Damages is dynamite. And the fuse is lit.

"Without a Trace" matches and sometimes surpasses "CSI" for stylish visual storytelling as it builds a time line that pieces together details of the 24 hours prior to the subject's disappearance. [26 Sep 2002]

Television always needs smart, quality shows. And with "ER" on creative life support after 10 years, this challenging new medical drama could be good entertainment therapy. But for many viewers, "House" could be a tough pill to swallow. [15 Nov 2004, p.1C]

"Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" is another Sorkin mother lode of stylish wit, uncompromising quality and timely, topical substance. It's TV with a brain for viewers in search of something other than the same old, same old.

Monk isn't perfect. The show's comic moments often work better than some of the dramatic elements. And it's too soon to tell if Shalhoub will have the benefit of consistently sharp writing, something that will be essential to sustain the series over the long haul. But if first impressions count for anything, both Adrian Monk and Tony Shalhoub earn gold stars for delivering wry, beguiling pop entertainment. There's also a fizzy, engaging chemistry between Monk and Sharona, as well as Shalhoub and Schram. [12 July 2002]

Start to finish in its first-rate opening season, Showtime's "Brotherhood" has the makings of something neat, offbeat and special.

Whether it eventually runs out of storytelling steam or becomes a surprise hit like former hot-weather rookie "Northern Exposure," the engagingly bodacious Maximum Bob sure beats another numb summer rerun. Here comes the jive-talking judge! [3 Aug 1998, p.1D]

The gracefully gonzo result is funny and affecting, and sometimes it is downright insightful. Good grief. [1 June 2001, p.1E]

Smart, well- written, lots of potential. [3 Mar 1997]

"Farscape" offers a witty, energized change of pace from popular, long-running science-fiction series such as "Babylon 5" and the various "Star Trek" incarnations. There's less futuristic philosophizing, more colorful comic book action and humorous fun. [19 Mar 1999]

As the show unfolds over three nights, the taut storytelling never falters, using the visceral oomph of handheld cameras, quick scenes and an unsentimental emotional palette. [26 Jan 2004]

At the very least, it's the best-made guilty pleasure on television. [5 Sept 2006, p.2]

It's headed in the right direction ... fast, loose and fun.

Wuhl's madcap shyster has a sublimely bent supporting crew: Jim Turner as the agent's second-in-command Kirby Carlisle, a former quarterback with a bad habit of betting on games; Sandra Oh as crackerjack office assistant Rita Woo; and Michael Boatman ("China Beach") as Stanley, the agency's dour buppie numbers cruncher. [9 Aug 1996, p.1D]

Packs a sinister wallop. It's a ripping good winter's tale. [12 Feb 1999, p.1D]

It sets up a scenario that sends Walt, played by Bryan Cranston ("Malcolm in the Middle"), on an unpredictable, surprisingly fun-to-watch journey that frees him from his law-abiding past.

[A] sly spoof.

A wild and funny thing. [22 Jan 2003]

This smart, imaginative romantic drama about a female attorney has quickly established itself as one of the most interesting new series in years. [29 Sep 1997]

The breezily irreverent "Entourage" -- chock-full of witty banter, Hollywood insider jokes and real-life celebrities in self-spoofing mode -- parties on in especially fine style.

It sure looks like '24' executive producers Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran are ready to give America more anxiety-amped razzle dazzle with one of television's most original and compelling drama series. [28 Oct 2003]

High School Musical 2 is pretty much a total tuneful blast.

On first encounter, "Futurama" isn't as instantly memorable as "The Simpsons." ... Don't sell "Futurama" short, though. It has all the sly Groening hallmarks for subversively amusing, sharply written pop culture fun. [26 Mar 1999]

While I am at once outraged at this profiteering by bad taste, I am sympathetic to those who are cast in the roles of the medical staff. [24 Sep 1972, p.90]

A compelling tale of ordinary people ensnared in extraordinary circumstances.

Like the frequently audacious comic strip that gave it life, "The Boondocks" doesn't mess around.

Rome delivers high-quality television bursting with grimy, down-to-earth life. [26 Aug 2005]

[A] smart, hard-edged new crime drama.