Have you ever heard of the game “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon?” The legendary actor
has done it all, and he seems to have a connection to just about everyone – in six degrees or less. Kevin Bacon is one of Hollywood’s biggest names, and his work is recognized around the world. Now the actor best known for blockbuster movies like “Mystic River,” “Footloose” and “Apollo 13” is making the leap from the silver screen to the small screen.
In his television debut, Kevin Bacon stars as Ryan Hardy in the new series, “The Following.” The show follows Ryan Hardy as he returns to work as a FBI agent after being away from the bureau for quite some time. The story follows him as he comes back into the field to find notorious serial killer, Joe Carroll. Joe Carroll has accumulated hundreds of “followers.” The problem with these followers is that they are murdering people in the name of Joe Carroll. This is the premise from which the name of the new series, “The Following,” is derived.
Originally, Kevin Bacon’s character puts Joe Carroll in prison, on death row, after he is found guilty of murdering several of his own female college students. After a tough chase and several emotionally-charged events, Ryan Hardy is drained and no longer the credible FBI agent he once was. Life has changed for Ryan Hardy, and not in a positive way. His life is no longer as glamorous as it once was.
Joe Carroll has been locked up for several years at the beginning of the series, but now he has managed to escape from prison. This brings Ryan Hardy back onto the scene. Ryan Hardy is brought in to help the FBI track and capture the serial killer that he knows better than anyone else. Knowing the killer’s M.O. and having dealt with Joe Carroll has caused Ryan Hardy a great deal of despair and trouble in his own life.
After rejoining the case, Ryan Hardy begins his investigation and finds more than he is bargaining for. Joe Carroll has created a legion of followers that are doing his bidding and committing murders in his name. Joe Carroll’s influence over his legion increases the longer he remains free, and Carroll grows more and more dangerous by the day. From here the show follows Kevin Bacon’s character in the pursuit of the psychopath.
Although Kevin Bacon has appeared on television before, such as his appearances on various soap operas, it has been quite some time since the actor has done any substantial television work. “The Following” is Kevin Bacon’s big return, and the series breathes new life to his career.
When Kevin made the change to television from the silver screen, he had a particular type of character in mind that he wanted to play. He was quoted by The Philadelphia Inquirer saying “When I was trying to find something to do on TV, I knew that I wanted to do the hero.” That is exactly the role Kevin has landed with in his new show “The Following.”
In addition to playing a character he loves, he also holds the lead role. The show may revolve around Kevin Bacon’s character, but he has a great supporting cast to make this show one of this year’s hottest new shows. James Purefoy, Shawn Ashmore, and Nico Tortorella all play characters that help Kevin make “The Following” a potential hit.
Check your local television providers and find listings for “The Following.” The series promises to be a thriller that will have you glued to the edge of your seat, wanting more at the end of each episode. Watching this show, you will become instantly addicted to the drama and glued to the danger that Ryan Hardy has to face. Check out “The Following,” and see what everyone is talking about!
