By: John M Jerva

For me, day 2 of the NYCC peaked with seeing the iconic Billy Dee Williams live first thing in the morning but a great encore happened later in the afternoon as I was in attendance for the exclusive HBO screening panel for its highly anticipated Watchmen TV series. The whole 1st episode was shown followed by a Q&A with the cast which included Regina King, Jean Smart, Hong Chau, Aquaman’s Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Tim Blake Nelson and acting legends Louis Gossett, Jr. and Jeremy Irons live. Series creator Damon Lindelof was also there to answer questiona as well as Nicole Kassell who helmed the pilot episode.

For fans of the grounbreaking graphic novel, the new HBO series also takes place in the same alternate reality where superheroes are considered criminals and the police must hide their identities for fear of lethal backlash from an old threat that has resurfaced. The series captures the spirit and nostalgic feel of the novel while breaking new ground at the same time. It does take place over 30 years after the events of the graphic novel.

They had asked that reviews for the pilot episode be kept under wraps until the premiere of the episode gets closer so I will indeed respect their wishes but I will say as a persone who is not all that familiar with the graphic nove, I was imediately drawn into this world where superheroes are not like they normally are.

Without spoiling anything, I will say the highlight for me was Regina King who is simply bad ass as Angela Abar. King has played many a strong woman in the past but here she has her action shoes on in full effect and has a great scene in the middle where a spectacular action set piece takes place. I will also say that the episode is not to particularly kind to cows in this scene but oh well.

The rest of the cast which also includes Don Johnson was solid as well and I feel that fans of the novel will be excited to see what this version has to offer. The crowd that I was with during the panel ate up everyhting that was on the screen so that is a good sign.

I did geek out just a little bit as the great Louis Gossett, Jr. was there and I have been a huge fan of his for decades. I loved him especially in 1989’s The Punisher which starred Dolph Lundgren. Seeing Jeremy Irons also wasworth the price of admission because the man is an acting legend. It was also super cool to see Yahya Abdul-Mateen II live as he was just stellar as Black Manta in last year’s Aquaman with Jason Momoa.

Unfortunately, I do not have HBO so now I am going to have to figure something out so I can see the entire season unfold because I am hooked. Damn you NYCC!

The first episode of Watchmen premieres on October 20th at 9/8c so check out the trailer that was released a while back! Keep it locked and loaded right here for more to come from day 3 of the NYCC on Saturday!!!

About The Author: John M Jerva is the owner and editor-in-chief of Action-Flix.com and is a DIE HARD fan of everyhting Action! From the glorious past to the thrilling future, John lives and breathes action!