If "greatness is thrust upon us," as Winston Churchill once said, then it stands to reason that those who are destined for greatness are rarely aware of it. Take Jack (newcomer Matthew Long) and Bobby McCallister (Logan Lerman, "The Butterfly Effect") for example: two bright young brothers growing up under the watchful eye of their eccentric single mother Grace McCallister (Christine Lahti, "Chicago Hope"). Grace's personality is a force of nature destined to shape both of these young men's lives and secure one a place in the history books - as President of the United States.
Set in the fictional town of Hart, Missouri in the present day, the series details the relationship between these brothers and the people who shape their values and personalities, especially their mother. A brilliant college professor with an unconventional parenting style, Grace is struggling to let one son go and understand the other. Although she has no way of knowing she is raising a future president, it would not surprise her to know that her boys are destined for greatness. Jack is the big brother everyone wishes they had. A natural hero and a born leader, he seems to have everything going for him. He's the perfect role model for Bobby, who, with a big heart and a quick intellect, is nonetheless an undeniable social misfit. Bobby is caught between the rival forces of his mother and his brother, and it's impossible to please them both.
The arrival of a new college president and his beautiful daughter impacts the lives of all three McCallisters. In Peter Benedict (John Slattery, "Mona Lisa Smile") Grace has met not only her new boss, but an intellectual equal. Peter is a brilliant businessman with a questionable character, and Grace finds herself both attracted and repelled by him. Peter's teenage daughter Courtney (newcomer Jessica Paré) soon strikes up a friendship with Jack and forms a special bond with Bobby. The brothers eventually learn that the brave front Courtney presents to the world hides a painful family secret.
Another pivotal figure in Jack and Bobby's childhood is Jack's best friend Marcus Ride (Edwin Hodge, "The Alamo"). Son of the owner of J.R., a popular neighborhood gathering spot, Marcus is close to Jack, but their relationship is also highly competitive. Over time, their friendship will be tested repeatedly.
Exploring the idea that what happens today in the life of one child could impact the future of the entire world, upcoming episodes will focus on the events that mold Jack and Bobby's characters and shape their values. While the McCallister's family life in the present day is explored, the audience will also see glimpses of what America may be like 40 or 50 years from now. What kind of President will it take to lead the country in 2040? What kind of world will this man inherit? How will Jack and Bobby McCallister make the journey from Hart, Missouri to Washington D.C. and what will their lives mean to every American?
In an era when political parties are more divided than ever, "Jack and Bobby" offers a look at a leader who truly unifies. His unlimited hope and optimism earns President McCallister the nickname "The Great Believer." Although the McCallister administration is not without controversy and even scandal, the underlying message is that one individual can still make a difference in the world. Each episode will be themed around some aspect of character. What makes someone inspiring? How valuable is faith or honesty? Is greatness born in a person or is it learned? The story of Jack and Bobby McCallister is the origin tale of a great leader.
With flash-forward interviews of White House staffers and the First Lady, "Jack and Bobby" is a snapshot of a young man being molded to beat the odds and become this mid-century's greatest Presidential leader.
Created by Greg Berlanti & Vanessa Taylor and Steve Cohen & Brad Meltzer, "Jack & Bobby" is executive produced by Berlanti, Mickey Liddell and Thomas Schlamme. Taylor and Andrew Ackerman ("Everwood") serve as co-executive producers.
Last modified on Sunday, 12-Sep-2010 23:22:55 CDT.