FlashForward bulks up the supporting cast with two of 24’s best villains.

The ones in charge on ABC’s FlashForward are doing something right. They’re filling in their supporting characters’ spots with some great talent. With last episode’s White to Play, we saw a sneak peek of two characters who will probably play big roles in secondary storylines. And is it chance that they both happen to be actors who took their roles in FOX’s 24 to the next level? Probably not.

We’ve seen diabolical villains in 24, from Tobin Bell, Penny Johnson, and Dennis Hopper. In fact, it’s the antagonists and their schemes which refresh us every season – how will Jack Bauer deal with a new terrorist’ threat on the US?

Shohreh Aghdashloo from 24. Is it me, or are the best antagonists killed off halfway through the day?

Well, I’m more than happy to see that two of my favourites appear on Thursday’s episode of FlashFoward. The first being the latest an Emmy winner for Supporting Actress in a TV/Mini-Series Shohreh Aghdashloo.

In 24, she played opposite Jonathan Ahdout as a sleeper cell disguised as a happy family in the United States. Her role turned out to be quite complex since she was the new female antagonist since the death of Sherry Palmer the season prior. It was this role that proved 24 writers can create the top female characters on television. In following years, both Jean Smart and Cherry Jones were nominated for Emmys in their first season with the series. Jones did so well as the US President that she walked away with the award this past year.

With FlashForward, her character’s vision was reading the file regarding John Cho’s death. Turns out Cho’s fears about not having a glimpse of the future are true. He’ll die six weeks before April 29, 2010. This is a secondary story that I don’t think the creators will let fizzle away. Even though she is scheduled for next week’s 137 Sekunden, I hope we see more of her. Her presence is unforgettable.

FlashForward borrows from the best to create an impressive pilot.

It’s really rare to find a pilot of any television series to hook you in its first episode. Glee had me laughing and feeling good while Defying Gravity had me believing in the human race and that anything was possible.

Then there’s FlashForward. There are few times where I can remember screaming at my television, especially in the first episode of a series. ABC’s latest had me doing just that.

Imagine if everyone in the world blacked out simultaneously for the same amount of time.  Now imagine while everyone’s unconscious, each individual sees a glimpse of his or her future – all on April 29th, 2010 at 10pm.

This crazy concept is based from Robert J. Sawyer’s novel. David S. Goyer, who is known for the The Dark Knight, joined Sawyer in creating the series. Leading that cast is Joseph Fiennes who plays a recovering alcoholic/F.B.I. agent who tries to make sense of the blackout. His partner, John Cho, fits into his role perfectly and finally proves he can only play more than just a stoner.

ABC viewers are used to seeing glimpses of the future and time travel with shows like LOST, but not necessarily with this cast. So, they decided to add some familiar faces with Sonya Walger (Penelope) and Dominic Monaghan (Charlie) whom we recognize. As Entertainment Weekly reported, Monaghan signed on without even looking at the script. His character wasn’t in the pilot, but if he didn’t see a word of dialogue, his character Simon must be one of a kind.