In the two-hour series premiere of “Daybreak,” the same day replays three times. There are three identical sunrises, three Dodgers games with the same score and three similar attempts to evade the police. Although the concept and repeated scenes may seem like the writers have already run out of fresh narratives, but instead the drama is refreshingly intelligent with a complicated plotline full of small, crucial details. Therein lies the genius of the show.
- Angela Cesere
- Television drama: where all fashion styles converge to become one great, vague entity. (Courtesy of ABC)
As the anticipated replacement for the widely-popular “Lost” during its 12-week break, the series seems to have adopted many of its predecessor’s winning traits. The serial style, big-budget production value and mysterious overtone of “Lost” are highly apparent in its stand-in.
The show also borrows heavily from the 1993 film “Groundhog Day,” in which an unpleasant day is relived over and over by star Bill Murray. While “Daybreak” has none of the comedic elements of that movie, it still owes a great deal in terms of concept to the hit film.
The show stars Taye Diggs (“How Stella Got Her Groove Back”) as detective Brett Hooper, framed for the murder of a state district attorney despite a rock-solid alibi. Hooper relives the day in which the authorities track him down in repeated d