In this blink-and-you-missed-it show, Gabriel Vaughn (Josh Holloway) is a high-tech intelligence operative who has had a micro-chip implanted in his brain that allows him to access the internet and other computer networks. It was an interesting show that had the requisite amount of procedural stories that CBS usually demands of its drama entries, but also delivered a sufficient twist on the format with its sci fi elements and its sense of fun. It also had a bit a of a story arc to it, but that was mostly kept in the background (likely at the insistence of CBS execs). In fact, the show was not dissimilar to Limitless which would get cancelled by the same network two years later (though at least that one managed to survive for 22 episodes). And genre fans certainly enjoyed the many familiar faces that made their way to the show: Holloway (Lost), John Billingsley (Star Trek: Enterprise), Meghan Ory (Once Upon A Time), and Lance Reddick (Fringe). Intelligence debuted to good ratings when it premiered on a Tuesday night with NCIS as its lead-in. But when it moved to its regular Monday 10 PM EST timeslot, its numbers dropped quick and far. It ended the season as one of CBS’ lowest rated shows and that sci fi-averse network was unwilling to give it a chance at a second season with better scheduling. The show never seemed to develop much of a fanbase either, so there was little attempt made to save it after the cancellation. The cancellation did free up Josh Holloway to move on to the fan-favorite series Colony which is currently airing on USA. But Intelligence, while not a sci fi classic by any means, definitely showed some potential and could have grown into a genre sleeper if given the chance, similar to what Person of Interest did on the same network (and a cross-over with those shows would have been really cool).
Aired: CBS, 2014, 1 Season Totaling 13 Episodes
Created By: Michael Seitzman
Starring: Josh Holloway, Marg Helgenberger, Meghan Ory, John Billingsley
Read more about cancelled sci fi TV from the early days of television to the present in Johnny Jay’s Cancelled Sci Fi TV: 1949-2015. Available for Kindle and Other eBook Formats
