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Threat Matrix No Danger to CBS, NBC

© F. Colin Kingston

For years, ABC has been trying to figure out a solution to Thursday night. NBC ruled the roost for years with "Friends" and their so-called "Must See TV" line up. In recent years CBS has become a ratings presence with "Survivor" and "CSI."

Hoping to cash in on the anti-terrorism hysteria, ABC has unleashed "Threat Matrix." James Denton stars as the head of an elite federal anti-terrorism team comprised of agents from the FBI, CIA and NSA. Their mission is to protect the public from terrorist acts here in the United States.

The pilot episode featured the team racing against time to prevent the bombing of an important meeting of world leaders in Chicago. The episode had plenty of action and many high-tech gadgets. Future episodes promise more of the same.

As you might expect, the series is very pro "Homeland Security" and takes the "do whatever it takes" mentality. During the episode, one team member suggests getting legal counsel for some underage boys who were suspected terrorists. She is denied that request and, sadly, doesn't put up any fight. One team member refers to a group of protestors at the meeting of world leaders as "idiots." (Remember, these are supposed to be people whose mission is to safeguard our liberties.)

Other actors in the cast include Kelly Rutherford as the team leader's ex-wife. Melora Walters, Mahershalalhashbaz Ali, Anthony Azizi, Kurt Caceres, Will Lyman and Shoshanah Stern round out the cast.

Though the title obviously tries to capitalize on the hit "Matrix" movie franchise, the series bears no connection to the films whatsoever. While this elite team of agents may be great at stopping terrorists, they certainly don't pose any threat to "Survivor" and "Friends" in the ratings.

"Threat Matrix" airs on ABC at 8 p.m. PST. For more information please see their official Web site at http://abc.go.com/primetime/preview/2003...

And the winner is... The 55th Annual Prime Time Emmy Awards are broadcast this Sunday on Fox. HBO again leads all networks in total nominations. Some of the favorites I'm rooting for: "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart, "Alias," and "24." Check your TV Guide for the broadcast time in your area. For more information on the Emmy's, and a complete list of nominees, check out the official Web site at http://www.emmys.com/awards/

This week in television history: September 16, 1972, marked the debut of "The Bob Newhart Show." Newhart starred as Chicago psychologist Bob Hartley. A rotating group of patients provided much of the comic fun but it was the interplay between Newhart and his television wife Suzanne Pleshette that made the show so memorable. The series lasted for six seasons and remains one of the best comedy shows in television history. For information on Newhart, and many of his fellow cast members, visit the official Bob Newhart Web site at http://www.bob-newhart.com/