‘Downton Abbey’ season 4: Paul Giamatti lands up new series after Christmas special gig

Apparently, Paul Giamatti really enjoyed his time filming the “Downton Abbey” Christmas special … it’s either that or he has realized that TV really is one of the best mediums out there for actors these days to produce high-quality work. Regardless of the reason, the idea of having this guy on his own show is too irresistible to not get excited about.

Based on a series of Charles Willeford novels, FX has ordered a pilot for “Hoke,” a dramedy that would feature Giamatti in the role of Hoke Moseley, a detective in the field of homicide that may be more than a little bit insane himself. In announcing the decision, the network’s president of programming in Eric Schrier had the following to say, and also praised writer / producer Scott Frank in the process:

“Like Elmore Leonard, Charles Willeford is one of the most deeply respected writers of crime fiction and he created a wholly original and colorful lead character in Detective Hoke Mosely,” said FX president of original programming Eric Schrier. “Scott Frank delivered a magnificent script and we are honored that Paul Giamatti will bring Hoke to life.”

Of course, Giamatti has all sorts of credits coming up in addition to his “Downton Abbey” gig as the brother of Elizabeth McGovern’s Cora. He is also set to appear in the upcoming “Amazing Spider-Man” sequel, where he is going to play the part of the supervillain Rhino. The irony in the “Downton Abbey” gig is that even though it will definitely be for the episode airing on Christmas Day in Great Britain, we’re not going to see it in America until 2014 … which is the earliest this new series could premiere on FX.

Photo: ITV