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CROSSING THE DIVIDE follows the Archer family through the joys and turmoils of life in a small town on the brink of becoming a boom town.
SYNOPSIS:
The new Golden Age of Television is rich in edgy & gritty, dark & dystopian shows, basking in graphic sex and ultra violence. What's missing is a ray of sunshine in this bleak terrain. A safe, comfortable place where families can watch TV together. A place like Cicely, AK or Stars Hollow, CT. Welcome to Continental Divide, an unspoiled mountain town where the citizens must choose between "progress" & maintaining the idyll. At the center is the Archer family, as divided as the town.
CROSSING THE DIVIDE is an ensemble dramedy with a comedic—and slightly sexy—tone akin to “Northern Exposure” or “Gilmore Girls” and family relationships dysfunctional enough to make us all feel better about our own lives.
At the heart of the show is The Archer Family, led by hardscrabble matriarch Rita and the three nephews she’s raised from early childhood. They co-exist, a little less than peacefully, in the small mountain town of Continental Divide.
The episodes are self-contained, with an underlying plot thread that delivers character development and uncovers juicy secrets along the way.
Series Synopsis: Real estate developer, and oldest brother, Tyler Archer would describe his town and its citizens as “folksy.” He might even say they welcome change. And he would be lying. Middle brother Todd, fresh out of the get-rich-quick schemes that have defined his entire adult life, returns to Continental Divide with his long-suffering wife Amanda and daughter Livia in tow. Rounding out the trio is their youngest brother, sweet-natured, outdoorsman Danny who occasionally has lapses into an alternate personality, an ill-tempered sociopath who calls himself Sid. At Danny’s side is his live-in girlfriend, self-styled psychic Rose, a high society refugee. To Rose falls the task of being the family peacekeeper, as well as the challenge of keeping “Sid” in check.
The story unfolds largely through the eyes of Todd’s wife Amanda, who, like the audience, is seeing the town and its resolutely quirky citizens for the very first time.
Continental Divide is a small town struggling to find its identity in the modern world. It could be the new Aspen; it might be the old “Deliverance.” What is for sure is that it’s taking three generations of Archer family women to keep the Archer brothers in line.
Pilot: In the first episode we meet the entire family in the ER. As the local police try to figure out what landed Tyler in the hospital, the story of the Todd & Amanda’s arrival in Continental Divide and subsequent mayhem comes to light. We also meet a few of the other town’s folk and begin to learn what life is like in “The Divide.” Tyler tempts Todd with a business venture – turning their small town into a ski resort. This means tearing down Aunt Rita’s motel and her only source of income, and ripping up a large amount of forest. Danny is categorically opposed to the idea and Todd ends up torn between his two brothers. The episode ends with Todd deserting his wife and child, leaving them in the not-so-tender care of Rita.
The Archer Clan:
TYLER ARCHER (40s) is the oldest of the Archer brothers. He is the Golden Boy, the over-achiever, charming and smug, especially with Todd. He is completely insufferable.
TODD ARCHER (40) suffers from severe middle-child syndrome; while his allegiances to his brothers bounce around like a pinball, he is a steadfastly loyal husband and father.
DANNY ARCHER (30s) is the youngest of the Archer brothers. He is out-doorsy, sweet natured, simple but not stupid, unencumbered and adaptable.
RITA HAVENSTOCK is the family matriarch. She is weathered, has a tough-broad exterior that hides the capability for deep feeling.
AMANDA ARCHER (38) is Todd's long-suffering wife. Her wit & wisdom act as shields against the Archer and later, Continental Divide, emotional storms.
ROSE BOYER (43) is Danny's pragmatic & psychic significant other. She is as easy-going as her flowing skirts and Birkenstock sandals.
LIVIA ARCHER (9) is Todd and Amanda’s precocious daughter. She copes with all the turmoil of pre-teen angst - her own and her parents'.