Rueben's Ramblings

Much has been discussed by fans and bloggers alike regarding the recent news that ABC is working on an American version of the popular Canadian series Being Erica that will air its third season on the soon-to-be-defunct SOAPnet starting on January 26 at 11 PM.

The discussions have ranged from: Is it really necessary to fix what isn’t broken? Do we really need two versions of the same show in Canada and America when the original is wonderful as it is? Can’t the network simply air the past two seasons and arrange for the third season to be aired on ABC? Who in the world could “replace” Erin Karpluk as Erica Strange, the title character in the series?

The last question is the key issue that most fans and bloggers all share. Who would play Erica? Various names have been thrown around – especially on Twitter – and even some articles have been written where casting choices were made for not only Erica but most of the primary and secondary cast.

That is where the purpose of the following lists comes into play. After much discussion with a fellow blogger, I would like to present my choices for the American cast of Being Erica based on three very different leading ladies.

Once you peruse the choices and check out the photos, please share your thoughts on whether you agree and please feel free to make your own suggestions.

Enjoy!

PS: Please note that I did research each actor and actress, making sure (as much as possible) that each one is the right age for their respective roles. Also note that there is no way to know if any of these actors would be interested in the American version of the show, whether any of them would be available for the show or if they would even be offered a role in the show.  These are simply SUGGESTIONS on who I would like to see play the parts.  Nothing more.

Suggestion 1:  Erica Strange as played by Erica Durance (Lois Lane on Smallville) – Much has been made that she would be a shoo-in just because her name is Erica, but Durance would easily be able to adapt to the ever changing life of Erica Strange and her unusual forays into the past.

Suggestion 2:  Erica Strange as played by Autumn Reeser (Katie on No Ordinary Family) – Autumn was suggested by a fellow blogger for the lead role in the American version of this series and she would make a delightful Erica because she has charm and that much sought after attribute: likeability.

Suggestion 3:  Erica Strange as played by Shiri Appleby (Cate from Life Unexpected and formerly Liz on Roswell) – Shiri was also suggested by a fellow blogger and she would make a terrific Erica because she has experience working with teen angst stories, allowing for believability for the time travel trips and she is so expressive, making the viewers’ feel every emotion for which she feels.

The remainder of the cast would be virtually the same regardless of which talented actress is chosen for the lead role (more on that shortly), except the actor who would play Erica’s boyfriend Ethan would change depending on the leading lady.  Those suggestions are as follows:

Suggestion 1:  Ethan as played by Adam Kaufman (to be paired with Erica Durance) – Adam is recognizable to viewers of Without A Trace, the Lifetime made-for-TV movie Lying to be Perfect (both with his off-screen love Poppy Montgomery) and the TV mini-series Taken [among many others]. Durance is statuesque and requires a tall, dark and handsome leading man; all qualities that Kaufman has in spades.

Suggestion 2:  Ethan as played by Eyal Podell (to be paired with Autumn Reeser) – Eyal is known to TV viewers through his roles in the short-lived TV shows Defying Gravity and Commander in Chief; but he also appeared in 24, Everwood and Charmed [among many others]. He is also known in the soap world for his work on The Young and the Restless. To play alongside Reeser, this Ethan would need to be the strong, somewhat silent type and Eyal could pull that off easily while being the voice of reason to Autumn’s Erica.

Suggestion 3:  Ethan as played by Max Greenfield (to be paired with Shiri Appleby) – Max is best known to the TV audience for his recurring role as Deputy Leo in Veronica Mars, but he has also appeared in Greek, Ugly Betty and Raising the Bar. To play alongside Shiri as Erica Strange, this Ethan would need to be able to handle her well-played-out emotions with aplomb and compassion.

As for the remainder of the primary cast, they would be as follows:

Dr. Tom would be played by Patrick Fabian, who is known for his work in Joan of Arcadia, Veronica Mars, the short-lived series Valentine and most recently the Teen Nick series Gigantic (among many others). Patrick is an extremely versatile actor who could easily delve into the complex and mysterious character of Dr. Tom, making him an easy to like (and fear) character who could roll quips and quotes off to Erica with power and authority.

Gary and Barbara Strange (Erica’ parents) would be portrayed by Brenda Strong (Desperate Housewives and Everwood) and Mark Sheppard (Battlestar Galactica). Brenda has a history of playing tragic mother roles so this role would be a welcome change for her and she would shine as Erica’s mom. Meanwhile, Mark is best known for playing the “heavy” or villain in most of his roles, but to see him portray a gentle father would be a treat and he could pull this off as easily as his past roles. He would have to hide his accent, of course.

Julianne (Erica’s boss) would be played by Marley Shelton, who really made an impression – short though it may have been – in the US version of Eleventh Hour and has experience playing the not-so-pleasant (nee bitchy) type such as her role in the box office movie Never Been Kissed. Movie goers will also remember Marley from her work in Pleasantville alongside Tobey Maguire and Bubble Boy with Jake Gyllenhaal.

NOTE: And here is the remainder of the secondary cast:

Jenny and Judith (Erica’s best friends) would be played by Nora Zehetner and Christine Adams respectively. Nora is best known for her roles in the TV shows on Everwood, Heroes, Grey’s Anatomy and Mad Men while Christine had a recurring role in Pushing Daisies and appeared in the short-lived series The Whole Truth.

Samantha and Leo Strange (Erica’s younger sister and younger brother) would be portrayed by Mercedes McNab and Michael Cassidy respectively. Most TV viewers will remember Mercedes from her days on Buffy, the Vampire Slayer while Michael got his start on The O.C. and then moved on to roles in Smallville and Privileged.

Brent (Erica’s co-worker) would be played by Kavan Smith, who is best known for his roles in the TV shows Stargate Atlantis and Eureka. NOTE: He has played a member of the military or police force in these shows so it would be a real treat to see him play a metrosexual character and, for once, not be carrying a gun.

Josh (Erica’s brother-in-law) would be played by Geoff Stults, who has appeared in 7th Heaven, the short-lived shows Reunion and Happy Town as well as the series October Road.

Kai (Erica’s friend and fellow time traveler) would be portrayed by Chris Olivero, who is best known to TV viewers from the ABC Family Channel series Kyle XY.

Katie (Erica’s former best friend) would be played by Lindy Booth, who appeared in the syndicated series Relic Hunter as well as Odyssey 5, The 4400 and The Philanthropist. She is probably best known for her recurring role in October Road.

Now that you’ve read my choices, please make your own.

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