NBC’s new series “Aquarius”, starring David Duchovny, has just landed three new stars, one of which is “Game of Thrones” actor Gethin Anthony who will portray Charles Manson. Joining them in the 1960s-set drama is Grey Damon and Emma Dumont as it follows a cop who goes undercover to track Manson and his brood, reports TVLine.
Anthony — who on Thrones played Renly Baratheon — will portray Manson, described here as the “archetypal Authentic Hippie Freak” whose intense charisma draws young followers to him in droves. A jailbird who has spent half his life in prison, Manson dominates his young women followers through a combination of sex, drugs and a paternalistic and caring attitude that masks his inner evil. A dark, seductive force of nature, he recruits young Emma Karn (played by Dumont) to his ranks — but his interest in her may be far beyond the merely sexual. In fact, he may have embroiled her father in a far-reaching conspiracy.
Damon, meanwhile, will co-star as Hodiak’s (Duchovny) new partner — and the two are well-matched in their maverick methods and savvy instincts. He helps Hodiak trace the missing Emma Karn, going undercover himself to learn more about Manson.
Here’s what it’s about:
It’s 1967, and the era of free love, drug experimentation, and the Vietnam War is in full effect. When the teenage daughter of a respected lawyer goes missing, L.A. Police Sgt. Sam Hodiak (David Duchovny; “Californication,” “The X-Files”) starts asking around. He soon discovers that the hippie kids he’s questioning don’t take kindly to cops, especially one with hair as short as his. Needing the help of someone they will trust, he partners with rebellious undercover cop Brian Shafe, a man who’s more comfortable rolling a joint than patrolling a beat.
It’s not long before they stumble upon a small-time cult leader seeking out vulnerable women to join his cause. From there, they follow this man’s trail down a rabbit hole of drugs, sex, murder, and cultural revolution. Little could they know, however, the guy they’re hunting will eventually become the killer we now recognize as Charles Manson. He was a lost soul who desperately wanted to get into the music scene of the ’60s until something snapped. This is the show that will explore the cat and mouse game between him and the police that will go on for several seasons, ultimately ending with the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders.
Writer John McNamara (“In Plain Sight”) serves as executive producer with Marty Adelstein (“Prison Break”), David Duchovny, and Melanie Greene. “Aquarius” is a production of ITV Studios America and Marty Adelstein Productions.