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TV of Tomorrow: Fall TV Preview 2010

'Chase' review: Loaded with action, missing some heart

kelly-giddish-chase.jpgThe newest Jerry Bruckheimer-produced action procedural is NBC's "Chase," starring Kelli Giddish and Cole Hauser as the leaders of a group of Houston-based U.S. Marshals. The premiere episode is certainly action-packed, but the show is going to have to find its heart in order to succeed.

In the premiere, the Marshals, which also include Amaury Nolasco, Rose Rollins and Jesse Metcalf, track Mason Boyle (Travis Fimmel), a felon who escaped from prison five years ago and has been robbing and shooting families as he tries to escape to Mexico.

The action comes fast and furious, but by episode's end more is known (and more sympathy felt) about fugitive Boyle than it is for any of the main characters. The few nuggets dropped in about Kelly Giddish's Annie Frost are heavy-handed and obvious. Oh, a female cop who had a traumatic childhood? It'd be more surprising if she grew up in a normal, happy home.

Other stock characters include wet-behind-the-ears Marshal Luke Watson (Metcalf) and potential love interest Marshal Jimmy Godfrey (Hauser). We are already anticipating the first time Watson has to shoot a fugitive and can't handle the pressure, or the "Moonlighting"-esque dynamic between Hauser and Giddish.

We understand that a debut for a show like this has to be heavy on the action and light on the characters. But we hope the ensuing episodes take time to explore each of the U.S. Marshal team, much like how "CSI" or "The Mentalist" explored their main characters during their first few seasons.

Action will only take the show so far, but eventually viewers need to care about the characters or they don't have a reason to keep watching and "Chase" turns into a show that gets watched as an afterthought, not as appointment viewing.

"Chase" premieres Monday (Sept. 20) at 10 p.m. ET on NBC. Watch this sneak peek trailer below.



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Photo credit: NBC


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I guess I'm in the minority anymore, but I really don't give a damn about the details of every character's lives. Just do what the show is there for, and I'm happy. Chase is not All My Children (where Kelly Giddish got her main start), so having soap operatic elements included in what is essentially another cop show is unnecessary.

And is it me, or is every one of NBC's new shows this season (with the possible exception of The Event) catering to an older crowd? Some of NBC's new entries (like Outlaw and the bazillionth incarnation of Law & Order) could have found an easy home on CBS. Is NBC hurting that much for ratings?

I think the viewing audience needs something big, something different, something unique... Chase looks good- but Im dying for something a bit out of the box. I wonder if Jerry Bruckheimer has anything planned or up his sleeve whether it be on this show or a different one. Jerry- surprise us!!! Make it happen!

I'll be watching. Rather see a new action/cop show like this than some reality crap

"I'll be watching. Rather see a new action/cop show like this than some reality crap"
Jared | September 20, 2010 6:59 PM
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The funny thing about that quote is that "Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force" was extremely better than this pilot episode. I dropped it 20 minutes in. I'll stick with the US Marshals reality show on A&E. Real thugs, real Marshals, real danger.

I must agree with the other poster. Why is it that all I ever hear when it comes to tv shows these days is " I couldn't care about the characters. No character development." Well you know, I love a show that you can just check your brain at the door and watch the action. Why the hell do I have to care about these characters. I just want some action. And it always doesn't have to be beleiveable. Maybe I don't have the high expectations of some people and maybe I am the last of a dying bread. Just watch the show people, try not and think to much.

show is terrible, dont like the leading lady at all.most texans dont have a texan accent unless u go 2 the county but since this is souppose 2 be in houston, where i live, i know that 98% pf houstonians dont have accents.and they just copied the show, In Plain Sight, from usa network which is 1000X better than this show. watch in plain sight instead of this show

Last of a dying bread? Really?

Anyway, the show was a bust.

And for crying out loud, dim bulb showrunners, enough with the 120 lb women beating up 200 lb guys, already.

It is not realistic and it is not credible. But it is entirely laughable.

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