‘L.A. Noir’ Adds Another ‘Angel’ to its Ranks

Ordinarily, we'd be wary of the notion that a high-profile pilot continues adding notable and recognizable genre actors to its ranks, but since great art often comes out of the ashes of failure, Frank Darabont's 'L.A. Noir' is on track to be one of the more anticipated debuts of the year. And now the series has added another talent actor to its ranks.

Straight off the buzz of recent casting news for the boys of Darabont's period drama, Deadline TV reports that 'L.A. Noir' has found its leading lady.  Former 'Angel' actress Alexa Davalos has been tapped for the lead role of 'L.A. Noir' as Jasmine, a "beauty with a complicated past."  Descriptive, we know.

Apart from her role as Gwen Raiden of 'Angel,' Davalos is known for her regular role in FOX's short-lived 'Reunions,' as well as her film work in hits such as 'Clash of the Titans,' 'Defiance,' and 'The Chronicles of Riddick.'  Davalos worked previously with Darabont in 2007's 'The Mist.'

With the pilot written and directed by Frank Darabont, ‘L.A. Noir’ revolves around the police force’s pursuit of mobster Mickey Cohen and takes its basis from  John Buntin’s book ‘L.A. Noir: The Struggle For The Soul Of America’s Most Seductive City,’ which recounts the story of decades-long conflicts between the LAPD and the city’s criminals.

Davalos joins already established ‘L.A. Noir’ cast members Jon Bernthal (‘The Walking Dead’) as Joe Teague, the LAPD cop at the center of ‘L.A. Noir,’ and  ‘Heroes’ alum Milo Ventimiglia as a former marine who served with Bernthal’s character during World War II and now works as a budding lawyer for the mob.  Rounding out the high-profile cast is current ‘Justified’ guest star Neal McDonough  as LAPD Chief Parker, “a man with a long memory and a ruthless streak when provoked, committed to rooting out corruption in the police department, and equally dedicated to bringing down Mickey Cohen and the mob.”

As recently reported, UK movie star Simon Pegg may take a top-secret role in the pilot episode as well.  Darabont will also serve as executive producer on the series, following his well-publicized exit from AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead.’

What say you?  It's about time they brought in a femme fatale for the much-hyped 'L.A. Noir,' but is Davalos the right choice for a regular role?  Give us your take on how the series is shaping us so far in the comments below!  Who would you like to see join the show next?