Most modern international drama shows, like "24", are about heroic men and women who foil the terrorist just in time. It's a very Americentric, gung-ho point of view, where problems are usually solved with guns and good old-fashioned American gusto.
Let's try a slightly different viewpoint. Have an episodic, tension and drama-type show, about diplomats and negotiators working for the United Nations. Problems would be solved by long, rapid-fire back and forth exchanges between diplomats from various countries, political savvy and intrigue, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. All in the name of world peace.
Each hour-long episode would deal with an "international crisis of the week" problem. Most would resolve within the hour, but some would stretch into two-part episodes. Also, there would be several running arcs that span the entire series, possibly having to do with back-room coverups, international conspiracies, and major political backstabbing.-- qt75rx1, Mar 09 2008 Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080297/Not quite the same theme as [qt75rx1]'s idea but similar in style, I think. [DrBob, Mar 10 2008] Smiley's People http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083480/Sequel to the above. [DrBob, Mar 10 2008] Nominated for best newby idea. Welcome.-- zeno, Mar 09 2008 I think George Lucas went down this path. Look at the results.-- Texticle, Mar 09 2008 I would like to make a facetious and dismissive comment at this point, but find myself unable to do so. [+]-- MaxwellBuchanan, Mar 09 2008 Thanks [zeno]! I love this site -- it's exactly what I've been looking for all these years!-- qt75rx1, Mar 10 2008 I just remembered how much I like the word "gusto". It's even better prefixed with "good old-fashioned American". Thanks.
This would work, but all the characters would have to have easily pronouncable names.-- phoenix, Mar 10 2008 Reminiscent of 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' and 'Smiley's People'.-- DrBob, Mar 10 2008 An endless series of strongly worded letters and not much other action.-- Noexit, Mar 11 2008 Sounds West Wingish. I liked that show.-- RayfordSteele, Mar 11 2008 A special promotion for the premiere: Free carton of Jolt Cola.-- sprogga, Mar 12 2008 random, halfbakery