Before “The Boys,” Chace Crawford Starred in a “Dallas”-esque Primetime Soap Opera with Don Johnson
Chace Crawford, best known to contemporary audiences for his role as The Deep in the acclaimed Amazon Prime Video series “The Boys,” first gained widespread recognition in a very different kind of television landscape. Before navigating the darkly satirical world of superheroes, Crawford starred in “Blood & Oil,” a primetime soap opera that aired on ABC in 2015. The series, created by Josh Pate and Rodes Fishburne, attempted to capture the dramatic intensity and wealth-fueled intrigue reminiscent of the iconic 1980s series “Dallas,” but set against the backdrop of the modern-day oil boom in North Dakota.
“Blood & Oil” aimed to tap into the public fascination with the energy industry and the lives of those who amassed fortunes within it. The show’s premise centered on a young couple, Billy (Chace Crawford) and Cody Lefever (Rebecca Rittenhouse), who relocate to the fictional town of Rock Springs, North Dakota, following a massive oil discovery. Their arrival sets in motion a chain of events involving ambition, betrayal, and the ruthless pursuit of wealth and power. The series explored themes of class, corruption, and the environmental impact of the oil industry, though often through the lens of heightened melodrama.
The Cast and Characters of “Blood & Oil”
The series boasted an ensemble cast led by veteran actor Don Johnson, who portrayed Harlan “Hap” Briggs, a powerful and enigmatic oil tycoon. Johnson, previously celebrated for his role as James “Sonny” Crockett in “Miami Vice,” brought a seasoned presence to the role of the manipulative and controlling Hap Briggs. IMDb details the extensive cast list, highlighting the show’s ambition to create a complex web of interconnected characters.
Alongside Johnson and Crawford, “Blood & Oil” featured Amber Valletta as Carla Briggs, Hap’s sophisticated and often scheming wife; Scott Michael Foster as Wick Briggs, Hap’s ambitious and morally ambiguous son; and Miranda Rae Mayo as Lacey Briggs, Hap’s biracial daughter whose life is complicated by a clandestine affair. Adan Canto played AJ Menendez, Hap’s personal driver who leads a double life, whereas India de Beaufort portrayed Jules Jackman, a shrewd bar owner and loan shark. Delroy Lindo rounded out the main cast as Tip Harrison, a seemingly laid-back but observant sheriff.
Production and Setting
Filming for “Blood & Oil” took place primarily in Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah, standing in for the North Dakota oil fields. The production sought to visually capture the rugged landscape and the boomtown atmosphere associated with the oil industry. According to production details, the series aimed for a cinematic quality, reflecting the scale of the oil boom and the high stakes involved. The choice of Utah as a filming location provided access to landscapes that could convincingly portray the North Dakota setting.
Short-Lived Run and Cancellation
Despite initial anticipation and a high-profile cast, “Blood & Oil” faced challenges in attracting a consistent audience. The original order of 13 episodes was reduced to 10 on October 23, 2015, signaling concerns about the show’s performance. The Hollywood Reporter reported on the episode reduction, citing low ratings as the primary reason for the decision. The series ultimately concluded its run on December 13, 2015, without a second season.
Several factors contributed to the show’s cancellation. Competition from other popular television programs, a complex and sprawling narrative, and a perceived lack of resonance with viewers were all cited as potential reasons for its failure to gain traction. While “Blood & Oil” attempted to capitalize on the popularity of primetime soaps and the public’s interest in the energy industry, it ultimately failed to capture a significant audience share.
Crawford’s Career Trajectory
While “Blood & Oil” proved to be a short-lived venture, it served as a stepping stone in Chace Crawford’s career. Prior to the series, Crawford was known for his role as Nate Archibald in the popular teen drama “Gossip Girl.” Following the cancellation of “Blood & Oil,” Crawford continued to pursue acting roles, eventually landing the part of The Deep in “The Boys,” a role that has garnered him critical acclaim and a wider audience. The contrast between the glamorous world of “Gossip Girl,” the oil-fueled drama of “Blood & Oil,” and the subversive satire of “The Boys” demonstrates Crawford’s versatility as an actor.
Crawford’s career demonstrates a willingness to take on diverse roles and navigate different genres. His transition from a leading man in a traditional teen drama to a complex and often morally ambiguous character in a superhero satire highlights his adaptability and range. “The Boys” has proven to be a significant turning point in his career, solidifying his position as a recognizable and respected actor in the television industry.
The Legacy of “Blood & Oil”
Although “Blood & Oil” did not achieve long-term success, it remains a notable example of a primetime soap opera that attempted to capitalize on contemporary themes and a familiar genre formula. The series’ exploration of the oil industry, wealth, and power dynamics, while often exaggerated for dramatic effect, reflected real-world concerns and anxieties. The show’s failure to connect with a broad audience serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of creating successful television in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
The series also provides a glimpse into the television landscape of the mid-2010s, a period marked by the rise of streaming services and the increasing fragmentation of the television audience. “Blood & Oil” represents a final attempt by a major network (ABC) to create a traditional primetime soap opera in an era where viewers were increasingly drawn to more innovative and serialized storytelling formats. While the show ultimately fell short of its ambitions, it remains a curious footnote in television history.
Key Takeaways
- Chace Crawford starred in the short-lived ABC soap opera “Blood & Oil” before achieving success with “The Boys.”
- The series, created by Josh Pate and Rodes Fishburne, aimed to emulate the dramatic style of “Dallas” within the context of the North Dakota oil boom.
- “Blood & Oil” featured a prominent cast led by Don Johnson and explored themes of wealth, power, and corruption.
- The show was cancelled after 10 episodes due to low ratings and faced challenges in attracting a consistent audience.
- Crawford’s role in “Blood & Oil” served as a stepping stone to his acclaimed role as The Deep in “The Boys.”
As the television industry continues to evolve, the story of “Blood & Oil” serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of success and the importance of adapting to changing audience preferences. The series’ legacy lies not in its longevity, but in its attempt to blend a classic genre with contemporary themes and its role in the career trajectory of a rising actor. Further updates on Chace Crawford’s career and upcoming projects can be found on his official IMDb page.
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