Viruses are scary because they are a silent killer. They can strike anywhere, any time and anyone. They are even more scary when found in remote areas without ready access to help and escape. Syfy’s new drama series HELIX offers a fine-tuned virus thriller set a research facility in the Arctic.
In HELIX, there are mysteries upon mysteries as to what is really going on at Artic Biosystems: are animals being experimented on; are there human trials; and what kind of virus are they dealing with? Plus, is the virus airborne or is direct contact necessary – and if so, how much? Will the slightest touch infect someone, or does it require a more intimate connection? One glance at the infected, both dead and alive and one immediately sees the black ooze. It almost moves with deliberate planning, giving the illusion of intelligence that may not actually be there. Like all organisms, it may simply seek to survive and will seek out any food and heat source.
Syfy’s HELIX is a terrifying look at how ever the Center for Disease Control’s finest can fall prey to something new and unknown. After discovering the outbreak, a crack CDC team helmed by Dr. Alan Farragut (Billy Campbell), his ex-wife Dr. Julia Walker (Kyra Zagorsky), Dr. Sarah Jordan (Jordan Hayes), and Dr. Doreen Boyle (Catherine Lemieux) is sent to the Artic to contain the virus. But containment remains elusive as the infected seek by any means necessary to escape.
Running things at the Artic Biosystems lab are Dr. Hiroshi Hitaki, along with the military attaché Major Sergio Balleseros (Mark Ghanime) and internal security chief Daniel Aerov (Meegwun Fairbrother). The secrets they all vow to protect may undermine the entire CDC efforts. At what price will they protect their work and the work of the facility over human life?
The wild card in the story is Dr. Peter Farragut (Neil Napier), Alan’s brother and Julia’s former lover. Just where do Peter’s loyalties lie and why does he keep disappearing?
With tensions at an all time high, the question of who to trust is imperative. Containment, identification of the virus, and figuring out what sparked the outbreak are just as important, but the human factor of hidden agendas, illicit relationships (both personal and professional), and human desires putting greed and legacy ahead of human life shall cost them all dearly.
At a special set visit, the cast and producers of HELIX introduced their complex characters and teased what kinds of problems they face in tracking and containing the virus:
Do not let these affable actors fool you – HELIX is a dark, dangerous tale where no one can be trusted and not all of them will escape in the end.
The 2-hour premiere of HELIX debuts on Friday, January 10th at 9:00 p.m. on Syfy (Showcase in Canada). Full of thrills and chills, buckle up for a fun ride!
(Video credit: Tiffany Vogt)
Tiffany Vogt is the Senior West Coast Editor, contributing as a columnist and entertainment reporter to TheTVaddict.com. She has a great love for television and firmly believes that entertainment is a world of wondrous adventures that deserves to be shared and explored – she invites you to join her. Please feel free to contact Tiffany at Tiffany_Vogt_2000@yahoo.com or follow her at on Twitter (@TVWatchtower).