Mid-Season Premiers, Take 2

Another week in January, another set of new premiers. This is probably the last wave of January, with another set due the first week in February. Here is a look at my grades for the new premiers I saw this week plus a simple grade for the second episode of the new shows I looked at last week. Happy viewing!

Harry's Law, Mondays at 10 p.m. on NBC
Synopsis: This is a typical David E. Kelly legal drama. There are some dramatic moments, some zany moments, and plenty of preaching. Kathy Bates does a great job in the lead role and the pilot had some strong moments, though it was fairly predictable if you're a Kelly fan ("The Practice," "Boston Legal," and "Ally McBeal"). The show definitely has some promise and will appeal to fans of the genre.
Grade: B

Fairly Legal, Thursdays at 7/10 p.m. on USA
Synopsis: USA has been one of the most commercially successful cable networks when it comes to creating new shows that appeal to viewers. This isn't their best new show, and at times it's fairly formulaic, but the lead, Sarah Shahi, does a nice job and creates a charismatic character. This is a show that will live or die with how you feel about the characters, because the story in the pilot was at times predictable and at times ridiculous.
Grade: B-

Perfect Couples, Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on NBC
Synopsis: Comedies don't get much more ridiculous than this. NBC is trying hard to come up with strong, new programming. This isn't it. The central couple (Kyle Bornheimer and Christine Woods) do a nice job, but the rest of the first episode was a mess. It's hard to see this being a success.
Grade: C-

Week two grades:
Episodes, Sundays at 9:30 p.m. on Showtime
Synopsis: The pilot for this show was pretty good, and the second episode built on that. This could be a strong new comedy.
Pilot Grade: B-; Second Episode: A-

Shameless, Sundays at 10 p.m. on Showtime
Synopsis: I didn't think this show worked during its pilot, and the second episode didn't do anything to change my mind. While this might appeal to a certain kind of viewer, it's too crass with no point to be appreciated.
Pilot Grade: C-; Second Episode: D

The Cape, Mondays at 9 p.m. on NBC
Synopsis: The second airing, third episode, of this show was more of the same. It will appeal to the niche viewer, but I don't see this becoming a mainstream hit.
Pilot Grade: C; Second Episode: C

Lights Out, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on FX
Synopsis: The pilot for this show was somewhat engaging, but I thought the second episode regressed. The show is trying too hard to be grim, gritty, and edgy.
Pilot Grade: B; Second Episode: C

Off The Map, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC
Synopsis: This show about doctors in "South America" is too formulaic without building any personality. It has a great cast but there is no compelling reason to watch every week.
Pilot Grade: C; Second Episode: C

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