Cupid

It's all light, good fun. Yes, there's a heavy dose of syrup, but Cannavale should be able to cut that to satisfactory levels. Paulson is perfect as the love guru who believes in rationality while Cupid believes in passion.

It's nobody's fault that Cannavale and Paulson so far lack the chemistry a show like this needs. The problem with this version of Cupid isn't the actors, but its strained "Touched by a Love Boat" concept, which has the two main characters gluing together a fresh couple every week while inching bickersomely toward their own mutual attraction.

It's fun and diverting, and certainly has the potential to be much more, based on Thomas' work on the original series--and the glimpses we see of Cannavale and Paulson in these roles. But right now, it seems less a great romance rekindled than a reunion fueled by nostalgia instead of passion.

The balance is off, but there is still a sweetness to the show that makes it worth checking out.

It's impossible not to compare the two casts or to find the new version a pale imitation whose characters don't feel fresh in the slightest, because, well, they're not.

Wile Bobby Cannavale plays a credible Cupid and Sarah Paulson is likable as his mortal sparring partner Dr. Claire McCrae, there just isn't a whole lot here.

Cupid seeks to lure thirtyish women, prized by advertisers, by reviving a supposedly romantic old show that, besides being poorly scheduled, was sappy and annoying, too. This time around, at least they've got the schedule fixed.