Rex Britten

Last updated
Rex Britten
Awake character
Rex Britten.jpg
First appearance"Pilot"
Last appearance"Turtles All the Way Down"
Created by Kyle Killen
Portrayed by Dylan Minnette
RealityGreen
In-universe information
Gender Male
OccupationSchool student
FamilyParents: Michael and Hannah
Children(potential child with Emma)
Nationality American

Rex David Britten [1] is a fictional main character in the American police procedural drama television series Awake. He is portrayed by Dylan Minnette. The character first appeared in "Pilot" and last appeared in "Turtles All the Way Down". He appears in Michael's green reality (where Hannah is dead from the car crash). This is because it is his favorite color. Rex was created and designed by series creator and executive producer Kyle Killen after he created and developed the series Lone Star for the Fox network; Killen had been called in to pitch a new drama for NBC after the cancellation of Lone Star.

Contents

As a teenager, Rex is the only son and child of Michael and Hannah. He is currently a teenager at school.

Role in Awake

Rex Britten is the son of Michael and Hannah. He is the only child in the family, and is featured in Michael's green reality (where Hannah is dead from the car crash). He is currently an American teenager at school. He has had a number of remarkable experiences in many episodes.

Character

Creation

Kyle Killen (pictured) created Rex after developing Lone Star for the Fox network. Kyle Killen by Gage Skidmore1.jpg
Kyle Killen (pictured) created Rex after developing Lone Star for the Fox network.

Kyle Killen conceived of Rex and the rest of the family and series in 2011 after a report that NBC had purchased the series from the creator Killen, under the original name REM. [2] [3] Killen had been called in to pitch a new drama for NBC, after Jennifer Salke, the president of the entertainment division of NBC, encouraged Killen to conceive a concept for a new drama television series after the cancellation of Lone Star on the Fox network. Within a few weeks, Killen sent a rough draft of the script to his agent Marc Korman. "It was 1 or 2 o'clock in the morning, and I remember I was so freaked out by the script that I went upstairs to our guest bedroom where my wife was sick with the flu and I got into bed with her," recalled Korman. [4] "I called Jen and said: 'I'm telling you, this script is remarkable. I've never read a pilot like this, and for a guy who has never written a procedural show in his life, he's actually making two cases work". [4] Initially, Salke and Korman looked to sell acquisition rights to Fox.

Rex made his debut with the rest of the Britten family on March 1, 2012, in "Pilot" on NBC. He marked his last appearance on May 24, 2012, in "Turtles All the Way Down" on the same network as in first episode.

Casting

Dylan Minnette (pictured) obtained the role of Rex Britten in March 2011, alongside five other members. Dylan Minnette 2010.jpg
Dylan Minnette (pictured) obtained the role of Rex Britten in March 2011, alongside five other members.

In March 2011, Dylan Minnette obtained the role of the character. [5] Minnette commended the episode's script, and noted the auditioning sequence was fast. He stated, "The process of getting the job actually went by really fast because the first audition Kyle Killen [...] was in the room, Jason [Isaacs] was in the room, the cast director was in the room and the director was in the room. David Slade. And they were all there, for the first audition and I was like 'Wow! Okay.'" [6] Minnette received the role two weeks after his audition. [6] According to an interview, Dylan Minnette himself is a fan of the character and series. [7]

Personality

Since his mother's death in the "green reality", he has been very emotional and angry. He had a tennis racket which he put in his bag after his mother died: his friend Cole accidentally broke it, in "Oregon". [8] Rex and his friend Cole also claim to be going to the beach, although they are really going to work on their motorbike, a bike Rex had worked on for years. [9] He doesn't like "cereal and oatmeal night", which is their dinner for the night, he criticized it, claiming that his mother "cooked actual food". [9]

Reception

Analysis

Dylan Minnette' role as Rex has been met with praise by many television commentators, who felt he effectively embodied the characteristics of the lead role. Kelly West of Cinema Blend praised his role. [10] He claimed that "Laura Allen and Dylan Minnette also deliver strong performances as Michael’s wife and son respectively. As do Wilmer Valderrama and Steve Harris, who play Michael's partners". [10] Rex's motorbike was praised by TV Fanatic's Lindey Kempton called it "a nice touch", "personal", "not unrealistic", and "it helped start developing his character a little bit". [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Howard Gordon</span> American television writer and producer (born 1961)

Howard Gordon is an American television writer and producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dylan Minnette</span> American actor and musician

Dylan Christopher Minnette is an American actor and musician. He is known for his role as Clay Jensen in the Netflix drama series 13 Reasons Why. He has made guest appearances in several television series, such as Lost, Awake, Scandal,Grey's Anatomy, Supernatural, Prison Break, and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. He is also the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the American alternative rock band Wallows.

<i>Awake</i> (TV series) American police procedural fantasy drama television series

Awake is an American police procedural fantasy drama television series that originally aired on NBC for one season from March 1 to May 24, 2012. The pilot episode had an early release on Hulu on February 16, 2012, two weeks before the series' premiere on television. Kyle Killen, the series' creator, was primarily responsible for the program's concept. Killen and David Slade served as executive producers of the pilot episode, and Killen continued producing the series along with Jeffrey Reiner and Howard Gordon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyle Killen</span> American television writer and producer

Kyle Killen is an American television writer and producer. He is best known as the creator and showrunner of the critically acclaimed but short-lived television series Lone Star (2010), Awake (2012) and Mind Games (2014). He also wrote the screenplay of Jodie Foster's The Beaver (2011).

Pilot (<i>Awake</i>) 1st episode of the 1st season of Awake

"Pilot" is the pilot episode of the American television police procedural fantasy drama Awake, which originally aired on NBC on March 1, 2012. Written by series creator Kyle Killen, "Pilot" earned a Nielsen rating of 2.0, being watched by 6.247 million viewers upon its initial broadcast. Directed by David Slade, it became the highest-rated non-sports program in its respective time slot on NBC in over a year. The episode has generally received positive reviews, with many critics commenting on the episode's unique script, and the cast members, particularly Jason Isaacs' performance as Michael Britten, who they felt effectively embodied the characteristics of the lead role. It was one of eight honorees at the Critics' Choice Television Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Little Guy</span> 2nd episode of the 1st season of Awake

"The Little Guy" is the second episode of the American television police procedural fantasy drama Awake, which originally aired on NBC on March 8, 2012. The episode was written by series creator Kyle Killen and directed by executive producer Jeffrey Reiner. "The Little Guy" earned a Nielsen rating of 1.6, and was watched by 4.33 million viewers in its initial broadcast. The episode has generally received positive reviews, although many commentators criticized its ending.

"Guilty" is the third episode of the American police procedural drama television series Awake. The episode first aired on March 15, 2012 in the United States on NBC, and was simultaneously broadcast on Global in Canada. It was written by series executive producer and showrunner Howard Gordon and consulting producer Evan Katz, and was directed by Jeffrey Reiner. "Guilty" was well received by television critics, who praised its storylines, noting the script to be interesting. The episode garnered 5.12 million viewers in the United States and a 1.6/4 rating in the 18–49 demographic, according to Nielsen ratings. It ranked second in its timeslot of the night, behind Private Practice on ABC.

"Oregon" is the fifth episode of the American police procedural drama television series Awake. The episode first premiered on March 29, 2012 in the United States on NBC, was simultaneously broadcast on Global in Canada, and was subsequently aired on Sky Atlantic in the United Kingdom on June 1, 2012. It was written by consulting producer Lisa Zwerling, and directed by Aaron Lipstadt. "Oregon" was well received by television critics, who praised its storylines. Commentators noted that the script was well written and that the episode was the "strongest outing" since "Pilot" broadcast on March 1, 2012. Upon airing, the episode garnered 3.18 million viewers in the United States and a 1.0/3 rating-share in the 18–49 demographic, according to Nielsen ratings. It ranked second in its timeslot, behind The Mentalist on CBS.

"Say Hello to My Little Friend" is the eleventh episode of the American television police procedural fantasy drama Awake, which originally aired on NBC on May 10, 2012. Written by Leonard Chang and series creator Kyle Killen, "Say Hello to My Little Friend" earned a Nielsen rating of 0.9, being watched by 2.51 million viewers upon its initial broadcast in the United States. Directed by recurring guest actress Laura Innes, the episode generally received positive reviews, with many critics claiming that it was the best episode of the series since "Pilot" and that Jason Isaacs' performance deserved an Emmy Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ricky's Tacos</span> 7th episode of the 1st season of Awake

"Ricky's Tacos" is the seventh episode of the American television police procedural supernatural drama Awake. It originally aired on NBC on April 12, 2012. The teleplay of the episode was written by executive producer Howard Gordon and Evan Katz, from a story by series creator Kyle Killen; the episode was directed by Adam Davidson. "Ricky's Tacos" earned a Nielsen rating of 0.9, being watched by 2.68 million viewers in its initial broadcast. The episode has generally received positive reviews, with critics commenting on its storylines.

"Turtles All the Way Down" is the thirteenth and final episode of the American television police procedural fantasy drama Awake. It premiered on May 23, 2012 in Canada on Global, and on May 24, 2012 in the United States on NBC. "Turtles All the Way Down" was scheduled to air on May 17, 2012, as part two of a two-hour finale. NBC had changed the order, and moved it to the following week. The teleplay of the episode was written by series creator Kyle Killen, from a story by Killen, and staff writers Leonard Chang and Noelle Valdivia. It was directed by Miguel Sapochnik. "Turtles All the Way Down" was well received by television critics, who praised its storylines. Commentators noted that the script was well written. Upon airing, "Turtles All the Way Down" obtained 2.87 million viewers in the United States and 0.9 million in the 18–49 demographic, according to Nielsen ratings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Britten</span> Character in the American TV series Awake

Michael Britten is the fictional main character featured in the American police procedural drama television series Awake. He is portrayed by Jason Isaacs and first appeared, along with the rest of his family, in "Pilot", and last appeared in "Turtles All the Way Down". Michael was created and designed by series creator Kyle Killen after he created and developed the series Lone Star for the Fox network. Killen had been called in to pitch a new drama for NBC after the cancellation of Lone Star.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kate Is Enough</span> 4th episode of the 1st season of Awake

"Kate Is Enough" is the fourth episode of the American police procedural drama television series Awake. The episode first premiered on March 22, 2012 in the United States on NBC, was simultaneously broadcast on Global in Canada, and was subsequently aired on Sky Atlantic in the United Kingdom on May 25, 2012. It was written and produced by series creator and executive producer Kyle Killen, and was directed by Sarah Pia Anderson. "Kate Is Enough" was well received by television critics, who praised its storylines. Commentators noted that the script was well written and that the episode was "enjoyable". Upon airing, the episode garnered 4.73 million viewers in the United States and a 1.2 rating in the 18–49 demographic, according to Nielsen ratings. It ranked second in its timeslot of the night, behind The Mentalist on CBS.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">That's Not My Penguin</span> 6th episode of the 1st season of Awake

"That's Not My Penguin" is the sixth episode of the American television police procedural fantasy drama Awake. The episode premiered on April 5, 2012, on NBC, and was simultaneously broadcast on Global in Canada. It was written by series creator and executive producer Kyle Killen and staff writer Noelle Valdivia, and was directed by Scott Winant. "That's Not My Penguin" was well received by television critics, who praised its storylines. Commentators noted that the script was well written and that the episode worked "either way". Upon airing, the episode garnered 2.56 million viewers in the United States and a 0.9 rating in the 18–49 demographic, according to Nielsen ratings. It was the lowest-rated show of the timeslot.

"Nightswimming" is the eighth episode of the American television police procedural fantasy drama Awake, which originally aired on NBC on April 19, 2012. Written by Leonard Chang and co-executive producer Davey Holmes, "Nightswimming" was watched by 2.8 million viewers, including 0.9 percent of those aged between 18 and 49 in Nielsen ratings, upon its initial broadcast in the United States. Directed by executive producer Jeffrey Reiner, this episode received generally mixed reviews.

"Game Day" is the ninth episode of the American television police procedural fantasy drama Awake. The episode was scheduled to be the eighth broadcast episode but NBC changed the broadcasting order. It premiered on NBC on April 26, 2012. The episode was written by executive producer Howard Gordon and writer David Graziano. The episode was directed by Michael Waxman. "Game Day" earned a Nielsen rating of 0.8, being watched by 2.21 million viewers in its initial broadcast.

"Slack Water" is the tenth episode of the American television police procedural fantasy drama Awake, which originally aired on NBC on May 3, 2012. Written by Noelle Valdivia and directed by Nick Gomez, "Slack Water" was watched by 2.15 million viewers, including 0.7 percent of those aged between 18 and 49 in Nielsen ratings, upon its initial broadcast in the United States. Critics were largely positive in their reviews of the installment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hannah Britten</span> Fictional character

Hannah Britten is a fictional protagonist in the American police procedural drama television series Awake. She is portrayed by Laura Allen. The character first appeared in "Pilot" and last appeared in the series finale "Turtles All the Way Down". Hannah was created and designed by series creator and executive producer Kyle Killen after he created and developed the series Lone Star for the Fox network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Britten family</span> Family of fictional characters

The Brittens are a family of fictional characters featured in the American television police procedural fantasy drama Awake. The Brittens are a nuclear family consisting of the married couple Michael and Hannah and their child son Rex. The family was involved in a car crash, which caused Michael, to live in two separate realities, one in which his wife Hannah was killed in the crash, and in the other his son Rex was killed.

<i>Mind Games</i> (TV series) American drama television series

Mind Games is an American comedy-drama television series created by Kyle Killen that aired on ABC. The show is about two brothers who run a problem solving firm called Edwards and Associates that employs solutions based on psychological manipulation. It premiered on February 25, 2014, and was canceled on March 27, 2014.

References

  1. "Two Birds". Season 1. Episode 12. NBC.{{cite episode}}: Missing or empty |series= (help)
  2. "Breaking News - Development Update: Thursday, February 3". The Futon Critic. Retrieved 2012-06-03.
  3. Littleton, Cynthia (2011-02-03). "NBC orders Killen drama, 3 comedy pilots - Entertainment News, TV News, Media". Variety . Retrieved 2012-06-03.
  4. 1 2 "Inside the Unlucky/Lucky Life of 'Awake' Creator Kyle Killen". The Hollywood Reporter . 2012-01-03. Retrieved 2012-06-03.
  5. Andreeva, Nellie (2011-03-14). "Five Actors Cast In Kyle Killen's 'REM' Pilot". Deadline.com. Retrieved 2012-11-01.
  6. 1 2 Naki, Jessica (February 17, 2012). "Interview With Dylan Minnette (Rex) Of The Upcoming NBC Series 'Awake'". Sciencefiction.com. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  7. "Interview: Laura Allen and Dylan Minnette - Blog - GlobalTV.com: Official Site of Global Television". GlobalTV.com. 2012-03-14. Archived from the original on 2012-04-22. Retrieved 2012-11-01.
  8. "Oregon". Awake . Season 1. Episode 5. NBC.
  9. 1 2 "The Little Guy". Awake . Season 1. Episode 2. NBC.
  10. 1 2 "Awake Review: NBC's Intriguing New Drama Premieres Thursday Night". Cinemablend.com. 2012-02-29. Retrieved 2012-11-01.
  11. "Awake Round Table: "The Little Guy"". TV Fanatic. 2012-03-15. Retrieved 2012-11-01.