The two-part “Limitless” Season 1 finale begins Tuesday, and executive producer/showrunner Craig Sweeney thinks Brian (Jake McDorman) is ready for the challenges that lay ahead.
“I think he’s learned a lot of lessons. I think the finale is a litmus test to see how much he has grown since the pilot,” Sweeney told TheWrap.
In part one, NZT floods the streets of New York City and threatens to become a national epidemic. The FBI must partner with the Department of Justice in a city-wide manhunt to find the lab producing the drug.
Also, Brian has trouble adjusting to his new reality when he lacks the resources to continue searching for Piper (Georgina Haig).
“As you’ll see in part two he’ll do whatever he has to do to find Piper including ignoring the side effects of NZT,” Sweeney continued. “He’s learned a lot about the effects of the drug and how to use it most effectively but he’s also matured quite a bit. And this two part finale where he’s going up against Sands will really show that.”
Sweeney also touched on how he and his production team have found a way to walk the line between action and comedy that “Limitless” fans have come to expect.
“At this point, we know by trial and error we’ve come to really understand what works in terms of the tonal balance of the show,” he said. “The show can juggle tones and themes and be funny and be an action show too.”
He also said that his team has learned plenty of lessons since the show began back in September. “We’ve learned what’s too little playfulness and too much playfulness. We’ve also learned that Jake McDorman will work himself into the ground if you don’t give him a little break now and then,” he said with a laugh.
The episode will also prominently feature Jarrod Sands (Colin Salmon), whom Sweeney admits is a serious physical presence.
“He’s so imposing,” he said. “But Colin is the nicest person in the world. He’s a real find for us. The more we’ve written for him at the end of the season the better and better he gets.”
Part one of the “Limitless” Season 1 finale airs tonight at 10 p.m./9c on CBS.