The Day of the Triffids - Synopsis for the new TV show

I always enjoyed the idea of John Wyndham’s The Day of The Triffids, but the old film never really did anything for me. However, I have fond memories of the old BBC series (although lots of it just seemed to be people standing around, chatting and looking miserable). This synopsis does seem to hit the spot and Eddie Izzard as the bad guy could be good. Be warned though as there are an awful lot of spoilers for the new BBC series.

The film is due out later this year. I just hope the Triffid's look cool.

Scientist Bill Masen (DOUGRAY SCOTT), has dedicated his life’s work to the study of the complex plant species called Triffids, Genetically modified, they are mass-produced for their ‘Triffoil’, a vital source of renewable fuel. Bill has noticed an unnerving change in their behavioural patterns. The Triffids are starting to communicate. Meanwhile, crowds gather across the globe to witness a much-anticipated solar storm. But the spectacle blinds all those who watch it and the world goes into free fall. In London, fear and panic rage as the blind desperately depend for survival on the few remaining sighted. An even greater nightmare awaits. The Triffids are hungry and moving toward the cities for the most abundant source of their prey - mankind.

Having narrowly escaped blindness, Bill forms an instant attraction with a fellow sighted survivor – the outspoken journalist, Jo Playton (JOELY RICHARDSON). They meet Torrence (EDDIE IZZARD), a flagrantly amoral opportunist, who delights in his new appointment: presiding over the weak and the blind - laying down the foundations for his autocratic government. The Triffid invasion is the perfect crisis for Torrence to work to his own spurious agenda. Despite his feelings for Jo, Bill knows he must leave London. Their one chance of survival lies in reaching the only man who knows more about the Triffids than he does - his estranged father, Dennis (BRIAN COX).

On his perilous mission, Bill breaks free of Torrence and his henchmen, is offered as a sacrifice to the Triffids by the maniacal, messianic community leader Durrant (VANESSA REDGRAVE) and rescues two sisters, Imogen and Susan. These children have lost everything and seek his protection in the final leg of an extraordinary journey. Jo finally finds her way to Bill and the children but their happy reunion is short lived. The desperate efforts of Bill and Dennis to stop the Triffids’ pollination are interrupted by Torrence and his army who surround their house. Caught in the crossfire between the bullets of Torrence’s subordinates and a fast approaching horde of Triffids, Bill’s hopes of saving his newfound family seem doomed to fail. With insurmountable odds against them - how will they make it out alive?

Source: 24FPS

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The Prisoner and The Day of The Triffids posters

Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, Joely Richardson and Eddie Izzard with a gun in this poster for the BBC's remake of The Day of The Triffids. I personally think it is a bit of a poor poster design, but I am looking forward to seeing the show.

I do like the poster for AMC's The Prisoner series. Jim Caviezel is Number 6 and Ian McKellan is Number 2.

Source: io9

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Eddie Izzard & Jason Priestly in Day of the Triffids

Comedian Eddie Izzard and veteran actor Vanessa Redgrave are to star in BBC1's new adaptation of the sci-fi novel The Day of the Triffids.

In an all-star cast, they will be joined by Dougray Scott, Joely Richardson, Brian Cox, and Jason Priestley.

The two-part drama, which is due to air later this year, has been written by Patrick Harbinson, whose credits include the US series ER and Law & Order.

BBC1's new adaptation, which is currently in production, is based on John Wyndham's best-selling post-apocalyptic novel, first published in 1951.

Set in the near future, the drama tells the story of the search for an alternative fuel supply leading to the discovery of the triffid, a plant cultivated for its fuel but which seems to have a life of its own.

When spectators gather worldwide for an anticipated solar storm, billions are left blinded and the few sighted survivors watch as society collapses into chaos. The triffids find their way out of captivity and, free to roam the planet and with a fatal sting and a taste for human flesh, begin to rapidly start breeding.

Scott, whose credits include Mission Impossible II, will star as Dr Bill Masen, who leads the battle against the triffids. Nip/Tuck actor Richardson will appear as Jo Playton; Brian Cox, whose credits include the first two Bourne movies, will take on the role of Dennis Masen; Redgrave, who will soon be seen in the new Robin Hood movie Nottingham, will appear as Durrant; Izzard, who starred in The Riches, will take on Torrence; and Jason Priestley, who appeared in the original Beverley Hills 90210, will star as Coker.

The show is a co-production between Power, the independent producer behind The Devil's Whore, and Canadian company Prodigy Pictures.

Julie Gardner, the head of drama at BBC Wales and an executive producer of the show, said: "The incredible cast lined-up for The Day of the Triffids is testament to the quality of Patrick Harbinson's script. We hope audiences, both old and new, will be captivated by this modern take of John Wyndham's classic best-selling novel."

Justin Bodle, executive producer for Power, said the "amazing effects and iconic locations" would will deliver the "drama mini-series event of 2009".

Filming is due to take place in south-east England until April. The drama is being produced by Stephen Smallwood, whose credits include Murphy's Law, with The Summit's Nick Copus directing. Jay Firestone will also executive produce for Prodigy Pictures.

The Day of the Triffids was first adapted by BBC Radio in 1953 and then again in 1957 and 1968, with a BBC television production in 1981, starring John Duttine as Bill Masen. In 2001, writer Lance Dann adapted the series for two hour-long episodes for the BBC World Service.

Source: Guardian

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