Guest Author - Sandy Mullins

Are you a fan of Poker and can’t get enough with all the Poker Tournaments on TV? Well ESPN has a new series for you! TILT is based on the Poker Championships. Developed by Brian Koppelman and David Levien who wrote Rounders, wrote and directed Knockaround Guys and adapted John Grisham’s Runaway Jury.

The cast and characters of TILT are as follows:

The Matador
Don Everest, ‘The Matador’, the King of Vegas is played by Michael Madsen (Kill Bill I & II, My Bosses Daughter). He earned his nickname ‘The Matador’ by taking on all the younger bulls. The Matador is the holder of the championship crown of Texas Hold ‘Em. When ‘ The Matador’ can’t win on his own, does he rig the games? The Matador is the most ruthless and feared player in town and money are his only desire.

Eddie Towne
Eddie Towne is played by Eddie Cibrian (Third Watch) a gifted intuitive, handsome young player trying to take out the old guns. Son, of a father addicted to gambling and a distant mother.

Miami
Miami is played by Kristin Lehman (The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay and Judging Amy) is the only female in this boys group. She like the others is out to take down ‘The Matador, but knows the results of gunning for him can be dangerous.

Clark
Clark is played by Todd Williams III (Third Watch and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) is probably a better player than Eddie. He comes from educated background, his father a department chair at an Ivy League university. In college he ran sports booking and got caught and expelled. Can Clark free himself from his demons?

Nickle
Lee Nickle is played by Chris Bauer (Third Watch and Face/Off) has lost his only brother to gambling addiction. When his brother Wayne sued ‘The Matador’ and The Colorado Casino, he later “disappears”. Nickle has in his possession a videotape that tells how ‘The Matador’ rigs games. Nickle will stop at nothing to reveal the true facade of ‘The Matador’ and revenge his brother death.

So if you’re a fan of Poker, tune in Thursday nights for this half hour show, airing at 7:30 ET. On ESPN.

2004 - World Poker Tour

ESPN (offsite link)