The first rule of network programming is common-sensical: Build on the strength of existing hits. At the moment, that means “American Idol” should be a springboard for Fox to launch new series while the competition is marking time.
Sadly for viewers, Fox hasn’t come up with potential hits deserving of the push.
New to the lineup this week: two examples of the mediocrity that fills the Fox slate when “House” isn’t on and the network is coasting on the strength of “Idol.”
First, “The Return of Jezebel James,” from Amy Sherman-Paladino and Daniel Paladino (“Gilmore Girls”), might have worked better as a one-off short story/movie. When a professional woman (Parker Posey) implores her estranged younger sister (Lauren Ambrose) to carry her baby, the potential for comedy is at war with the potential for . . . ickiness.
That balance between poignant and funny is difficult to pull off. It may become impossible on a weekly basis.
The casting is intriguing, the signature Sherman-Paladino rapid-fire banter is in place, but the whole effort tends disastrously toward the standard-issue sitcom.
“Jezebel James” launches Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. on KDVR-Channel 31 in the plum post-“Idol” slot, then settles into a permanent (for now) berth Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Second, “Canterbury’s Law,” from Mike Figgis (Oscar nominee for directing “Leaving Las Vegas”), is about a tough-on-the-outside rebel lawyer. The character is on the order of James Woods’ “Shark,” but she’s a woman — played by Julianna Margulies (“ER”).
In fact, this woman resembles a number of strong female characters in recent cable series — think Kyra Sedgwick in “The Closer” on TNT and Glenn Close in “Damages” on FX, both powerful forces in what were previously thought of as male professions. Masking vulnerability is their second full-time job.
The best moment in the pilot — a shock ruined by promos run on Fox in advance — was when Elizabeth Canterbury (Margulies) is struck by a witness and falls to the ground in the middle of intense litigation. The scene was stunning — it also left the unconscious impression that Margulies will do anything in service to this character; viewers had better hope the story supports her.
There’s nothing revolutionary in this legal drama, but Margulies has the central role for the first time and is also a first-time producer. Her team includes Walon Green (“Law & Order”), Denis Leary and Jim Serpico (both of “Rescue Me”). Is it the breakout series that will take the current Fox winning streak to the proverbial next level? Doubtful.
“Canterbury’s” debuted Monday and will return in that slot, at 7 p.m. on Channel 31.
News and notes
HBO will partner with Harvey Weinstein and the BBC on a TV adaptation of Alexander McCall Smith’s international bestselling book series “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.”
Grammy winner Jill Scott (“Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?”) will star as Precious Ramotswe, the network announced Monday. The 13 one-hour episodes begin filming this summer.
The two-hour movie that will serve as a pilot was recently filmed on location in Botswana, directed by Oscar winner Anthony Minghella (“Cold Mountain,”) from a script by Minghella and Richard Curtis (“Four Weddings and a Funeral.”
The cast includes Anika Noni Rose (“Dreamgirls”) as Precious’ quirky secretary Mma (Mrs.) Makutsi; Lucian Msamati as Mma Ramotswe’s suitor JLB Matekoni, David Oyelowo,Idris Elba (“The Wire”), Colin Salmon and John Kani (“Final Solution”).
Showtime announced Monday it has renewed “The L Word” for a sixth and final season, with the final eight episodes appearing in early 2009. The series “well surpassed its niche as a gay show,” said Showtime’s Robert Greenblatt.
MTV says 10 new episodes of “The Hills” will debut March 24. The network summary of the formula for the extended third season: “new house + new job + new boys.”
oanne Ostrow’s column appears Tuesday, Friday and Sunday: 303-954-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com.
