Eyes and JAG news

April 6, 2005

If there’s one thing I’m an expert in, it’s detectives. Um, television detectives, that is.

So, trust me when I tell you that Harlan Judd, of ABC’s new show Eyes, is the most charming gumshoe to outwit the bad guys since Remington Steele. I’m basing that statement on years of my own investigating. I’ve tried them all, from Simon and Simon, to Jake and the Fatman, to Dave and Maddie of Moonlighting.

Eyes has the comfortable feel of those shows but with a dark, modern twist. Tim Daly stars as Judd, the owner of Judd Risk Management. His agency is a place where clients can turn when they can’t, or won’t, turn to the police. Daly is witty, charming, and a delight to have back on the tube. He’s been sorely missed since Wings was grounded.

Judd’s co-workers are just as sly as their boss and as sorely lacking in trustworthiness. There was so much double-crossing in the premiere episode, that I’m still not sure who the good guys are. Deception, blackmail, lies - nothing was off limits.

The show teeters between light-hearted comedy and shocking drama. (I still can’t believe Nora shot Jeff. I so didn’t see that coming.) Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, formerly of NYPD Blue and Laura Leighton, formerly of Melrose Place round out an excellent ensemble cast.

Watching Eyes you can pick up some really useful skills. You can learn how to reassemble shredded documents. (And really, who wouldn’t benefit from that handy tip?) You can learn how to inconspicuously plant a bug in your wife’s car. (Good to know, if you suspect she’s cheating.) And you can learn to bamboozle your way out of just about anything. Judd makes it look easy.

If you haven’t seen Eyes, take a peek. It airs at 10 p.m. on Wednesdays.

JAG – It’s over folks. CBS confirmed Monday that JAG won’t return next season. The show wraps up its 10-year run with the series finale at 9 p.m. on April 29. Let’s hope the network has crafted a resolution to the years-long romantic attraction between Harm and Mac to give them, and thousands of fans, the happy ending they deserve.

Originally published 4/6/05 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.

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