'Galactica' producer in talks to join 'Philanthropist'

NBC's forthcoming series "The Philanthropist" still doesn't have a lead, but at least it has a new leader behind the scenes.

"Battlestar Galactica" executive producer David Eick is in talks to take over as executive producer of the show, which is about a billionaire who uses his means to help those in need, sometimes going outside the law to do so. He would take over for Tom Fontana, who departed the show last month.

Another of NBC's new shows, "My Own Worst Enemy," has added to its cast. Saffron Burrows, who appeared on ABC's "Boston Legal" this season, will star opposite Christian Slater in the series, the showbiz trade papers report.

Fontana ("Homicide," "The Bedford Diaries") wrote the pilot for "The Philanthropist" and was overseeing work on additional scripts when he and NBC clashed over the direction of the show. Fontana and producing partner Barry Levinson, who also departed, reportedly wanted the show to deal with such issues as immigration and addiction, while NBC wanted a more escapist tone.

Eick, however, isn't exactly Mr. Sunshine. "Battlestar Galactica" is known for its bleak tone, and he's also worked on shows like "American Gothic" and NBC's ill-fated "Bionic Woman" remake. He has a development deal with NBC sibling Universal Media Studios (which is producing "The Philanthropist") and is attached to several other projects, including the "Galactica" prequel "Caprica."

On "My Own Worst Enemy," meanwhile, Burrows will play the therapist to one of the two sides of Slater's split suburban dad/superspy identity -- and the girlfriend to the other.

Burrows joined the "Boston Legal" ensemble this season. Her film credits include "The Bank Job," "Troy" and "Deep Blue Sea."