Suspense doesn't disappear with credits
TV Goddess
Published: August 17, 2006
Last Modified: August 17, 2006 at 03:54 AM
Most crime-solving series operate on the principle that people want self-contained story lines in each episode. Of course, there are also ongoing arcs -- often relationship drama -- but those stories play second fiddle to the crime of the week, almost always solved by episode's end.
Vanished, which premieres at 8 p.m. Monday as Fox kicks off its fall television season, turns the notion of standalone cop dramas on its head. This is a riveting, suspenseful series about FBI agents, a TV reporter, even a senator. And if the first episode is any indication, the intrigue will carry over from episode to episode -- viewers will be left nearly as curious as the characters, in a good way, ending the episode ready for the next one to begin.
Gale Harold, fresh off five seasons as the lead on Queer as Folk followed by a stint as Wyatt Earp on Deadwood, is as charming as ever playing FBI agent Graham Kelton. He's also mean and nasty to almost everyone, including the grieving senator whose wife is missing.
Fans of 24 will easily go along with Kelton in suspecting the senator, played by John Allen Nelson. Nelson portrayed the dirty aide to "24's" President Logan and drugged the first lady to keep her quiet about Palmer's assassination.
Other major players are the senator's children from a previous marriage -- both have secrets of their own -- another FBI agent (Ming-Na) and a miscast Rebecca Gayheart as TV reporter Judy Nash.
There are a few missteps and moments that have been overused in TV dramas -- the daughter's suspicious boyfriend and the pretty reporter, for example -- but most of the show feels fresh and interesting, primarily because the episode's big case is nowhere near solved by the end of the hour. Even some of the twists and turns will feel like new ideas, if not downright shocking.
There are a few other plot lines -- such as Kelton's daughter -- that we're barely given a glimpse of that surely will become more major stories in the long run. Viewers better tune in on time, though, because this is one of those shows, like Lost and Veronica Mars, where you'll regret missing a minute.
• 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
Prison Break
7 p.m. Monday, Fox: Before "Vanished," Fox's hit prison drama returns for its second season. If having nothing else to watch isn't reason enough to tune in to Fox's early Monday premieres, remember that this one is also compelling and that it's practically a new series this time around -- last season was all about breaking out and this season looks to be all about running. This episode picks up eight hours after the breakout, and Dr. Sara is still in critical condition. Let's hope Michael doesn't pull anything heroic by going back to be with her.
When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts
8 p.m. Monday, HBO: The government's slow response after Hurricane Katrina made Spike Lee angry -- angry enough to make this powerful four-hour documentary. In Entertainment Weekly, Lee called the film an "indictment" of President Bush, FEMA, Homeland Security and Condoleezza Rice, adding, "I hope some people go to jail." Acts I and II premiere Monday, with Acts III and IV premiering at the same time a day later. All four acts will repeat frequently on HBO and HBO2 throughout September.
Vietnam Nurses With Dana Delany
6 p.m. Friday, WE: Yes, this is on WE: Women's Entertainment, but men shouldn't be deterred. Other than host Dana Delany being part of the title -- detracting from the heroic women interviewed about their experiences caring for wounded soldiers during the Vietnam War -- this documentary doesn't make a misstep. The women's recollections are poig-nant and, let's face it, you probably haven't heard them before. Even if you weren't alive during the Vietnam War, just try to get through this hour-long documentary with dry eyes.
ShakespeRE-Told
3 p.m. Sunday, BBC America: This week BBC America takes on "A Midsummer Night's Dream," setting it in the world of married former hippies celebrating their wedding anniversary and the engagement of their daughter Hermia. But, as the play says, "the course of true love never did run smooth." And so, it won't -- but it sure is fun to watch. Repeats at 7 p.m. Sunday.
Rock Star: Supernova
9 p.m. Tuesday and 7 p.m. Wednesday, CBS: Now that the horrible contestants are gone, it's getting down to some real competition. My vote is still for Dilana, but Lukas Rossi nearly won me over a few weeks ago with his take on Radiohead's "Creep." Magni and Toby should join them in the final four.
-- DeAnn Welker
Vanished
Airs: 8 p.m. Monday on Fox, Channel 4.
Web: www.fox.com/vanished
