Illustration by Kevin McFadin
Yes, Richmond's film and television production credits are stacking up. We've been on a nice run lately, with the Oscar-winning Lincoln and cable projects like Killing Kennedy and Turn , the new Revolutionary War series on AMC. But let's forget about the big screen. All the smart money these days goes into long-form, dramatic television. That's why we need to get busy creating Richmond versions of "bingeworthy" series. We don't need to reinvent the wheel. All it takes is a little twist on what's already working, and then we can score ourselves a bona fide hit and tell Atlanta to suck it. A few ideas:
Roux Detective
A twisted tale of gastronomical intrigue unfolds against the Southern gothic backdrop of the Swift Creek Reservoir. Things get complicated quickly when two Chesterfield health inspectors uncover a gravy conspiracy that turns out to be thicker and lumpier than they could ever have imagined.
Game of Jones
In a faraway, fantastical world known as "The Commonwealth," the bold Mayor of Metrorva faces rival kingdoms that seek to derail plans for his beloved Iron Stadium. The mythical Valley of Shockoe becomes an epic battleground where rival armies clash in the name of economic development. It is a time of magic, where dragons exist and the city needs another hotel.
Breaking Beignet
After a man is told he has only six months to live, he decides to secure his family's financial future by turning to a life of crime. He joins forces with a disgruntled Subway sandwich artist and the two start baking French pastries in his basement. Without a permit! The homemade confections become an underground sensation, and the man suddenly finds himself at war with Richmond doughnut dealers who are forced to defend their turf … by any means necessary.
Downtown Tabby
Richmond, 1920. The city's wealthiest live in close quarters with their domestic help in the grand mansions along Monument Avenue. Imagine a world of impeccable sophistication, Edwardian manners and aristocratic propriety. Then, imagine just below that world boils a steamy cauldron of high drama, class warfare and bodice-ripping romance. Now imagine that world populated with stray cats dressed in period costume.
Gentrifornication
A single man buys a fixer-upper house in a transitional neighborhood, but his sex addiction makes it difficult for him to finish his construction projects on time.
Sons of Fanarchy
A chronicle of the outrageous antics of an outlaw scooter gang that rules the streets between Belvidere and the Boulevard, dealing out their own brand of 100cc justice.
Hanover Horror Story
Every season follows a new bloodcurdling tale of the macabre that proves Hanover is definitely not your ordinary "county next door." Season One: You Say Tomato, I Say MURDER!
Big Guv
If you thought "reaching across the aisle" in the Virginia General Assembly was tough, imagine sharing yourself with six demanding sister wives! The Commonwealth elects its first polygamist governor, and the overwhelmed leader quickly realizes that running the state and balancing the budget qualify as the "easy" parts of his job. If you thought all that McDonnell stuff was wild, just wait until the Executive Mansion is FULL of first ladies.
