Get clued in to 'Evidence'
TV Goddess
Published: March 16, 2006
Last Modified: March 16, 2006 at 03:04 AM
Among a slew of midseason shows that have hit TV screens since January, "The Evidence," which premieres at 9 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (channel 13), is among the best.
"The Evidence," starring Orlando Jones and Rob Estes, is an investigative drama with standalone storylines. But if the thought of one more police procedural turns your stomach, don't worry -- "The Evidence" is different.
What separates "The Evidence" from your everyday investigative drama is Martin Landau's voiceover at the beginning of each episode, which gives the viewers all of the physical evidence that will be needed to solve the case before our inspectors, Cayman Bishop (Jones) and Sean Cole (Estes) have found any of it. For a change, then, the viewers actually stand a chance at figuring out what happened.
This is not "CSI: Miami," in which David Caruso's Lt. Horatio Caine seems to be a little brighter than anyone else in the world, and as such, almost always figures out the implausible details that no one else could piece together. No, Bishop and Cole are human. They make mistakes, they have secrets, they have their own lives while working to solve a case.
"The Evidence," is also more than just a procedural. There is the hint of a much larger, ongoing murder mystery -- involving Cole's wife -- that might be solved over an entire season or more. Think "Veronica Mars," which solved the murder of Lilly Kane by the end of season one but still offers up self-contained mysteries.
"The Evidence" is also part buddy-cop dramedy, a la the "Lethal Weapon" movies. Cole and Bishop are best friends with a history, which is clear from the moment viewers meet them. They tease each other and speak in the language of close friends who care deeply about each other.
If all of that isn't enough to convince you that this is the midseason show you should be watching -- particularly since "Love Monkey" was canceled -- the chance to see Landau on TV each week might make it worthwhile. The veteran actor has a small but crucial role here as Dr. Sol Goldman, who studies and presents us with each episode's evidence. Viewers also should welcome the opportunity to see Jones in what could be the role that finally helps people remember him for something other than "Make 7-Up Yours." And "Melrose Place" fans should be pleased to see Estes back in primetime.
It's rare that all of the pieces of a pilot work this well. There are usually glitches and kinks to be worked out -- clunky acting, bad dialogue, misfired plots. But you won't find any of that in "The Evidence" -- only compelling storylines portrayed by perfectly cast actors playing characters that you'll want to get to know better.
• TV reviewer and Portland, Ore.-based freelance journalist DeAnn Welker can be reached at deann@tvgoddess.com. To read more of her TV ramblings, visit www.tvgoddess.com.
Five shows to watch this week
Heist
9 p.m. Wednesday, NBC: This isn't quite as good as the BBC drama of the same name, currently airing on AMC, but it's still better than much of what is on the networks. It's entertaining, well cast and reminiscent of the fabulous "Keen Eddie." The pilot tries to squeeze in a little too much information, but it does the job because it should leave viewers wanting more.
Modern Men
8:30 p.m. Friday, the WB: Good comedy is never expected from the network that brought us "Twins," but this one isn't bad. It's about a group of guys with varied relationship problems, so they decided to visit a life coach, played by Jane Seymour. The acting is solid, and with the exception of a few clunky jokes, it's surprisingly funny. And so much better -- and less offensive -- than NBC's similar "Four Kings."
The Real Housewives of Orange County
11 p.m. Tuesday, Bravo: A hybrid of "Desperate Housewives," "The O.C." and "Laguna Beach," this show brings us real-life, rich women living their "ordinary" lives in Orange County. How their husbands -- including a sports executive and a Fortune 200 executive -- approved their participation is a mystery. One of the wives actually is a divorcee who has had to downsize significantly from the gated community she used to live in. And another is actually engaged, not married. Her fiance, Slade, is a "self-made man with a unique past," who is originally from Alaska.
Minoriteam
11 p.m. Sunday, Cartoon Network: The latest addition to the network's quirky, daring "Adult Swim," this is a show that is part superhero cartoon, part satire of a superhero cartoon. Our heroes, Dr. Wang, Fasto, Jewcano, Non-Stop and El Jefe, use racial stereotypes to fight racial stereotypes. Their adversaries include The Corporate Ladder, The Standardized Test and Racist Frankenstein. If you can't take a joke, this one certainly isn't for you. But if you can, you'll probably enjoy it. It repeats at 3 a.m. Monday.
Little Britain
5:40 p.m. and 9:40 p.m. Friday, BBC America: Season 3 of this hit comedy show begins with a new set of characters. "Little Britain" is a hit in the U.K. and even across the pond, with a cult following that includes celebrities such as Johnny Depp. Guest appearances this season will include Oscar nominee for "Vera Drake" Imelda Staunton and Rob Brydon of "Tristam Shandy." And, of course, Anthony Head (Giles from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") returns.
-- DeAnn Welker
March Madness
Wake up! First-round games of the NCAA college basketball championship start at
8 am. Friday on CBS, Channel 11
