Season 1
Crash is an American television drama series based on the Academy Award-winning Best Motion Picture of the same name and developed for television by Glen Mazzara which looks at the way different lives intersect and collide in the melting pot of Los Angeles.
The series aired in the USA on the Starz network from 17 October, 2008 to 18 December, 2009. It was cancelled after the death of lead actor Dennis Hopper. There are 26 hour-long episodes in two seasons.
The series originally premiered in South Africa on M-Net on Sunday 22 February 2009, after the 8pm movie (around 21h50). It was moved to DStv's M-Net Action channel for the second season and later aired on TopTV's Top One channel. See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times.
Crash premiered on Top One on Thursday 7 July 2011, at 21h00. New episodes broadcast weekly. There are 13 episodes in the first season.
Season 1
From the producers of the Academy Award-winning Best Motion Picture and starring an ensemble cast led by Dennis Hopper, Crash looks at the way different lives intersect and collide in the melting pot of L.A.
The drama features a disparate group of Los Angelenos, including maverick record producer Ben Cendars (Dennis Hopper); impulsive cop Kenny Battaglia (Ross McCall); his actress-turned-police officer partner Bebe Arcel (Arlene Tur); frustrated Brentwood mom Christine Emory (Clare Carey) and her pre-bust real-estate developer husband Peter Emory (D.B. Sweeney).
There's also former gang member-turned-EMT Eddie Choi (Brian Tee); Ben’s street-smart driver Anthony Adams (Jocko Sims); illegal Guatemalan immigrant Cesar Uman (Luis Chavez); and cocky, hot-tempered detective Axel Finet (Nick Tarabay).
At first, none of the very different lives led on screen seem to overlap.
But as the underlying tensions between class, race, gender, and politics find their way into everyday situations, it soon becomes apparent that all of these characters are inextricably linked, for better or for worse.
Season 1 Characters
Ben Cendars
Actor: Dennis Hopper
A successful and respected music producer, Ben’s fight to remain relevant is made more difficult by his self-destructive tendencies. His drug habit has changed his brain chemistry and he slips between lucidity and madness.
On some occasions, he can be sweet and kind, offering words of wisdom. But without warning, he can become violent.
Christine Emory
Actor: Clare Carey
A fashionable non-working mom from LA Westside, Christine appears to have it all; a happy marriage, a wonderful daughter, a close relationship with her father and a beautiful home.
But it’s all a façade. Her marriage and home-life is crumbling and she’s in the midst of a mid-life crisis. Tired of putting everyone before herself, it’s time for Christine to address her own needs.
Kenny Battaglia
Actor: Ross McCall
Handsome, fun, charming, irresponsible and immature, Kenny is an LAPD uniform street cop who’s more interested in joyriding with the sirens on then doing paperwork. He’s often the first one through a door and will happily break the rules to get what he wants.
Although married with kids, he’s still sowing his wild oats…but he’ll get out of any tight spot with a wink and a smile.
Eddie Choi
Actor: Brian Tee
Eddie immigrated here with his family as a young child and tried to fit in, but ended up running with a Korean gang.
He was scared straight after being sentenced to a few months in juvie, and is back on the path to becoming a doctor, but can’t seem to catch a break.
As an EMT, he’s doing the right thing, but never fits in with his current or former life.
Bebe Arcel
Actor: Arlene Tur
Beautiful LAPD cop, and Kenny’s partner, Bebe is a former actress who gave up the rat race after doing research for a role and falling in love with police work. She’s a no-nonsense, strong woman who comes to realize her worst fear – she’s being played.
Bebe struggles to find the truth not because she’s naïve enough to believe it means anything, but to save face in her own eyes.
Anthony Adams
Actor: Jocko Sims
The street-smart driver for Ben, Anthony is always trying to hustle for something better; not a con artist, but a guy who understands that there really are no rules.
He spends time in his uncle’s barbershop thinking about the bright lights, pretty girls and cash on the Sunset Strip.
As he tries to figure out a way to get his, Anthony won’t resort to violence...but he’s no saint.
Cesar Uman
Actor: Luis Chávez
A poor, Guatemalan immigrant, Cesar’s lifelong dream is to make it to America. His journey takes him north through the dangers of Mexico and the American Southwest (the Devil’s Highway).
Along the way, he endures the brutalities of both evil men and the merciless desert. Cesar is the unbreakable and hopeful spirit of humanity; a boy that will soon become a man.
Axel Finet
Actor: Nick Tarabay
A cocky police lieutenant that uses his good looks and canny hunches to bend the rules to get what he wants. Even though he courts danger, he can’t imagine the consequences.
Inez
Actor: Moran Atias
Sexy, seductive and extremely manipulative, Inez is a veritable femme fatale. The wife of a high-ranking member of a gypsy clan, Inez is savvy enough to turn any situation to her advantage.
Whether she’s using her charms on unsuspecting men, playing games with the law or scheming for money, Inez is a beautiful temptress who cannot be trusted.
Seasons
Note: the first season aired on M-Net, after which the show was moved to M-Net Action.
Season 1 (13 episodes)
Channel: M-Net | Premiere: 22 Feb 2009 | Finale: 17 May 2009 | Sundays, 21h50
Channel: Top One | Premiere: 7 Jul 2011 | Finale: 29 Sep 2011 | Thursdays, 21h00
Season 2 (13 episodes)
Channel: M-Net Action | Premiere: 7 Jul 2010 | Finale: 29 Sep 2010 | Wednesdays, 19h00
Channel: Top One | Premiere: 5 Apr 2012 | Finale: 28 Jun 2012 | Thursdays, 21h00