Former “Castle” and “White Collar” fans had a reason to celebrate this season as “Deception” made its series premiere. Once again we find ourselves with a series that has an unconventional partnership between an agent of the law and someone in the entertainment industry (reminiscent of Castle). As well as the added element of someone needing to work with a government agency in order to win their freedom (reminiscent of White Collar). Deception combines both of these working angles as it follows Cameron Black( Jack Cutmore-Scott), an extremely famous magician, and Jonathan Black, his unknown twin brother in their cause to find a mystery woman who has framed Jonathan for murder. Cameron and his “deception” team are brought in to help the FBI work several interesting cases that Cameron believes are all tied together and part of a larger scheme by the same woman that he claims framed his brother for murder almost a year ago. Cameron hopes that as he helps the FBI, the FBI will also help him to prove his brother’s innocence.
Again we have a sexy female lead in Kay Daniels, played by Ilfenesh Hadera, similar to what we once had in Castle with Kate Beckett. The chemistry between lead Kay Daniels and Cameron Black builds as the season goes on. Even though in the beginning there appears to be not even a flicker of romantic chemistry, by the end there is definitely a spark. Each episode has a bizarre new case that both stands alone and is also somehow connected to several mysterious items that the mystery woman is collecting to recreate some plan that we have yet to realize. And yet her plan is linked to the Black brothers and their heritage, which is why she chose them.
The Deception team definitely adds to Cameron Black’s character with their quirkiness and their personalities. Each member rounding-out their bizarre and extremely clever team. Jonathan Black is the anti-Cameron as he has had to live his life in secret and although he loves his brother he harbors a lot of bad feelings toward him as well. In several episodes their brotherly bond of love and friendship proves to stand against almost anything, but in the season finale it is the ultimate betrayal as Jonathan turns on Cameron in the final moments. Choosing instead to align himself with the mystery woman and go after the treasure himself, while locking Cameron in prison.
This series was really refreshing and wholesome compared to a lot of what is out there today–which is both good and bad. I truly hope that the powers that be will give Deception a chance at a Season 2, but with its lack of gore, violence, and sexuality, it isn’t nearly as risqué as many of the shows out there that people like. The fact that “Castle” had such a long run, gives me hope, but Castle also had Nathan Fillion, while most of the cast of Deception is relatively unknown. Regardless of the future, this was a fun series to get into this season, so give it a shot! Because who doesn’t like magic??
