While the plot rests a tad heavily on a couple of wild coincidences, writer David Wolstencroft ("MI-5") has constructed an interesting tangle of smart dialogue and credible characters to put across a rather cynical view of lawyers and law.

It's telegenic, adrenaline-pumping drama, edited to manipulate as well as inform. (Not for nothing is a fresh-faced young female urologist the first character introduced, talking about a penile surgery.) But it's also real and, for that reason, far better than the "Grey's Anatomy" soap opera.

The thrill of the chase comes through in the film.

This experimental extended series takes its time before making any sense. Dive in, and marvel at the fact that at least it’s different.

The thrill of rock 'n' roll as it took a turn toward modern punk, discovered disco and made way for hip-hop in 1970s Manhattan is captured in a fresh way in Vinyl, a tough-minded series.

Rampling brings her primly authoritative presence and a stern look to the task. Her scenes with Hall crackle with tension.

It’s a next-gen “Barney Miller,” a smart workplace cop comedy.

The Starz 10-hour miniseries is a beautiful, fun period piece populated by amazing talent.

Like most docu- reality TV mashups, the need for drama on-screen trumped detailed explanations. Choppy editing comes standard. Still, the tension between the impulse to search and the need for privacy is clear. Emotions run high and the conflict makes for good television.

It's easy to get hooked on the drama's fast-paced, international intrigue and tony visuals (shot in London, Scotland and Morocco). It's almost enough to keep you from contemplating some of the more outrageous turns.

It may be preposterous. It may lack the political finesse of "The Americans" or "Homeland." But with tight shots of nervous eyes and cinematic displays of Jack's heroics, 24 still excels at high anxiety.

A fun, intriguing new drama...Inspiration is allowed to take all sorts of liberties. Fortunately, the production values of the show are high and no attempts are made to portray aliens on screen, for instance. The director wisely lets us imagine an unexplained power source with a whirl of wind rather than cheap-looking spaceships or funny-looking men with antennae heads. [8 Sept 1993, p.1F]

A good concept in need of nurturing. [20 Mar 1995]

It's tough work that may help the viewer appreciate the miracle that occurs any time an indie movie actually makes sense, let alone transports audiences.

A well constructed, masterfully written piece, Hannibal exceeds the "ick" factor of any crime procedural on the air.

The overly gruesome operating room moments are best glimpsed through shielded eyes. The rest of the drama draws viewers in with rich characters, a breathless pace, a refusal to pigeonhole good guys versus bad guys, thoughtful observations about family life and midlife relationships, and intriguing casting. [22 July 2003, p.F-01]

Darker than "Desperate Housewives," and even less nuanced. [11 Aug 2005]

The tone ranges from fun to scholarly as colorful drawings enliven the film.

For better and worse, it feels like an extended version of a "Curb Your Enthusiasm" episode.

It is formulaic but built to last. Think of this expensive remake as 'Touched by a Kimble.'... The workmanlike hour continues to mine old themes of alienation, injustice and the search for truth. [5 Oct 2000, p.E-03]

The series has great potential. The question is whether Empire should stick to being a good family drama in a vibrant contemporary setting with a topical issue woven into the story, or whether it can measure up to the pretensions to great literature.

This isn't a procedural with a neat answer at the end of each episode. But it is involving.

Yes, they [Amanda Peet and David Walton] throw sparks, but it's more than that. The quick reparte and the presence of great secondary players is also a crucial part of the appeal.

A funny but not particularly inventive political comedy about four Republican Senators sharing a house in Washington, D.C.

Outrageous. ... Thanks to inspired editing, it all hangs together. [14 Jul 2003]

Vegas is likely to be successful simply because, at heart, it's a CBS crime procedural with cowboy threads.

Heather Paige Kent is endearing as Lydia DeLucca, a 32-year-old Italian Catholic from New Jersey, who breaks off her engagement to pursue her dream of going to college. [5 Oct 2000, p.E-03]

Two sweet, funny, even poignant dramedies ["About a Boy" and "Growing up Fisher"] launch on NBC this weekend, both helping midseason feel richer than the meager offerings of the network's fall slate.