The news this week is that the FX Channel has optioned a TV pilot based on the thriller novels by Portland’s own Chelsea Cain.

Portland’s own Storm Large, portraying arguably the best-known character created by a Portland author … ever. This is a match made in heaven. Or in the secret laboratory of an evil genius. Whichever.

Which, of course, will lead to speculation about casting. In a series like this, casting will be all-important.

I’m a huge fan of Chelsea’s novels (and Chelsea’s journalism, and Chelsea in general). But unlike most readers I speak to, I don’t believe Gretchen Lowell – the psychotic serial killer – stands at the heart of the narrative. Archie Sheridan, the tortured and troubled cop, and Susan Ward, the neurotic young journalist, do.

So while the rest of fandom begins the inevitable bantering about who gets to play the psychosexual mastermind, Gretchen, I’ll be most keenly interested in who gets the roles of Archie and Susan.

Of course, someone already has played the role of Gretchen – at least, on Chelsea’s webpage. Singer, songwriter Storm Large brought an unsettling intensity to the photo shoot. Then again, I’ve met Storm and she’d bring an unsettling intensity to eating Cheerios. Just saying.

Any suggestions, folks?