Angie Harmon Returns: Lifetime Orders Two New 'Buried in Barstow' Sequels

A New Chapter for Hazel King

Lifetime has officially doubled down on its successful action-drama franchise, Buried in Barstow, by greenlighting two highly anticipated sequel films. The project, which originally captivated audiences with its blend of grit and suspense, will see Angie Harmon return to the screen as Hazel King, a former hitwoman attempting to leave her violent past behind while protecting her daughter. The upcoming installments, currently titled Buried in Barstow: Blood for Blood and Buried in Barstow: The Reckoning, promise to delve deeper into the complex underworld that Hazel thought she had successfully escaped.

Angie Harmon, known for her commanding screen presence, will not only reprise her role as the lead character but will also continue her work behind the camera as an executive producer. Her involvement ensures that the tone and character development that made the original film a ratings success remain intact as the story expands into a broader narrative arc.

Returning Favorites and Fresh Faces

Fans of the original film will be pleased to see the return of Kristoffer Polaha, who reprises his role as Elliot, the former doctor turned confidant who has become a pivotal figure in Hazel’s life. Their chemistry was a cornerstone of the first film, and their evolving dynamic will be central to the tension in these new chapters.

However, the production is also bringing in new talent to heighten the stakes. The casting department has confirmed that Megan Follows and Finley Sehorn are joining the ensemble. While plot details regarding their specific characters remain under wraps, their addition is expected to introduce fresh challenges for Hazel King as she navigates a world where her past is never truly buried.

Expanding the Lifetime Universe

This move signifies a growing trend within the Lifetime network to invest in serialized storytelling that goes beyond the traditional standalone movie format. By creating a franchise out of Buried in Barstow, Lifetime is building a dedicated fanbase that expects high-quality production values and compelling character arcs.

• Strategic Growth: Building franchises allows the network to retain viewers over multiple release cycles.
• Production Quality: With Angie Harmon involved in executive production, the films maintain a consistent creative vision.
• Star Power: Leveraging established talent like Harmon and Polaha ensures immediate audience recognition and engagement.

What to Expect from 'Blood for Blood' and 'The Reckoning'

The titles of the new films suggest a shift toward a more aggressive confrontation with Hazel’s history. In the original film, the narrative focused on Hazel’s attempts to find redemption and safety in the desert town of Barstow. Now, it appears the peace she sought is being threatened by forces that refuse to let her move on.

In Buried in Barstow: Blood for Blood, audiences can likely expect a high-octane exploration of the consequences of Hazel's previous career. The narrative trajectory suggests that the 'blood' she spilled in her past is returning to collect its debt. The Reckoning implies a final or near-final showdown, suggesting that the franchise is building toward a massive climax for the protagonist.

The Future of Lifetime Thrillers

As the network continues to evolve, the Buried in Barstow sequels represent a flagship effort in the 'action-thriller' category. By combining the suspense of a crime drama with the emotional depth of a family-focused narrative, Lifetime is successfully carving out a niche that appeals to a wide demographic.

With production currently moving forward, fans are eagerly awaiting release dates for these two films. As the production team prepares to film, the industry will be watching to see if this double-sequel strategy pays off in ratings and social media buzz. Given the strong foundation laid by the first film, the potential for these sequels to dominate the network’s schedule is significant. Stay tuned to Imai News for further updates on casting, production photos, and premiere dates for the next chapters of Hazel King’s journey.