Hal Boedeker

The WB series is well-acted but runs its coming-of-age theme into the ground. [20 Jan 1998, p.D1]

Mostly, Crossing Jordan comes off like a lighter, jokier version of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, last season's surprise hit. The triteness engulfs appealing Hennessy and her co-stars. [16 Sep 2001, p.4]

NBC's American Dreams, opening in 1963, too often plays like a sentimental journey or a clumsy history lesson. [29 Sep 2002, p.4]

In Now and Again, Caron shrewdly baits more hooks than a fishing tournament. The lures are irresistible. [24 Sep 1999, p.E1]

The series seems to be aiming for Twin Peaks-style strangeness, but the show's odd strands dangle rather than come together in gripping fashion.

Shepherd reveals more spunk and style than she did in Moonlighting; like Candice Bergen and Burt Reynolds before her, she will soar to sitcom stardom. [02 Jan 1995, p.1F]

The miniseries, airing Sunday and Wednesday, tries to shatter Hollywood glamour by examining how Norma Jean Baker suffered in becoming the icon Monroe. But the heavy-handed approach will send viewers fleeing in droves from this relentlessly dark psychological portrait. [13 May 2001, p.4]

Mr. Rhodes has many problems, starting with language and taste. [22 Sep 1996, p.F1]

The remake isn't first-rate King because it saves most of the terror and special effects for the second half. More than 500 effects decorate the program, and the eerie cinematography helps transform Melbourne, Australia, into New England...In the lavish visuals, acrobatic vampires prowl ceilings and expire with ferocious flourishes. These bloodsuckers have different but very splashy ways of exiting the planet...Those images should satisfy moviegoers who can't get enough visual magic at the multiplex. But great acting serves the show better in the long run. [20 June 2004]

Legend has it that 23 people disappeared at Rose Red. On the strength of King's name, millions more are bound to get lost there. So a warning: It's a long, punishing program that will leave you stupefied in Seattle. [27 Jan 2002, p.4]