With her stint on "American Horror Story: Coven," the Oscar nominee ("What's Love Got To Do With It?") has already taken part in a TV anthology series similar to "True Detective." She has also played assertive authority figures before (notably in the dismal "Green Lantern"), and it's not difficult to imagine her in a dark procedural, perhaps partnered with another strong female lead (say, Hilary Swank, who also happens to be on the list). Plus: We know she looks good in a pantsuit, and she deserves better than "Olympus Has Fallen" and "Black Nativity."
- Dave Lewis