Hawaii Five-O (CBS)
Mondays 10-11 p.m.
This high-octane contemporary remake, developed by J.J. Abrams’s disciples Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, has witty banter, gunfights aplenty, that familiar theme song and, yes, even that famous catchphrase. Following a new elite federalized taskforce as they rid Hawaii of uber-dangerous criminals, it boasts a seasoned cast of TV actors including Alex O’Loughlin (The Shield) as detective Steve McGarrett, Daniel Dae Kim (Lost), Vancouver-raised Grace Park (Battlestar Gallactica) and film actor Scott Caan (Ocean’s 11, 12, 13). This cop action/drama is certainly poised to attract new and old fans alike and pull the rug out from Castle’s feet, though stiff competition from Jerry Bruckheimer’s similarly plotted Chase should make things interesting.
Outsourced (NBC)
Thursdays 9:30-10 p.m.
The manager of Mid-America Novelties moves unexpectedly to India when his company’s call centre is suddenly…wait for it…outsourced in this unfunny comedy, from writer Robert Borden (The Drew Carey Show).
The laughs are meant to be generated by the ensuing culture clash as he acclimatizes to his new digs and team, but it’s only Drew Carey alum Diedrich Bader’s minor role that gets the real chuckles here. Aiming to hit the mark with 20- and 30-somethings, with timeslot competitors Grey’s Anatomy and Fringe vying for eyeballs, this show might find
itself in a situation that’s no laughing matter.
Love Bites (NBC)
Thursdays 10-11 p.m.
The brainchild of Emmy-winning writer-producer Cindy Chupack (Sex and the City), this comedy takes a fresh perspective on modern romance, examining all the quirky things that can result. It features three loosely
connected tales per episode, which are anchored by the story of two friends, Annie and Frannie, who experience hard luck when it comes to love. Though likely to appeal mostly to the ladies, look for this show to provide a light-hearted reprieve to couples seeking something to watch together in lieu of more serious shows like The Mentalist and Law and Order: U.K.
Outlaw (NBC)
Fridays 10-11 p.m.
Jimmy Smits (NYPD Blue) makes his return to television in this legal drama, playing a U.S. Supreme Court justice who quits in order to return to private practice to fight for the little guy. Reminiscent of another ill-fated lawyer show, Shark (which lasted two seasons), this vehicle for the Emmy-winning actor might find itself in a fight of its own, up against new CTV cop show Blue Bloods, which gives lead Tom Selleck a stronger supporting cast and more subplots.
Lonestar (Fox)
Mondays 9-10 p.m.
Complexity is the name of the game in this dark drama from the creators of Party of Five and director Mark Webb ([500] Days of Summer). It follows the trials and tribulations of a con-artist (newcomer James Wolk) who lives two separate lives with two different women whilst looking to make some semblance of a normal one. Boasting the likes of Oscar-winner Jon Voigt in its cast, and with big Texas oil setting the scene, look for this one to become a viable alternative given the departure of 24, though The Event is sure to give these oil tycoons a run for their money.
Shattered
Fridays 9-10 p.m.
An interesting premise promises to get viewers curious about this made-in-Canada cop drama starring acclaimed Canadian actor Callum Keith Rennie (Californication, 24). He plays a homicide detective who, while battling bad guys, also battles his multiple personality disorder. With a timeslot that pits it against CSI: NY it might be in for a bit of a battle, but with some good Canadian acting, including Gemini-winning actor Camille Sullivan (Da Vinci’s Inquest) as Rennie’s partner, and factoring in potential forensic fatigue from CSI overkill, people could develop a taste for this unconventional original offering.
Raising Hope (Fox)
TBC
The unprepared dad raising a child solo has been done before (think Three Men and a Baby), but, it’s being given a fresh spin here with the child’s absentee mother stuck in jail giving custody to a seemingly inept father, a pool boy who lives at home with his decidedly blue collar family. With a good mix of funny moments that’ll make young parents laugh and cringe, and touching ones that’ll make them say, “aww,” this comedy from Greg Garcia (My Name is Earl) could become a sleeper success.
MIDSEASON
Ride-Along (Fox)
Mondays 9-10 p.m.
Starting mid-season, this cop drama set in Chicago follows boys and girls in blue led by a newly minted Chicago Police Chief (Jennifer Beals, The L Word), who is trying to clean up her city while combating powerful enemies amid city politics. Spawned from the mind of Shawn Ryan (The Shield), viewers can expect a lot of grit coupled with good, authentic storytelling informed by the very city in which the show takes place.
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