Invasion

Tonight's pilot lays the groundwork for what could be a fabulous series, one that blends supernatural adventure with down-to-earth, complex family dynamics.

It’s easily the most interesting of the three [new alien shows], taking the emotional chill and confusion that accompany a family divorce... and lacing them with a narratively complementary dose of body-snatching paranoia.

What gives this serious heft and its own unique feel is the family drama woven throughout the premiere. That, and a group of particularly talented and skilled cast members who, under director Thomas Schlamme, take their performances to the highest levels.

A compelling tale of ordinary people ensnared in extraordinary circumstances.

Unlike "Lost," which ended its first season twisted around itself with mystery and mythology, "Invasion" doesn't seem poised to madden you that way. Its ambition is smaller and more self-contained; weirdness will visit a town and change relationships among an extended, and messy, family.

"Invasion" offers a few scares, but it's more a sense of dread and something subtly awry that gives this drama its creepy vibe.

The whole enterprise is a bit sophomoric and transparent, its behind-the-scenes political battles the stuff of canned Hollywood war movies.

The trailer for this looked good, but so far the show isn't living up to it. I'm not looking for explosions and fight scenes, but this so slow and mundane. Every scene is drawn out and then they add more in case you got bored and started doing something else. You'd think with so many studios making shows these days at least a couple would be decent. The last good shows were Lucifer and The Outpost and both of those have been canceled, apparently to make room for garbage swill. Edit: I was bored so thought I'd give this show another chance. Nope, I'm not THAT bored. Too bad I can't give it a negative rating.