Continuing a string of new programming, TNT offers new episodes of two scripted television series starting Wednesday night, July 15, and continuing throughout the summer. Both shows share similar themes and ultimately prove to be a night of good television.
At 9PM (8 Central), TNT premieres the second season of Leverage. I had heard good things about the series but had never gotten the chance to see it before, even though I'd heard it has a few of my favorite things - writing by John Rogers (who did the Global Frequency television pilot and launched DC's new Blue Beetle), the real Coupling's Jane (that would be actress Gina Bellman), and frequent references to Doctor Who (can never go wrong with that one). Fortunately, hopping in with the second season premiere, I didn't feel as though I was missing anything at all.
Perhaps it was John Rogers' comic book experience coming into play, but the feeling I got from the Leverage episode was like the first issue of a "Volume 2" of a comic book series. Sure, the characters had a backstory, which is referred to here, but this is a time when the group is re-assembling. A strong cast made up of very unique personalities rounds it out and makes the show a lot of fun.
In a nutshell from what I can tell, Leverage is made up of some former criminals who pool their criminal talents together to do good and provide "leverage" for those in need. In a way, again with the comic book connection, it reminds me of the early issues of Kurt Busiek's Thunderbolts comic - in which villains find they actually like being good, and start down a better path. I really liked it, and after seeing this premiere I'll definitely like to see more. I may also have to get the Season 1 DVD which just came out this week, as soon as I can afford it.
Tying in to the Leverage season premiere, TNT has created an online game. You can find "Art of the Con" at LeverageHQ.com.
I hope this series has a long life, although I would love it if Rogers could be recruited for something comics-related someday. In addition to some sharp writing for this season premiere, the acting is strong and the direction and look of the show are very stylish.
Dark Blue is TNT's newest drama, premiering Wednesday night at 10PM after the Leverage season premiere. Like the show before it, it involves people going undercover, but is done without the same kind of humor and charm as the series before it.
Which is not to say that the show, from executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer, is not any good - there are great performances all around, and the show, like Leverage, is very nice looking. It's definitely a lot more serious, starting off with some electrocution. Dylan McDermott as the series lead shows that some real quality actors are headlining these scripted shows that go right to cable, and I definitely applaud them for that.
In Dark Blue, McDermott's character Carter Shaw has organized a group of undercover police officers to weed out crime in Los Angeles. In some ways it reminds me of the gang of assistants Robert McCall would sometimes use on The Equalizer; this time around the characters have a much harder edge and a conflict between what they are doing and what is going on in their personal lives. One character has settled into a life with a loving wife. Another has lied about her past and is now recruited by Shaw. And yet another has gone so deep within a criminal organization that you are left to wonder whose side he really is on.
I ultimately judge my TV by "will I watch again." For both shows I recommend at least giving them a try. They certainly don't fall into the sci-fi genre that you see covered at KryptonSite websites, but if you're a fan of well-written television this is the place to go. However, of the two Leverage gets my nod as far as weekly television appointment viewing would go. Your mileage may vary.
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"Leverage" Season Premiere Wednesday, July 15
9PM (ET) on TNT
Producers: Dean Devlin, John Rogers, and Chris Downey
Starring: Timothy Hutton as Nate Ford (The Mastermind), Gina Bellman as Sophie Devereaux (The Grifter), Christian Kane as Eliot Spencer (The Muscles), Beth Riesgraf as Parker (The Thief), Aldis Hodge as Alec Hardison (The Hacker)
"Dark Blue" Season Premiere Wednesday, July 15
10PM (ET) on TNT
Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer
Starring: Dylan McDermott as Carter Shaw, Omari Hardwick as Ty Curtis, Logan Marshall-Green as Dean Bendis, and Nicki Aycox as Jamie Allen
Reviews: TNT's Leverage and Dark Blue
In Dark Blue, McDermott's character Carter Shaw has organized a group of undercover police officers to weed out crime in Los Angeles. In some ways it reminds me of the gang of assistants Robert McCall would sometimes use on The Equalizer; this time around the characters have a much harder edge and a conflict between what they are doing and what is going on in their personal lives. One character has settled into a life with a loving wife. Another has lied about her past and is now recruited by Shaw. And yet another has gone so deep within a criminal organization that you are left to wonder whose side he really is on.