Perhaps not one to be outdone by Starz recent announcement that they and Michael Bay would develop swashbuckling new pirate series 'Black Sails', NBC has jumped into the zeitgeist with a new series to add to their already-strong slate of 2012 programming.  But what famous writer is behind NBC's new buzz-worthy series 'Crossbones?'

Sources at Deadline have confirmed the rumor that NBC will be braving the high seas with production of their upcoming pirate drama 'Crossbones,' a ten-episode series written by 'Luther' creator Neil Cross and produced by feature producers Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald.  The series is based on the Colin Woodward book 'The Republic Of Pirates,' set during the “Golden Age of Piracy” from 1715 - 1725, centering on legendary English pirate Blackbeard as he and other notorious pirates forge their own rogue nation called "New Providence."

Furthermore, 'Crossbones' will begin production in the fall, and  according to NBC, the tale carries an "unexpected moral center where one can’t be sure whether the pirates or the British crown are the villains."  Check out the official description:

It's 1715 on the Bahamian island of New Providence, the first functioning democracy in the Americas, where the diabolical pirate Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard, reigns over a rogue nation of thieves, outlaws and miscreant sailors. Part shantytown, part marauder's paradise, this is a place like no other on earth - and a mounting threat to international commerce.

To gain control of this fearsome society, Tom Lowe, a highly skilled undercover assassin, is sent to the pirates' haven to take down the brilliant and charismatic Blackbeard. But the closer Lowe gets, the more he finds that his quest is not so simple. Lowe can't help but admire the political ideals of Blackbeard, whose thirst for knowledge knows no bounds - and no law. But Lowe is not the only danger to Blackbeard's rule. He is a man with many villainous rivals and one great weakness - a passionately driven woman whom he cannot deny.

Not bad, eh?  What do you think?  Can NBC pull off a pirate series, or will Starz' Michael Bay effort blow them out of the water?  Give us your take in the comments below!

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