Prodigal Son

“Prodigal Son,” on Fox, is the Foxiest, an edgy, eccentric, style-forward series. ... It’s all a little overheated and fancy for my taste. ... Still, says Malcolm’s mother (Bellamy Young), “the media loves a charismatic serial killer.” So do TV writers, and so, perhaps, do you.

So weirdly stupid that it might actually be good. Or, then again, just weird and stupid.

Through three episodes, Sheen goes very light on psychotic menace, a refreshing choice that also allows for future revelations about Martin’s motives. When the show leaves Martin’s cell, it becomes an unexceptional procedural.

The entire story line, in fact, is a bit extreme for prime-time network TV. The problem is, the creators seem to think so, too. Any sense of dread is diluted by the light comedy generated among the supporting cast. ... It's a bit baffling. ... Basically, “Prodigal Son” is, at the outset, a dark show that doesn’t take its darkness seriously enough. By episode 2 matters settle down, and pilots are always misleading, so there’s hope the program will find a groove.

Malcolm cut off communication with his dad 10 years ago but turns to him for consultation on a new case. These scenes are far less entertaining than those with Malcolm’s mother, played by “Scandal” star Bellamy Young, hamming it up. These moments give “Prodigal Son” an occasional “Castle” vibe.

Some tonal tweaks could turn this eagerly outrageous crime drama into something enjoyably out there, but for now, it’s just the craziest “Silence of the Lambs” knock-off yet.