CBS 2012 Pilots

Over the last few years CBS has been able to do no wrong.  Maybe this has made them lose their edge, or their creativity because of the four pilots seen and reported on here, this is CBS's worst year for new shows in a long time.

Best:  Elementary
Worst:  Partners

Overall Grade:  C+

Jersey - CBS

The Nanny meets LA Law.  OK, that's a little harsh because the Jersey girl is actually a very lovable character.

Martina just happens to have the Fran Drescher hair and Jersey accent, but luckily not the nasal tone or annoying laugh.  Instead she is a street wise Jersey girl with a new job at an upscale Manhattan law firm.  Predictably she is underrated yet ends up saving the client in court like no one else could.

CBS is running Jersey on Friday night which means they don't think it's going to be a hit.  And it is a long shot.  But give this girl a chance and you will have a new show to enjoy on date night.  For a drama it's easy watching: predictable, cute, happy ending.

You have to fall in love with Martina to like Jersey.  Will viewers devote a full hour of their lives to find out?

Vegas - CBS

Cowboys and Gangsters.  The advertising world is predicting 'Vegas' to be one of the big new hits of 2012, I was bored.

I admit it's an interesting premise, Las Vegas in 1960 and the mix of mobsters and the old west.  Who doesn't love Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis?  But I just don't buy Quaid as the tough old west Sheriff.  It's a role built for Clint Eastwood of yesteryear, not so much the nice guy Quaid trying too hard to be tough guy.

In the end it's another period piece, unfortunately much more like Pan Am than Mad Men.  Vegas' only hope is it's extremely strong lead in on Tuesday nights with the NCIS's.  Maybe viewers will just assume it's a good show because of the company it keeps.  My prediction is that it will die a long slow death and give CBS an excuse to bring Unforgettable back a few months early.

Partners - CBS

Speaking of formula TV, Partners is the reincarnated Will & Grace, but not nearly as funny.

Just when you think CBS can do no wrong they come out with another gay comedy with canned laughter... extra heavy on the canned.

I think the plot has something to do with the relationship between two best friends and business partners, one gay, one straight.  One of them is getting engaged and the other has another kind of partner.

The last line of dialogue in the pilot sums it up, "I think we just need to realize that there are 4 people at this table, but 3 couples."  Get it??

Partners has no great characters, no big laughs, and no chance for survival.  CBS can provide it with a big lead-in and lots of promotion, but it will still need a defib by week 3.  Let's hope it dies a quick painless death.

Elementary - CBS

CBS is playing it safe this year with formula tv shows.  The first one is 'Elementary.'  Think of a cross between Monk, Castle, Mentalist and Unforgettable - cop consultants all.

The newest consultant that the NYPD can't do without is none other than the modern Sherlock Holmes.  This Sherlock is straight out of rehab and even has a side kick sober-coach Dr. Watson, played by Lucy Liu.

Sounds like a formula for success and it's not a bad show either.  The pilot was entertaining, fast paced and clever.  Unfortunately this new Sherlock is 100% nervous energy and got on my nerves after a few minutes.  And Lucy Liu?  She didn't beat up anybody which seems like a waste of talent.

Elementary should pull good ratings the first couple of weeks.  The only question is will they get viewers hooked before they get too annoyed with this Sherlock.  I will be the latter.