Reply #7: I'm only commenting on the new shows, because I like most of the old non-reality shows.

[4lbs]

I'm also covering only the one-hour dramas. I didn't watch many of the new 30 minute sitcoms.


Hawaii 5-0 (CBS):
I'd give the pilot episode a 9 out of 10. We'll see if it can maintain it.

Chase (NBC):
I'd give it an 8 out of 10. The premise is a group of U.S. Marshals based in Texas chase down fugitives. The first episode was based in Texas, but presumably they'll be going all over the country in later episodes.


Lone Star (FOX):
I'd give it a 7 out of 10. In essence, a father-son con team worm their way into the lives of a rich, powerful, family in Texas (hence the name of the show), that owns an energy company. I call it a 21st Century version of "Dallas".


Outlaw (NBC):
I'd give it a 7 out of 10.
Jimmy Smits plays a conservative USSC justice that resigns to become a private defense attorney after the death of his father, who was an unabashed 'librul' and card-carrying ACLU member.


Nikita (The CW):
Surprisingly good. I give it an 8 out of 10.
Based on the "La Femme Nikita" series, it takes place years after those movies and old TV show. Nikita's been outside of Division (the group that faked her 'death' and trained her to become a spy and assassin) for some years now. Consider Division a rogue agency (a la Blackwater), that has both private and governmental funding. This series has her working to try to take down Division from the outside, although a little inside help is used from time to time.


The Event (NBC):
Haven't seen it yet, because it appears to be a multi-seasonal story, a la what "LOST" did, and what "FlashForward" attempted. It would be a shame to watch it, get involved, and have NBC pull the plug after a year (like what ABC did with FlashForward), leaving the storyline with no resolution. Although it does look very promising.


Boardwalk Empire (HBO):
9.5 out of 10.
Think "The Sopranos", but set in Atlantic City during the 1920s. It is produced by Martin Scorcese and Mark Walhberg. Because it is on premium cable, expect language, gore/violence, and some nudity.
Steve Buscemi plays Lucky Thompson, a 'ward boss' politician and bootlegger, that comes to power just as Prohibition goes into effect. He plays both sides adeptly. For example, he speaks at a Temperance Movement Convention and draws tears when mentioning his sob-story childhood, then goes right outside and drinks whiskey from a flask as he gets into his Rolls Royce to go make a liquor deal. They are importing Canadian Club Whiskey from Canada, by boat. The 1920s are re-created perfectly. We even see a young Al Capone, not yet risen to power, make a trip from Chicago as some guy's driver. The FBI and Eliot Ness aren't in existence yet, as it is before their creation. Now it is the Prohibition Police from the Bureau of Internal Revenue.


Undercovers (NBC):
7 out of 10.
Think -- African-American version of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". A husband-wife team of spies and mercenaries for hire, who end up working together.


The Defenders (CBS):
Haven't seen it yet. The premise is that James Belushi leads a team of lawyers (presumably defense), in Las Vegas.


The Whole Truth (ABC):
Haven't seen it yet. The premise is that is a legal drama. Yet another one from ABC. Supposedly it's more "The Practice" than "Boston Legal". Don't expect a Denny Crane type character for comedic relief. It stars Rob Morrow (from "NUMB3RS") and Maura Tierney ("NewsRadio", "E.R.", "Rescue Me").


That pretty much covers it up to Wednesday.