AGENT X Not the Spot

Article originally published as AGENT X Review on Seat42F.

TNT’s latest drama is AGENT X. Apparently, there is a secret section in the Constitution that outlines the Vice President’s real power, and remains unknown to the public, or even the President, to this day. These words give the VP the ability to use an unnamed agent to do the bidding of the U.S. that must be kept off books. AGENT X is that agent, and the new Vice is ready to use him.

(Yes, this is fiction. No such article exists.)

The center of AGENT X is Natalie Maccabee (Sharon Stone, Casino). The first woman to hold the second highest office in the land (have they never heard of Selina Meyer?), she is surprised to learn about the Agent X program from her new right-hand man, Malcolm (Gerald McRaney, House of Cards). Having to take control with barely any direction, President Thomas Eckhart (John Shea, Smallville) himself must deny his knowledge now that he’s been promoted to the top spot, Natalie is nervous at first, but settles into the job quite nicely.

On the other side of the show is Agent X himself, John Case (Jeff Hephner, Chicago Fire). He is an almost-superhuman agent who can slide in and out without being seen. In the first couple of episodes he tangles with Olga (Olga Fonda, The Vampire Diaries), an enemy spy who is quite formidable, and still bests her without too much trouble. He’s the sexy eye candy for the ladies, bursting with the testosterone that keeps the guys coming back.

So AGENT X splits its time between two different types of shows. One part is adrenaline-fueled action, James Bond on steroids, and the other deals with politics and conspiracy theories, a more grounded version of The Librarian. Both go for a simplistic world view, without getting too deep, and with the same type of attitude with which the main player in 24 approached the world. It’s light, popcorn fare that is entertaining, but refrains from going too deep.

The cast is good. Stone and McRaney are always likeable, and Hephner fits well into the archetype. James Earl Jones (Star Wars, The Lion King) shows up as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, which lends some gravitas to the series. This isn’t a character study type of program, so it’s unlikely any of these actors will get to deliver an impressive, Emmy-worthy performance. But they do just fine in the roles they’ve been given, and make the show pretty watchable.

My problem with TNT series these past few years is that they lean too heavily on the action, not paying enough attention to plot and the cast. AGENT X improves in this category, still giving the basic element that TNT fans have come to expect, but with a bit better foundation to back it up. As I’ve said, it’s not deep, but it also doesn’t flit over things as quickly as Falling Skies or The Last Ship, marking a noticeable improvement for the content of this network.

That being said, I’m still not going to watch Agent X. There are a ton of very high quality series out right now that are just plain better than this one. This is a sign TNT is moving in the right direction, but it’s not there yet. If you want mindless entertainment, this is one of the best examples I’ve seen in awhile and will serve you well. This show itself, given time, might even become more worthy. But for now, if you’re looking for the biggest talent in the writing and production department, there are plenty of choices on AMC, FX, HBO, Starz, and others that run circles around this one. When there were fewer choices on television, AGENT X would have stood out. Today, it just doesn’t measure up.

AGENT X airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on TNT.

I like CHICAGO FIRE "In My Face"

Article first published as I like CHICAGO FIRE "In My Face" on TheTVKing.

Just ahead of its spinoff debut, NBC's Chicago Fire returns for the back half of its second season with "Shoved in My Face." Some time has passed since the fall finale, though how much is not clear. As the episode begins, Casey (Jesse Spencer) is able to resume work, healed from the incident. But has he fully recovered?

Casey is one of the most central players, so fans had to have known he wasn't dead, despite the cliffhanger we were left on. However, some might not expect the consequences of the injuries. Casey seems fine to most of his friends, but there's something a little off and unstable about him that begins to rear its head.

For most jobs, making mistakes is no big deal. For a firefighter, where lives are on the line every day, this isn't good. Mouch (Christian Stolte), who witnesses the danger Casey poses first hand, hasn't told on Casey yet, out of loyalty, but if Casey doesn't figure out how to fix the problem, there will be further ramifications, and none of them will be good.

Casey is trying to move on by asking Dawson (Monica Raymund) to live with him. It's about time the two were officially an item. They dance around each other for a season and a half before this comes about, and viewers and characters alike are happy that they have gotten together. But it's not a good sign that Casey isn't even confiding his issues with Dawson, beginning their relationship on a rocky path.

Dawson can be forgiven for not hounding Casey too hard about how he's feeling as she's now quite busy as a cadet in the firefighter school. She doesn't have the easiest start to classes, especially when she is around 51, as her instinct is to act like a member of the team. There will definitely be some adjustment time for her to step back and move away. But that should only be temporary, so it's all good.

Shay (Lauren German) also has to adjust to the new arrangement, as a new woman, Allison Rafferty (Christine Evangelista, Lucky 7), takes over Dawson's spot as Shay's partner and boss. This dynamic is very shaky at first, and there's a point in "Shoved in My Face" where it doesn't look like things are going to work out. Then Shay breaks through the new woman's armor, and they seem to get along.

Rafferty comes across as a homophobe initially. She says she has no problems with lesbians, she just doesn't want the behavior shoved in her face. This is usually an excuse for those who are small-minded and trying not to appear as full of gross hate as they are. In this particular case, though, it looks like one person just did over share with Rafferty, and while its unfair to employ stereotyping, Rafferty doesn't really appear to be a bigot at her core. Thank goodness!

There's plenty of conflict without bringing a jerk into the firehouse. Molly's might be lost, as Otis (Yuri Sardarov) and Herrmann (David Eigenberg) learn about a lien on the building, Mills (Charlie Barnett) has to push Clarke (Jeff Hephner) to stop protecting his gal from a serious crime, and Severide's (Taylor Kinney) teaching career starts off bad when he tries to kick out the daughter of one of the brass, Rebecca Jones (Daisy Betts, Last Resort). That's quite enough without more discord creeping in.

Of course, there are good things in "Shoved in My Face," too. Mills is finally accepted into Squad 3, Otis has a love connection with Severide's sister, Katie (Brittany Curran), Antonio (Jon Seda) finds evidence that could clear Clarke, and most of the main characters are getting along with one another, no internal spats disrupting the tone of the house right now. That's a relief.

Chicago Fire is a prime time soap opera, along the lines of Grey's Anatomy, so the personal drama will always be a focus. But that doesn't mean everyone has to be at everyone's throats all the time, and the shift in "Shoved in My Face," from internal conflict to external, is one that will hopefully stick around for awhile.

Chicago Fire airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC, and the spin-off, Chicago PD, well worth watching, premieres tonight at 10 p.m. EST.

Boss is "Louder Than Words"

Grade: 87%

Starz’s BOSS returns for a second season with “Louder Than Words.” What words is this title referencing? Each episode title of season one was a single word. Perhaps this title is supposed to represent something more? Something bigger?

If so, I wouldn’t say that’s exactly accurate. “Louder Than Words” continues the story of Tom Kane (Kelsey Grammer), picking up soon after it left off. While there are some important differences, mostly concerning power vacuums that must be filled, I would not say that this season two begins in a dramatically different way than season one played out. It maintains the same quality and suspense, pleasing the fans who are already addicted to the heady drama.

Or, as many season one titles do, it could refer to a specific moment within the episode that stands out. In this case, the climatic finale when (SPOILER!) someone decides it is time to take action to bring Tom down, shots ringing out at an important event, the groundbreaking ceremony for the O’Hare project. Tom escapes unharmed, but might his wife, Meredith (Connie Nielsen), have been hit?

Who shot at Tom? The obvious answer is Darius (Rotimi Akinosho). After all, Darius is angry that Tom put his own daughter, Darius’s girlfriend, Emma (Hannah Ware), behind bars. Darius is also shown looking at a gun. There is motive, opportunity, and foreshadowing of such an event. Which is probably why it wasn’t him, because this answer is too obvious.

Interestingly, “Louder Than Words” ends with a shot of Mayor Rutledge (Anthony Mockus Sr.) watching events on the news. This could be a very important clue. Earlier in “Louder Than Words,” Meredith made sure that the news was turned on for her father. Might she be trying to take out Tom, and got caught in the crossfire herself? Or Tom figured out the move and circumvented it? It is unlikely Tom is trying to send Rutledge a message, as Rutledge is in no position to do anything, and Tom’s visits to his father-in-law appear to be done with fondness. But Meredith has reason to believe that Rutledge might feel wronged by Tom, so this could be her way of delivering her dad his revenge. Though if it is, she failed.

Another suspect is Alderman Ross (James Vincent Meredith), who has dropped out of public life. After learning that his wife cheated on him, then punching Tom out in public, Ross has fallen from grace. Rather than persevere, he skips council meetings and hides from sight. The one scene Ross gets in “Louder Than Words” is supremely creepy, and shows a man on the edge. He is certainly capable or heinous acts.

There is also motive for Ross, or one of the other council members. Tom is trying to push through a legislative bill that is very divisive. Ross would not want this bill to pass, even if it seems like he cares about nothing. Or another Alderman could be trying to stop the bill, taking matters into their own hands, since the men previously pulling the strings in the chamber all seem to be suddenly gone.

The only certainty about the shooting is that there is a mystery, and one that might take awhile to play out.

Will Tom be shaken by the near miss on his life? It’s hard to say. He is already facing imminent death, so it seems unlikely that being shot at would bother him that much more. He knows that these are his final days, and does what he can to leave a great legacy, pushing pet projects through, rather than being content to wait around and let them play out, as he has in the past. He may only redouble his efforts, lending even more urgency to his mission.

Unfortunately, Tom is running out of time. Dr. Harris (Karen Aldridge) tells him the disease is progressing rapidly. Mona Fredericks (Sanaa Lathan) is assuming Ross’s mantle and gunning for him. Debra (Jennifer Mudge) is still alive and could expose Tom’s attempt to strangle her. Zajac (Jeff Hephner) is getting restless about the lack of support from Tom. Cullen (Francis Guinan) still holds a grudge, as evidenced by his treatment of Zajac. Kitty (Kathleen Robertson), a jaded employee, may agree to conspire with the persistent newsman Sam Miller (Troy Garity), to expose Tom’s dark secrets. Add these threats to the list of likely shooters, and Tom’s enemy list is long, indeed.

However, as Meredith tells Zajac in season one, do not underestimate Tom Kane. The challenges to his position are numerous and frequent, and yet Tom continues to stay on top. As season one ended, it looked certain he would crumble, but he still stands. No matter how many angles they come at him, he weathers it all.

The question is, how long can Tom continue to do so, given his declining health? His hallucinations of Ezra (Martin Donovan) and continuing bumbling speech patterns betray his weakness. For now, Meredith is the only one alive in the inner circle that knows about Tom’s illness, having finally gotten it out of Emma. But it won’t stay buried forever. Whether Tom does himself in, or his foes finally find that chink in his armor, he will come tumbling down. This is not underestimation; this is reality. The draw of BOSS is watching to see just how long it takes for that day to arrive.

BOSS airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on Starz.

"Listen" to the Boss

     Starz's newest drama tackles politics in Chicago. In the first episode of Boss, called "Listen," Mayor Tom Kane (Kelsey Grammer, Frasier, Back to You) speaks heroically of fighting corruption. Yet, he has a debilitating disease that will soon leave him incapable of doing his job, and he is hiding it. Not only that, but Kane is setting up Ben Zajac (Jeff Hephner, Hellcats) to run for governor against the current one, McCall Cullen (Francis Guinan, Hannibal), whom Kane is publicly supporting. So Kane talks the talk, but fails to walk the walk.

     Chicago is known for corrupt politics. Throughout American history, many an elected official in the city and state has faced charges, and spent time behind bars. These are not just ancient tales; a number of governors from the past few decades have continued the tradition. And while Chicago is not the capital city where the governor is based, it is sometimes blamed for the system that allows such bad behavior, if for no other reason than it's easy to lump things together. Thus, the Windy City is the perfect setting for a story like Boss, and Tom Kane is a familiar figure. While not based specifically on any real person, with a fictional story unfolding, Boss does uphold a realistic spirit, and is easily believable. That is not to say that all politicians from Chicago are corrupt, of course. There are probably plenty of good, even great, ones. But there is a reputation that Chicago has in the minds of many people, and this series plays into that stereotype.

     Is disease a personal issue, or does the general population deserve to know about it, when, like Kane, the ill person is a public servant? After all, the people elect him to do a job, and the symptoms of the disease will soon begin negatively impacting his abilities. Kane is destined to begin hallucinating and lose intellectual function. These are not trivial matters for a high ranking public official. In this case, it is unethical to hide the condition. In this case, the stakes are much more than just personal.

     Not only is Kane hiding the disease, but he is going to great lengths to do so, further betraying the public trust. Using a close confidant named Ezra Stone (Martin Donovan, Weeds, Insomnia), Kane asks that his doctor (Karen Aldridge, well known in the Chicago theater world) be reminded of her obligations to stay silent on the matter. One of Stone's connections does this by drugging and threatening her. This, despite the fact that the good doc blew off reporter Sam Miller (Troy Garity,The Playboy Club), who is digging around. Will the scare tactic make her more determined to stay silent, or will it backfire, as she wants to get the story out?

     One has to wonder how Kane chooses Zajac as his man in the race for Illinois governor. Kane seems to have a working relationship with Cullen already. And Kane stages a photo with Zajac to leak to Cullen instead of keeping it a secret. But perhaps Kane wants more power, and thinks that Zajac is the right patsy to get him that? Not that Kane will be able to wield such influence for long, considering his condition. More importantly, Kane's assistant, Kitty O'Neil (Kathleen Robertson, Tin Man, Beverly Hills, 90210), is sleeping with Zajac. Did she bring Zajac to Kane's attention? Is Kane having her sleep with Zajac to further control him? Or did they just meet because of the new arrangement? This relationship bears further scrutiny.

     Not everyone is in the dark about Kane, even though he works hard at his noble public image. In "Listen," a Native American burial ground is found near the airport. So as to not interfere with his plans to expand O'Hare, Kane has control of the sacred soil put on a trash service bill as an addendum. Suddenly, the city council, who do not seem surprised, is angrily forced to hand Kane power without oversight, or risk alienating constituents for voting down a popular and necessary measure. While this is not resolved by the end of the episode, it's fairly clear that Kane will get his way.

     Kane seems like one tough cookie. Besides the way he handles his political opponents, and the derisive way he treats his staff, even coldly telling Kitty to never ask if he's OK, there's something in "Listen" that demonstrates Kane's character even better. It's true that the real measure of a man is what he does when he is alone. At a fundraiser, Kane is given a box. Opening it later in his kitchen, he finds severed human ears, presumably belonging to the guy that gives him the box, whose head is bandaged. Kane nonchalantly picks them up and drops them in the garbage disposal. This means Kane is calculating, hard to frighten, and has little compassion for his fellow human beings. The casual manner in which he handles the whole thing is chilling.

     Sadly, Kane's family likes him about as much as his enemies do. His wife, Meredith (Connie Nielsen, Gladiator, Law & Order: SVU), has her own bedroom, when Kane even returns to his house, which apparently is not a daily occurrence. She barely talks to him, only as necessary, and does public functions just to maintain an image. Why even stay married then? Well, Meredith may be the one who wants to keep the union intact. As the mayor's wife, she controls education funding, and is an important figure. Take away who her husband is, and that evaporates. This could point to Meredith being nearly as cold as her husband.

     Daughter Emma (Hannah Ware, Shame) works at a health clinic for the poor, and is also a minister. So she's probably a lot more warm and caring than her parents. She doesn't have much interest in speaking with her father when he calls, though, so she knows who he is, and is soured on him. That's not surprising. What is, is that despite all of her good deeds, Emma goes out of her way to bond with a drug dealer named Darius (Rotimi Akinosho). She does throw away the drugs he gives her, but is that because she is an addict trying not to relapse? Is she trying to expose Darius and stop his activities? It's just not clear yet.

     When faced with one's mortality, one wants their loved ones around for comfort and support. In "Listen," Kane begins to show signs of this. He calls his daughter, and he tries to strike up a chat with his wife, both of whom are less than receptive. Is it too late for Kane to find peace before death? Should he focus on a political legacy, or his family? He probably doesn't have time left for both, and if he tries to balance, he could accomplish neither. Which sets up Boss as a very neat, gripping drama, starring a fantastic actor at the top of his game.


     Watch Boss Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on Starz.


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Article first published as TV Review: Boss - "Listen" on Blogcritics.

Hellcats should know "Don't Make Promises (You Can't Keep)"

     Usually when a show is about to take a month or so off, they offer some kind of big finale, often ending with a cliffhanger. Not so this time with the CW's Hellcats. I won't say that last night's episode is bad, but it certainly isn't one of the best. In fact, the episode I would have wanted going into the hiatus aired two weeks ago. It's a shame they couldn't have switched those around. Ah, well.

     Savannah (Ashley Tisdale) gets the most interesting, juiciest plot this week. While at her house, Kathy (Magda Apanowicz, Caprica) lets slip that Savannah's little sis, Charlotte (Emma Lahana), is pregnant with Noah's (Tom Stevens) baby. Noah is Savannah's ex, and he hooked up with Charlotte the night Savannah last rejected him. Now Charlotte and Noah are engaged. Noah admits to Savannah that he really has feelings for her, and asks her what she wants him to do. Savannah breaks the news to Charlotte, who denies it, but breaks off the engagement.

     I have found the stories about Savannah's family fascinating. I like that they are uber-religious, and that causes them issues, including teen pregnancy. I firmly believe that parents who are too strict risk their children rebelling. It's a shame that Noah is such a slime ball; he had seemed like a decent guy up until now. But there aren't any better adjectives for a guy who impregnates the sister of the girl he likes.

     It's great to see Savannah strength here. Right from the beginning, there has always been a force within her, especially evident when she is around her mother. Her character is not rebellious for rebellion's sake, but she has an inner passion that benefits herself and those around her; she stands up for what she believes when necessary. Her character may possibly be my current favorite in what has become a very large cast.

     I think we are supposed to have our heartstrings tugged by Marti's (Aly Michalka) search for information on her long-gone father. I am not feeling it. As Dan (Matt Barr) points out, if Marti really wants to know, she would have demanded it a long time ago. Wanda's (Gail O'Grady) refusal to cooperate with her isn't really a good excuse; that doesn't usually stop Marti. Wanda may have gone into a downward spiral once Marti pressed her years ago, but that is nothing new either, and should not have been enough to make Marti give up for the next however-many years.

     The competition between the cheerleading squads is much more satisfying. Likely because of Savannah's history, there is obviously great rivalry between Memphis Christian, who doesn't have a cool nickname, and the Hellcats, who don't either, but act like they do. That last line was not intendied to insult, but "Hellcats" is teeming with corniness, trying to insert drama where none exists. Anyway, watching them square off is wonderful, and I enjoyed how many of their moves match up, emphasizing that both are very good.

     I also like the hint at something brewing between Lewis (Robbie Jones) and Kathy. We don't know enough about Kathy yet to know if she is a good match for him or not, but the scene we get of her away from cheerleader feuds make her seem sweet. Lewis has been hurt by multiple girls, and doesn't deserve to have to put up with a high maintenance woman. Plus, I adore the actress who plays Kathy, so the more she is involved in the show, the better.

     The chemistry between Vanessa (Sharon Leal) and Derrick (D.B. Woodside, 24, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) has been off for awhile, so it's no surprise that they broke up last week. I admire Woodside greatly, and hope the series sees fit to keep him coming around. That being said, Vanessa isn't having any better luck with Red (Jeff Hephner). Perhaps it is because she is sneaking around, ashamed of tossing aside Derrick, but so far, I'm not seeing this spark they supposedly have. Either go for it or don't, but if there isn't anything there, don't force or fake it.


     Overall, Hellcats is having a pretty good first season. I hope it hasn't peaked too early, with that wonderful take down of Bill Marsh (Aaron Douglas - also great) already having happened. A new major arc is needed fast to fill out the rest of the season when the show returns next month.

     Hellcats airs Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. ET on the CW.

Article first published as TV Review: Hellcats - "Don't Make Promises (You Can't Keep)" on Blogcritics.

 

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Hellcats Fall 2010 Overview

     The CW's Hellcats is not just Bring It On: The Series. Nor is it another 90210. It's a teen (or just past teen) drama, sure, with all the usual affairs and scandalous twists. But it's also an inspiring sports series, as those cheerleaders are very much athletes, and there's some legal mystery tossed in for flavor. Plus, a few unnecessary, but fun, dance numbers a la Glee. I guess that's what makes it worth watching. There are plenty of elements to keep things interesting.

     After eleven episodes, I'm still not particularly impressed with the cast. They're decent, but not above average. I am most enjoying Matt Barr as Dan Patch. Dan is certainly the most likable, and the most in touch with who he is of the central characters. He also carries the Memphis accent pretty much by himself; even the other characters who are from the area seem to have shed it. Perhaps it's because he's a townie, while the rest are integrated with the college students, who arrive from all over. Lead Alyson Michalka is also one of the better ones, as many of her emotional scenes are played on her face, rather than dialogue. Her disconnect from others is part of the character trait, so her tendency to underact at times seems like a choice rather than a failure.

     I do have to give credit to Heather Hemmens's Alice. While she was established as the villain from day one, her motivations have been made clear, and even made viewers sympathetic to her bitterness. As the episodes this fall unfolded, it was clear that Alice did have lines she would not cross, even if she went further than most characters would. She's not completely disloyal to those around her, even if she often puts herself first. It's the subtleties that make her character successful, and Hemmens does accomplish those with grace.

     One quick criticism. Marti joined the Hellcats as a replacement for the injured Alice. Alice healed from injuries several episodes before the fall finale, and yet, how they both fit on the team now has never been dealt with. There are only a certain number of flyers the Hellcats can accommodate at once. It appears to me that Marti kept the flyer position, and Alice just dances now. But is that how it is? It would have been nice to have dealt with that on screen.

     As mentioned before, there is some legal plot going on, with Marti investigating an old case for an inmate named Travis (Ben Cotton), whom she has come around to believing innocent. I will certainly not knock the series for trying something different, and adding such an odd element to their show. Odd, considering that most of the scenes deal with college cheerleaders. However, it almost feels like it should be its own spin-off. It's like there are two different series going on at once. Should Hellcats continue for a few years, I could totally see Marti and Morgan Pepper (Craig Anderson) doing their own law-based series, leaving the other characters to the cheering. It could be quite enjoyable.

     I guess that subplot, though, demonstrates a level of realism that imbibes Hellcats. Life is complicated, and people are involved with several different things at once. Keeping the principal cast small (only six), and using supporting characters as support, rather than giving them their own plots (for the most part), has allowed Hellcats to do what other shows cannot, as they are too involved trying to serve everyone, and don't allow any one character too much depth.

     Yes, I did say in the preceding paragraph that there are six main characters, even though seven names appear in the opening credits. Wanda (Gail O'Grady) might as well be supporting, as she really only pops up in Marti's arcs. I know O'Grady is a talented actress from her previous work, and could handle a larger piece of the Hellcats world. But I really like Wanda in her current space, and there is something to be said for someone who can play that type of character and do it so engrossingly. As such, I would not lobby for a change in Wanda's part, other than perhaps a few more one-liners every now and then.

     A large part of this fall has concerned getting the Hellcats to qualify for the national championships. Yet, the cheerleading saga has not choked out the other story. It's something that has hung over everyone, but not consumed them except when it needed to. It justifies the title of the series, but does not define it. I like that.

     I love, love, love the Bill Marsh (Aaron Douglas, Battlestar Galactica) character. Having grown up in a town and a high school where football players were often above the rules that applied to everyone else, it's thrilling to see such a corrupt athletic department, with emphasis on the football program. It's so bad that one of the athletes, Lewis (Robbie Jones), actually quit the team in protest. Sure, other shows have toyed with the idea, but I can't remember one that delivered so evil a character as Bill. I personally believe football players and the game are often too glorified, and like seeing them taken down a peg. Well, at least in viewers of the show's opinions of them, as no one can watch Hellcats and like what's happening under Bill's leadership.

     That being said, there are plenty of great coaches in the real world like Red Raymond (Jeff Hephner). Introduced as a thorn in Vanessa's (Sharon Leal) side, he, like Alice, has grown into something more complicated. He's a truly moral coach, trying to keep the crap away from his players and his team. The one time he did cross that moral line was to help out Vanessa, and so his action can be excused. Red has power, but not enough to change the system. More coaches (and athletic directors) like Red could change the sport, and keep experiences like the one in the show from happening too often.

     On top of all of that other stuff, the series still takes time to work on religion. Savannah (Ashley Tisdale, High School Musical) was home schooled, and originally attended a very religious college. She transferred to Lancer, but her younger sister, Charlotte (Emma Lahana) remains at home, in the religious school, and in the church. Charlotte is pregnant, go figure, while Savannah remains a virgin. It's a commentary on the stifling affects that can be had being raised in uber-religious families. But Savannah is a positive role model for the faithful, and shows that a balance between the holy and the secular produces great individuals. The series doesn't demonize religion, but provides several different viewpoints into how faith affects people, and the children they raise.

     Overall, it's a pretty good show. I can't point to many weak points that need fixing, and they've covered a lot in eleven episodes. As I said, all of the actors are at least decent, and will surely grow better with time. The story arcs are excellent, and the different elements coming to the table are pretty well mixed. While not life-altering, it earns a season pass on my TiVo, and is worth watching.

     Hellcats is currently taking a winter break, but will return January 25th to the CW.

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Article first published as TV Review: Hellcats - Fall 2010 Overview on Blogcritics.