Jason Isaacs
Anne Heche
Ori Pfeffer
Lauren Ambrose
David Costabile
Regina Taylor

Created by:
Tim Kring
Gideon Raff

2015
Drama, Mystery, Thriller
USA Network
TV-14

“Dig,” on USA Network, comes to us from Tim Kring (creator of “Heroes”) and Gideon Raff (executive producer of “Homeland”). Its pilot begins with two quotes, one from the Bible and the other from REM. Unfortunately, that kind of playful contrast doesn’t translate to the rest of the episode. In the middle of the pilot, they even reference Indiana Jones via the Ark of the Covenant; but they don’t capitalize on that reference either.

“Dig” looks somewhat like “Homeland,” but lacks the immediacy that made that show’s pilot so intriguing. This show relies on an end of the world religious conspiracy to engage its viewers. We’ve seen this kind of thing before, with much more energy. While the creative team tries to produce some tension, there’s no reason to care.

Of course, this is the kind of show that will reveal more and more as it goes along. At this point, there are three separate storylines: a calf, a kid, and the dig. They will converge eventually, but will it matter when they do? The cast is strong, but the writing’s stale.

For thrillers, it’s necessary for the audience to be thoroughly engaged. Thrillers need to captivate. They need to start on a compelling note and give away just enough to keep you interested. That doesn’t happen here. Just because there’s a puzzle doesn’t mean that I want to solve it. Right now, all I can do in response to “Dig” is shrug my shoulders.

Verdict: OK

About: (Source: dig)

The holiest city on earth has an unholy secret . . . From the executive producers of Homeland and Heroes, USA Network presents DIG, a thrilling ten-part television event. Starring Golden Globe nominee Jason Isaacs and Emmy Award-winner Anne Heche.

When Peter Connelly, an FBI agent recently stationed in Jerusalem, begins investigating the murder of a young American, he realizes that he has uncovered an ancient international conspiracy that threatens to change the course of human history. Certain that the dangerous prophecy is nearing fruition, Peter must race against the clock to unravel its mystery. From a remote farm in Norway, to an enigmatic compound in New Mexico, to the serpentine tunnels of Jerusalem, this immersive, fast-paced adventure will take viewers on a quest for a truth that will shake the world’s beliefs to its very core.

Shot in contemporary Jerusalem against the backdrop of such historic sites as the Temple Mount, as well as in Croatia and New Mexico.