FOX, WB and UPN have chosen to add mostly situation comedies and family dramas to their fall lineups, but the three major networks are each adding at least two crime dramas. CBS has three new programs in this genre, which along with its already successful programs "CSI," "CSI: Miami," "The Guardian," "Without a Trace," "JAG," and "Hack," makes it the dominant network for crime-related television this season. However, the quality of the programs is really what determines how well they will do. Let us examine some of those shows which offer the most promise.
CBS
"Navy NCIS"
Incorporating elements of other CBS programs like "JAG" and "CSI," this new fall program focuses on the investigative unit NAVAL CIS, which is short for Naval Criminal Investigative Services. This unit is responsible for investigating all crimes with a connection to the Navy or Marines. The show stars Mark Harmon as the Special Agent leading the unit, Michael Weatherly ("Jesse," "Dark Angel") a homicide detective who joined the NCIS, and Donald McCallum as a medical examiner for the unit. Both Harmon and Weatherly have proven themselves on other shows and are an asset to NCIS. What will remain to be seen is if the show provides insight into both military procedure and investigative processes in a way that is entertaining and engaging. "NCIS" is currently scheduled to air on Tuesdays at 8pm Pacific time.
"The Handler"
"The Handler" will delve into the fascinating and often dangerous world of undercover work. Joe Pantoliano ("The Sopranos") stars as Joe Renato, a Special Agent for the FBI who is in charge of both training and acting as handler for a group of undercover operations in Los Angeles. Renato acts as a liaison for both federal and local law enforcement and, in response to their requests, puts together teams of agents to infiltrate a variety of criminal venues from the world of drug trafficking to the high tech arena of white collar crime. Previous forays by television into undercover work, including last season's silly thrill ride "Fastlane," which aired on FOX, have been marginally successful. This is an area of police work, that if dealt with well, is an excellent subject for a television show because it is not just about investigation. It is also about the challenges of keeping in character and maintaining the ethics of a police officer while trying to appear a criminal. The choice of Joe Pantaliano as the lead actor seems hopeful. While the rest of the cast is made up of mostly unknown actors, Joe Pantoliano is a fine enough actor to be able to carry the show. If the show can manage to take the subject seriously instead of going for thrills alone, it could be a very interesting program. "The Handler" will air on Friday nights at 10 p.m Pacific.
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