We’re already seeing ads for some of the fall TV premieres. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to give up on summer programming.
To the contrary, some of the most promising fare will debut in coming weeks, well before the traditional September launches. Two cable offerings in particular – HBO’s “Rome” and FX’s “Over There” – promise to overshadow the competition. So sit back, feet up, iced tea at hand, and check out these six summer notables:
1. “Over There” (FX, July 27)
Steven Bochco’s (“NYPD Blue”) uncompromising drama about the ongoing war in Iraq is uncomfortably timely. Vivid characters, intense violence and emotional devastation make this a provocative hour that should be as controversial as the war. The story follows the members of a U.S. Army unit, “a squad of virgins,” sent to Iraq on their first tour of duty. Horrific action sequences are interwoven with moving scenes examining the effect of their experiences on their home lives.
2. “The Law Firm” (NBC, July 28)
David E. Kelley (“Boston Legal,” “Ally McBeal”) launches a reality show following 12 youngish attorneys who compete by trying actual cases for a (not-so-impressive) prize of $250,000 under the watchful eye of famed trial attorney Roy Black. Some of the cases tend toward the silly (a backyard controversy over a dog), others are weightier, but all require the eager firm wannabes to think quickly, speak coherently. Black, who successfully defended William Kennedy Smith on a rape charge, is neither as obnoxious nor as camera-hogging as Donald Trump, but he’s quick to knock the ill-prepared contenders and shows no pity.
3. “Weeds” (Showtime, Aug. 10)
Mama’s got a brand new bag, all right. And she’s found an enterprising new way to dig out of debt. Dare to inhale this cross between a dark comedy and an edgy soap, centered on a mom (Mary-Louise Parker) who deals pot in a gossipy, competitive California town called Agrestic (aggressive/domestic?). Consider this a grownup spin on “Desperate Housewives” as only cable could do it. With Kevin Nealon and Elizabeth Perkins.
4. “Beautiful People” (ABC Family, Aug. 8)
Daphne Zungia (“Melrose Place”) plays a woman who uproots her two teenage daughters from small-town New Mexico to New York City after her husband dumps her for his secretary. This one is from executive producer Paul Stupin (“Dawson’s Creek”). Eight episodes have been ordered, starting with a two-hour premiere. This marks ABC Family’s first original scripted series. The so-called “BPs,” or beautiful people, are the popular, wealthy clique at school who make life tough for the new kids.
5. “Rome” (HBO, Aug. 28)
With its $100 million budget, this lavish, intricate adult drama about Julius Caesar will be the network’s centerpiece this summer- fall. In terms of scope it is comparable only to the famed British import “I, Claudius.” Essentially it’s the story of Imperial Rome in 51 B.C., as Julius Caesar (Ciaran Hinds) winds up his eight-year conquest of Gaul and returns to Rome.
Twelve hour-long episodes will roll out on consecutive Sundays, with reruns seven days a week, including immediately preceding the next episode. That suggests the storyline will be complicated and worth watching more than once. Non-HBO subscribers are in luck: the first two episodes, “The Stolen Eagle” and “How Titus Pullo Brought Down the Republic,” will be available for free previews Sept. 3-7 on Comcast.
6. “Situation: Comedy” (Bravo, July 26)
This one is a variation on “Project Greenlight” for TV writers. Sean Hayes (“Will & Grace”) headlines a contest seeking viable sitcom scripts. Two are chosen out of 10,000 submissions; presentation tapes are shot, and viewers will vote for their favorite. Winners get $50,000 but not necessarily a slot on the schedule. The winning aspect for viewers is insight into the collaborative art of sitcom development, casting, rewriting and production. At times this “reality” show feels more contrived than most, but it also demonstrates why, as the famous comedian is reputed to have said on his deathbed, “dying is easy, comedy is hard.”
TV critic Joanne Ostrow can be reached at 303-820-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com.
