The Unit

A Modern Military Drama

"The Unit" is a TV drama series centered around an international special forces team. The series is based on a book by the show's producer Eric Haney, entitled "Inside Delta Force". Members of the team are mainly involved in the prevention of terrorist attacks.

Major Plot:

"The Unit" is a top-secret organization that fronts dangerous missions and global assignments. It has been compared to the counterterrorist mission of our soldiers in Iraq. Starring in this explosive weekly series are Dennis Haysbert as Sergeant Major Jonas Blane and Regina Taylor as his wife Molly. As Jonas Blane, Dennis is the team's commander. Jonas is an excellent leader who accepts full responsibility for the actions of his men. He employs a 'take charge' attitude and a 'tough love' approach. In return Jonas demands respect and loyalty from his team members.

Several security measures have been put in place to ensure protection of the team's identity. The member's wives, led expertly by Molly Blane, have been sworn to secrecy. Molly has been known to nurture, console and teach the other wives with regard to their husband's missions. She also reassures wives when they feel like giving up hope. If any of the team's wives are suspected of betraying their husband's secrets through gossip or any other means, their husbands could be expelled from duty. Col Ryan, played by Robert Patrick, would not hesitate to destroy marriages or ultimately families, due to the betrayal of a team member's wife or significant other. In short, he does whatever it takes to protect his team members and their mission.

Other security measures include the type of uniforms worn and the weapons used. Neither are "standard issue", and can be made to look like the uniforms and weapons of other military organizations.

"The Unit's" wives are well aware that their husbands' organization is top-secret, but none of them know the exact details surrounding any of the missions.

Stars:

Dennis Haysbert- Haysbert as Sergeant Major Jonas Blane is best known for his excellent portrayal of charismatic President David Palmer on the hit TV drama "24". He enjoyed his role on "24" immensely, and highly disapproved of the producers' decision to "kill off his character" during the show's fourth season. He stated his resistance to their decision was based on the fact that: (1) his character was highly important to the show and to the main star's (Keifer Sutherland) character; and (2) assassinating a black president was too clichéd. Fortunately for his many television fans, however, Dennis has graduated to "The Unit", where he is once again in command. Haysbert is also known for his "Allstate Insurance" commercials. Basically, the commercials show how "Allstate" can provide security for car accident victims. Most recently Dennis', who has had a very stellar career, acting credits include the movies, "Breach" and the Nelson Mandela flick, "Goodbye Bafana".

Regina Taylor- Taylor as Jonas' wife Molly Blane is best known for her role as Lilly Harper in the television series, "I'll Fly Away", for which she received both a Golden Globe and an NAACP Award. Regina's other acting credits include appearances in the films: "Clockers"; "Courage Under Fire"; "The Negotiator" (as the wife of Samuel L. Jackson's character); and "Losing Isaiah". Additionally, Ms. Taylor is a playwright whose plays include: "The Seagull"; "Drowning Crow"; "Watermelon Rinds"; and "The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove" (a look at the gains and losses of hair entrepreneur Madame CJ Walker). Currently, she is working on a play called "Magnolia".

Other major stars include: Scott Foley as Staff Sgt. Bob Brown; Audrey Marie Anderson as his wife Kim Brown; Abbey Brammell as Tiffy Gerhardt; and Robert Patrick as Col Tom Ryan.

Epilogue:

The original premiere of "The Unit" was first broadcast in March of 2006. The show's second season began in September, 2006. A mid-season replacement, the show was only slated for a few episodes, but the Nielsen ratings changed all that. According to Nielsen, millions of viewers proved "The Unit" to be a successful drama.

While I am one of the show's most avid and loyal fans, there a few changes I'd like to see in their next season. Essentially, I'd like to see more romance between Dennis and Regina (I think their characters should act more like man and wife); and I'd like to see the main characters have more family drama, such as with their daughter and other family members. Other than that I can't think of any improvements needed by this exciting series.

First rate writing, excellent plots, great special effects, an upbeat theme song, as well as first-rate acting, all make this show well worth watching. "The Unit's" third season installment is scheduled for Tuesday, September 25, 2007, and I for one, will welcome it with open arms.