?

Friedman, writing on his I Find Your Lack Of Faith Disturbing blog, wrote in 2010. “Not that I don’t understand the impulse for procedurals. They’re the golden retrievers of television. They’re cheap. They’re endearing. Not too hard to understand. And they won’t cost 3.5 million per ep, pull in a 1.4 rating, and pee on your favorite tauntaun sleeping bag.”

Chances: Fair to solid; the spy drama genre needs a new hook and Friedman deserves a break after last year’s escapades.