Variety reports that Briarpatch, based on the Ross Thomas novel of the same name, will follow a gender-swapped lead detective (Rosario Dawson) as she sets about putting the small border town she grew up in on the straight and narrow. It was announced earlier today that Alan Cumming and Ed Asner have officially been added to the cast, joining the previously cast series regulars; Kim Dickens, Edi Gathegi, Jay R. Ferguson, and Brian Geraghty. Briarpatch is supposed to be an anthology series and is currently helmed by the creators behind Mr. Robot, Sam Esmail and Andy Greenwald.
The show will follow Allegra Dill (Dawson), Ben Dill in the novel, a hard-nosed detective who returns to her Texas hometown following her sister’s murder. What starts as a search for one killer ends up being a fight for the town’s corrupt conscience.
Asner will take on the role of James Staghorne Sr., the president and owner of the town’s singular newspaper. Staghorne Sr. hasn’t exactly moved with the times and that can come out in his open disdain for nonwhite minorities, often choosing to only speak with his son, Jimmy Jr. The only thing that might get a word out of him to someone else would be his mighty temper.
Another character with impulse control is Clyde Brattle, who will be played by Cumming. Brattle is described as a stylish and charismatic arms dealer who isn’t afraid to make use of his goods. At the start of the series he will currently be a fugitive and the target of a senatorial investigation taken on by Dill. When Brattle returns home, it’s without good intent, he’s back to settle some scores.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Briarpatch is currently in production and is filming in Albuquerque, New Mexico. USA Network is looking to beef up its roster following the departure of both Suits and Mr. Robot by the end of 2019. Other shows that USA currently airs include Queen of the South and The Sinner with plans to produce Brave New World, Dare Me, and a Suits spinoff, Pearson.