Chase

The good side of the kabuki-like formalism of the Bruckheimer approach is that the story moves like a bullet toward the inevitable apprehension of the fugitive, flying past leaden dialogue and plot holes so quickly that if you enjoy the crime-drama formulas that are in play, you can enjoy the show.

Just as criminals can't help but head back to old haunts, mega-producer Jerry Bruckheimer (the "CSI" franchise "Cold Case") uses familiar tactics in this slickly shot, breathlessly paced, formulaically plotted action drama.

Chase reminds me of "Trauma," NBC's attempt at a Monday drama last year, although the shows couldn't be more dissimilar (the latter was about first responders). They both seem to be placeholders in the prime-time schedule until the network can scrounge up something better.

It isn't badly acted. I don't remember any of the performances at all. It isn't horribly written. I don't remember any of the dialogue or plot machinations. It's actually nicely shot and the art direction in the U.S. Marshals' headquarters was handsome. That's not enough.

There's not much there here, as Chase engages in violent cat-and-mouse pursuits between a team of U.S. Marshals (led by Giddish's Annie "Boots" Frost) and psycho criminals on the lam.

For starters, they need to offer intriguing characters and meticulous plotting. The first episode of Chase provides neither.

If you're looking for a quick refresher course in what the U.S. Marshals do for a living, or just need to know how many fugitives they caught last year (more than 90,000), Chase could be the show for you. But if you're looking for actual TV entertainment? Heavens, no.