Baylor alumna Allison Tolman stars in new ABC series ‘Emergence’

Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actress Allison Tolman, BFA ’04, is the leading role in ABC’s newest hit drama: Emergence.

Airing Tuesdays at 9 p.m. CT, Emergence is a mystery/drama that draws comparisons to Lost, Stranger Things and E.T. The story revolves around Jo Evans, a young police chief played by Tolman, who takes in a young child she finds near the site of a mysterious accident. The child, however, has no memory of what has happened. The investigation draws Tolman’s character into a conspiracy larger than she ever imagined, and the child’s identity is at the center of it all.

The show has been well-received since its debut earlier this fall, with a “93% fresh” rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The site’s critical consensus: “Led by an outstanding Allison Tolman, Emergence avoids becoming just another mystery-box mess with strongly-written characters that will keep viewers caring no matter the resolution.”

In fact, Tolman’s performance seems to be widely recognized as the key to the show. The Los Angeles Times calls the Baylor alumna “a great gift to television,” and Variety says “it’s a pleasure simply to watch her”.

Tolman’s breakout role came in the televised version of Fargo, based on the 1996 movie, for which she earned multiple award nominations. Since then, she has starred in films such as Krampus and The House as well as the ABC sitcom Downward Dog. You may have also seen her in one of her appearances on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Castle Rock, The Mindy Project, Good Girls, Prison Break and other shows.

Sic ’em, Allison!