HBO has handed out an eight-episode, straight-to-series order for Emmy-winner Damon Lindelof’s new limited series “The Chain” based on Adrian McKinty’s acclaimed New York Times bestseller. Details are under wraps, but Lindelof is said to be expanding the mythology of the novel that was inspired by McKinty’s chain letters of his youth and contemporary reports of hostage exchanges. Rachel races against time while trying to outwit both the criminals who control the chain and the authorities who could end it by stopping her. Lindelof will serve as showrunner as well as write and executive produce the series – his first showrunning gig since the highly acclaimed “Watchmen” TV series also on HBO. HBO has also signed a two-year overall deal with Lindelof that began in September last year.