As I’ve read about or reviewed screeners for new fall TV series, one thing is clear: There’s not much out there that thrills me. There are elements of shows that amuse me, and others that outright rankle me, but ultimately, I find myself more interested in my old favorites than in the new offerings.
Still, a few new dramas intrigue me. I’m not a fan of the first CSI, however, its new offshoot, CSI: Miami (CBS) starring David Caruso, has potential. The draw is that Miami is as much a character as Horatio Caine (Caruso) and crew (Kim Delaney, Emily Procter, Khandi Alexander). That, and the performances of the CSI: Miami cast are more stylish than its predecessor’s. What’s not so good about CSI: Miami: It’s set in Miami, so where are the Latinos? Oh yeah, Adam Rodriguez has a small role. That should cover it.
Another new drama of interest is Hack (CBS), starring David Morse. The premise for the show is a bit contrived: Fired for corruption, ex-cop Mike Olshansky (Morse) drives a taxi and stumbles into the private-eye business, using ethically questionable methods. Just when the pilot veers toward vigilantism, it saves itself by showing Olshansky’s vulnerabilities. Another big plus: Andre Braugher (Homicide: Life on the Street) co-stars as Marseilles Washington, Olshansky’s former partner and confidant.
I haven’t screened Firefly (Fox) yet, but I have high hopes: Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is behind this futuristic sci-fi/western based on the comic book of the same name. What else do you need to know? Oh, yes, the amazing Gina Torres, who’s worked her way up from schlocky syndicated series like Cleopatra 2525 to a plum part as Sydney Bristow’s arch-enemy in Alias, has a featured role. Also new to Fox is John Doe. Dominic Purcell stars as the title character, a man who seems to have fallen to earth with no idea of where he came from or who he is. Armed with a James Bond-like knowledge of things that come in handy when he least expects it (like how to detonate a bomb), he hunts for his identity. It’s part mystery, part thriller, with a hint of the supernatural thrown in for good measure.
As for the new sitcoms, few capture my attention, but Bram and Alice (CBS) comes close. Alfred Molina stars as Bram Shepard, a New York writer and self-centered lothario who meets his adult daughter for the first time. What’s good: Molina plays a charming cad, and the production team boasts writing credits on Frasier, Seinfeld, and The Simpsons. What’s not so good: Traylor Howard (Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place) as Molina’s daughter is as exciting as a glass of warm milk.
One of the shows playing into the new season’s nostalgia craze is the remake of the Sixties series Family Affair (WB). The twins in this version are too precious, their teenage sister is annoyingly hip (think Clueless without the tongue-in-cheek), and Gary Cole, as the babe magnet Uncle Bill is woefully unconvincing. What amuses in this version is Tim Curry as Mr. French. Curry plays the dignified butler with a foppish air and a deliciously devilish undercurrent.
Several sitcoms I haven’t screened yet at least sound good, including 8 Simple Reasons for Dating My Teenage Daughter (ABC). John Ritter returns to comedy this time as a dad with teenagers too embarrassed to be seen with him. And, encouragingly, Sex and the City scribe Teri Minsky is behind the new ABC sitcom Less Than Perfect. Sarah Rue stars as a chubby, good-hearted woman making her way up the corporate ladder. Eric Roberts (yes, Julia’s brother) co-stars as her boss.
More reviews and updates of new fall series will appear as information becomes available. As always, stay tuned.
Shark Week(end)
The American Movie Classics network will be in town this weekend to cover the Alamo Drafthouse‘s Ultimate Jaws Experience, a lakeside viewing of the Spielberg nail-biter. AMC plans to screen Jaws later this year and will run coverage of the Alamo event prior to each airing.This article appears in September 6 • 2002.