Gabriel Byrne, star of show
US in for more therapy – Israel style
HBO purchases second season of 'In Treatment': American version of Israeli series starring Assi Dayan as psychotherapist treating patients in clinic; Gabriel Byrne signs on for 35 new episodes as lead actor
The US needs another session of treatment, at least according to HBO. The American cable network has recently placed its stamp of approval on the second season of "In Treatment", the English version of an Israeli show about a psychotherapist and his patients. According to Variety Magazine HBO has ordered 35 new episodes, and actor Gabriel Byrne has already confirmed his participation in the second season.
The cable network's approval was delayed due to Byrne's contract, which was only valid for one season of the show and which HBO had trouble renewing due to time and financial issues. Some new casting is expected for the new season, and it will be filmed in Byrne's home town of Gotham rather than Los Angeles.
The series is a precise replica of the Israeli prototype, with Byrne starring as psychotherapist Paul Weston, a character based on Israeli counterpart Reuben Dagan, played by Assi Dayan. The drama plays out theatrically in Weston's clinic and exposes his patient's narratives to the viewing public. The character of Weston's therapist is played by Dianne Wiest.
"In Treatment" constitutes something of a trial run for HBO, as it is the first series to be aired on a daily basis that is not a soap opera. 43 episodes have already been broadcast on a Monday to Friday timeline, but it remains unclear whether the network will continue to air the second season in this manner.
Like the first season, the second season will be produced by Rodrigo Garcia, son of author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who developed the American version of the show. He is joined by Steven and Mark Levinson, producers of the hit series "Entourage", and Hagai Levy, creator of the Israeli original series. The team is headed by Warren Leight, producer of "Law and Order: Criminal Intent".
