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CBS was the only network this year to provide screeners for all its new shows, which they presented on Friday. Here's my quick take on them. — Mickey O'ConnorWorst WeekThe premise: Sam (Kyle Bornheimer) tries to impress his future in-laws — with disastrous results.It's like: Meet the Parents — almost exactly like that, in fact, although it's actually based on a British series.My take: I found the pilot to be very funny, and Bornheimer's comic timing to be excellent, but I wonder how enjoyable it will be to watch Sam demoralize himself on a weekly basis.Eleventh HourThe premise: Jacob Hood (Rufus Sewell) is a special scientific advisor to the FBI who lends his particular skills to criminal investigations.It's like: Well, we know what it's not like. "This is a science fact show, not a science fiction show," says executive producer Ethan Reiff (who also wrote Showtime's Sleeper Cell).My take: Well, Jerry Bruckheimer is involved, which is a good sign, but after watching a...
CBS was the only network this year to provide screeners for all its new shows, which they presented on Friday. Here's my quick take on them. -
Mickey O'Connor
Worst Week
The premise: Sam (Kyle Bornheimer) tries to impress his future in-laws - with disastrous results.
It's like: Meet the Parents - almost exactly like that, in fact, although it's actually based on a British series.
My take: I found the pilot to be very funny, and Bornheimer's comic timing to be excellent, but I wonder how enjoyable it will be to watch Sam demoralize himself on a weekly basis.
Eleventh Hour
The premise: Jacob Hood (Rufus Sewell) is a special scientific advisor to the FBI who lends his particular skills to criminal investigations.
It's like: Well, we know what it's not like. "This is a science
fact show, not a science fiction show," says executive producer Ethan Reiff (who also wrote Showtime's
Sleeper Cell).
My take: Well, Jerry Bruckheimer is involved, which is a good sign, but after watching a short preview, all I came away with is that the villain in the pilot is Noonan from
Caddyshack!
Noonan!
The Mentalist
The premise: Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) is a former fake TV psychic who now uses his heightened observation skills to work as a private investigator.
It's like: If you threw Baker's performances in
The Devil Wears Prada and on
The Guardian and
Smith and USA Networks'
Psych into a blender, you'd end up with this smoothie Patrick Jane. (Get it - smoothie?)
My take: As cop shows go, it seems sharper than most. Baker is charming, and the show has a tart sense of humor.
The Ex List
The premise: A psychic tells Bella Bloom (Elizabeth Reaser, who played Ava/Rebecca on
Grey's Anatomy) she has one year to get married, or else she never will. The catch: Her true love is someone she has already dated.
It's like: Your worst nightmare. Imagine having to get back in touch with all your exes?
My take: Despite the insane, high-concept, age-of-Google premise, it's cute. Reaser does a great job handling the show's breezy dialogue, and she plays Bella with such approachable exuberance that you will forget her sad turn on
Grey's.