Jimmy Smits Joins NBC Pilot Formerly Titled SILA

A few days ago, I gushed about Noah Emmerich’s involvement in the NBC pilot S.I.L.A.. Now there are more reasons to celebrate, though I’m having a hard time deciding which one of these pieces of news is better. First, the show has shed itself of that horrible title. No word on what they might change to, but I’m fairly certain you could draw three relevant nouns out of a hat and find something better. Maybe Criminal Destruction Web or Police Smackdown Chaos.

Deadline is also reporting acclaimed actor Jimmy Smits has boarded the currently untitled pilot. He’ll play the mayor, Noah Emmerich’s boss, looking to rid the city of its surreptitious criminal elements through a special investigation service. I would buy him as an underhanded mayor. Hell, I would buy him in almost any capacity after his work as the rogue government employee on Dexter.

I cannot underscore the importance of Jimmy Smits’ casting enough. Well beyond the fact that he’s a great actor, this pilot needed a name to sell to NBC. I have no doubt Noah Emmerich will be great, but his name alone will not get this project picked up. Jimmy Smits’ might. Fingers crossed.

Mack Rawden
Editor In Chief

Mack Rawden is the Editor-In-Chief of CinemaBlend. He first started working at the publication as a writer back in 2007 and has held various jobs at the site in the time since including Managing Editor, Pop Culture Editor and Staff Writer. He now splits his time between working on CinemaBlend’s user experience, helping to plan the site’s editorial direction and writing passionate articles about niche entertainment topics he’s into. He graduated from Indiana University with a degree in English (go Hoosiers!) and has been interviewed and quoted in a variety of publications including Digiday. Enthusiastic about Clue, case-of-the-week mysteries, a great wrestling promo and cookies at Disney World. Less enthusiastic about the pricing structure of cable, loud noises and Tuesdays.