AXN Beyond's gift for 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Given the current global economic climate, what better way to unwrap the new year than with a show that brings hope and lifts the spirit? AXN Beyond bears such a gift this month with a new drama series that brings together some of the best on- and off-screen talents today, including, People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive 2011 nominee Patrick Wilson as the show’s lead.

Premiering tomorrow, Jan. 17 at 10:55 p.m. is A Gifted Man. The medical drama with a heart-warming spiritual twist stars Patrick as Michael Holt, a brilliant and charismatic but cold and self-absorbed neurosurgeon who lives a materialistic life of luxury — thanks to his successful career treating powerful and wealthy patients.

Michael’s world changes when his ex-wife Anna, played by Jennifer Ehle, an idealistic free-clinic doctor and the love of his life, re-enters his life after she dies in a car accident.

Seen only by Michael, Anna tries to show him the meaning of life and to change him for the better. As she asks him to help keep her chaotic free clinic running, Michael is touched by those in need. His attitude towards serving the rich and poor is turned upside down as he begins to see that perhaps, there is room in his life for everyone.

Most recently seen in the comedy film Young Adult starring opposite Charlize Theron, Patrick plays the icy perfection of Michael to the acclaim of “well-done” by media trade authority The Hollywood Reporter, while The New York Times deemed Patrick “more than capable of carrying the show anyplace (the writers) choose to take it.” The 38-year-old blue-eyed actor even lives up to his People magazine nomination by going shirtless to show his sizzling, chiseled physique in the series.

A Gifted Man features what American national daily USA Today called an “almost absurd amount of talent.” Apart from Patrick who is a Golden Globe- and Emmy-nominee, the series also stars Jennifer Ehle, winner of two Tony awards. It also counts among its cast members Margo Martindale as Michael’s efficient nurse and knowing assistant Rita, along and Pablo Schreiber as Anton, a shaman and New Age spiritual healer to Michael.

A Gifted Man has Academy Award winner Jonathan Demme and Oscar nominated Susannah Grant as director and executive producer respectively.