Fall TV premieres promise a season of captivating drama

By Kathleen Grohman

A new school year means new classes, but it also means a new season of delectable televised distractions. Check out whether or not these three new series will sink or soar, and catch up on three of last season's favorites.

Private Practice

You may remember campus shutting down on Thursday nights last year while people stayed in their rooms to watch ABC's smash hit, "Grey's Anatomy." This year, "Grey's" fans may have another show to tune into each week. The spin-off follows Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) as she ventures to Santa Monica for a job at Oceanside Wellness.

The pilot, which premiered last spring during a two-hour episode of "Grey's Anatomy," explained Addison's departure and introduced fans to the doctors of Oceanside Wellness, but was met with a less-than-enthusiastic reaction from fans. The show's cast includes Taye Diggs and Tim Daly. During her time on "Grey's Anatomy," Addison successfully won over fans when she transformed herself from McDreamy's adulterous ex to one of the most loved, sympathetic "Grey's" characters. But will she draw these fans to a new show?

Wednesday, Sept. 26

9:00 to 10:00 p.m. ABC

Rating: â?<â?<

Life

This crime thriller stars Damian Lewis as recently exonerated Charlie Crews, a talented but eccentric detective. The pilot uses documentary style interviews with major people from Crews' pre-prison life to give the backstory, including his old partner, ex-wife and attorney, who provides the show with its tagline: "Life was his sentence and life is what he got back."

As Crews and his new partner (Sarah Shahi) work together to solve the case at hand, he must adjust back to civilian life, marveling at things like instant messages and cell phones, both of which weren't around when he went to prison ten years ago. But the burning question remains: Who framed him?

Wednesday, Sept. 26

10:00 to 11:00 p.m. NBC

Rating: â?<â?<â?<

Bionic Woman

A woman wakes up after a horrible car accident to find that three of her limbs have been replaced and she now has the superpowers of a bionic woman. Once she escapes from the underground medical facility that wants to use her as a combat weapon, she must adjust to her new lifestyle while fighting off the captors the facility sends after her, including the first bionic woman.

Newcomer Michelle Ryan takes on the title role and will be joined in a few episodes by Isaiah Washington from "Grey's Anatomy." This revival of the 1976-78 Lindsay Wagner classic is a critic favorite.

Wednesday, Sept. 26

9:00 to 10:00 p.m. NBC

Rating: â?<â?<â?<â?<

Heroes

This gripping drama about ordinary people with extraordinary powers will begin its second season with most of its main characters settled back in their old lives. Star Hayden Panettiere, who plays a cheerleader with the ability to heal, has gotten impressive press over the last year, and many people are looking forward to her becoming one of the next huge celebrities.

Last season, the plot focused on thwarting an attempt to blow up New York, but this year viewers can expect even more twists, as it is rumored one major character will not make it past the first episode. Kristen Bell from "Veronica Mars" is a notable new addition to the cast. It looks like the creators of "Heroes" have another exciting season up their sleeves.

Monday, Sept. 24

9:00 to 10:00 p.m. NBC

Rating: â?<â?<â?<â?<

Grey's Anatomy

The wildly successful show left its fans with less-than-glowing reviews in its third season, but the creators are planning a less soap-opera-like feel for "Grey's" fourth season.

The much publicized off-camera drama surrounding Isaiah Washington may have translated into his character, Dr. Burke, walking out on Christina (Sandra Oh) on their wedding day and leaving "Grey's" altogether.

The sparks between George (T.R. Knight) and Izzie (Emmy winner Katherine Heigl) remain ambiguous, while George's wife, Callie (Sara Ramirez), gets suspicious. And the future of the rocky romance between main characters Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek (Patrick Dempsey) will continue, hopefully coming toward a resolution. "Grey's" seems to be at a crossroads, and devoted fans are ready for an upswing. Is the cast and crew?

Thursday, Sept. 27

9:00 to 10:00 p.m. ABC

Rating: â?<â?<â?<

The Office

Season three of the British-turned-American comedy set in a paper office ended with Jim (John Krasinski) returning from a corporate interview in New York to finally ask Pam (Jenna Fischer) out on a date, despite girlfriend Karen (Rashida Jones).

American creator and series producer Greg Daniels confirmed that Karen will be back for an episode or two, but with her gone at Dunder Mifflin Scranton, the stage is set for the much-awaited romance between Jim and Pam to finally blossom.

The fourth season also promises some interesting situations with recently fired Jan (Melora Hardin) moving into Michael's (Steve Carell) condo, and Ryan (B.J. Novak) becoming his new corporate supervisor.

Will the new season bring Jim and Pam together? Or will the relationship fail after all the anticipation? Daniels has made no promises, but either way, the quirky ensemble cast and four hour-long episodes kicking off the season should keep this series a hit.

Thursday, Sept. 27

9:00 to 10:00 p.m. NBC

Rating: â?<â?<â?<â?<

Scene editor Katie Powers contributed to this report. Contact Kathleen Grohman at (408) 554-4546 or kgrohman@scu.edu.