“The Cape” (NBC), Monday, 9 p.m.: A cop has been framed for murder, so he turns into a caped superhero to clear his name and fight crime. NBC pushed this show in advertising time both online and on TV. The show has been said by other critics to be Batman on TV. The plot seems well thought out, and there is more character development in the first few episodes than in most shows. The action sequences are on par for a crime fighting TV show.
“The Chicago Code” (FOX), premiere Feb. 7, 9 p.m.: Since the conclusion of “24,” FOX has been searching for a fast-paced crime show to fill the Monday night gap. The answer may lie in their new show “The Chicago Code.” The highly anticipated show from the creator of “The Shield” follows Teresa Colvin (Jennifer Beals), the first female police chief of Chicago, and her ex-partner Jarek Wysocki (Jason Clark). The pair discovers that their boss is involved in extensive corruption. Their struggle to take him down is FOX’s answer to CBS’s rival show “Blue Bloods.”
“Off The Map” (ABC), Wednesday, 10 p.m.: The newest ABC medical drama is off to a good start. A relocated “Grey’s Anatomy,” the show follows a group of doctors practicing in a remote jungle in South America. Sexual tensions underscore the relationships and complicate an already complex work arena. The show presents unconventional diseases and medical conditions that would never enter the minds of most Americans. Simultaneously comical and moving, the show addresses issues ranging from receiving a chicken as co-pay to the tragic death of a family. The show has the potential to last at least a few seasons as long as it distances itself from “Grey’s” and finds a few better-looking doctors.
“Being Human” (Syfy), Monday, 9 p.m.: Syfy’s new series “Being Human” follows three supernatural beings–a vampire, a werewolf and a ghost–living together and trying to pass off as humans. An adaptation of the U.K. series, the U.S. version’s storyline offers a more interesting portrayal of these night creatures; unlike “Vampire Diaries” or “True Blood,” the characters are not wholly comfortable with their supernatural condition. The struggles of Aiden (Sam Witwer), Josh (Sam Huntington) and Sally (Meaghan Rath) humanize these creatures and cast a light on what their life must be like. It’s fitting that the three live together because they can sympathize with each other about their conditions. “Being Human” is a drama dealing with identity issues and questions that even real people have. As the first season progresses, it can only get better as the darker secrets of the trio are revealed and they learn how to be human.
“Lights Out” (FX), Tuesday, 10:00 p.m.: A retired fighter Holt McCallany stars as Patrick “Lights” Leary, a former heavyweight champ. His brother who is his business manager has made some poor money decisions which means Leary must decide if he will stage a comeback or become an enforcer for a debt collector. The show uses its strong plot and character depth to keep you watching and cheering for Leary.
“Perfect Couples” (NBC), Thursday, 8:30 p.m.: “Perfect Couples” is NBC’s attempt at combining “How I Met Your Mother” and “Modern Family” in one program. The show follows the entwined lives of a group of different couples and demonstrates the humor in the different styles of how to love people, from those that read self-help relationship books to those who have been together for years and have tricks up their sleeves for every situation. “Perfect Couples” will have you laughing for the full 30 minutes.
Honorable Returns:
“White Collar” (USA), Tuesday, 10 p.m.: Now into its second season, “White Collar” delves deeper into the past of con artist Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer). This week’s episode was a flashback episode, an origin story to answer fans’ questions. Always an entertaining and dramatic show, this new season is starting off on a high point.
“Royal Pains” (USA), Thursday, 9 p.m.: The hit summer show has been moved to the winter to “cure the winter blues.” Dr. Hank Lawson (Mark Feuerstein) has it pretty nice; he has moved out to the Hamptons and lives for free in the pool house of a German nobleman’s mansion. He works as a concierge doctor for the rich and an often free doctor for the poor. Along with his brother Evan, he has set up quite a nice business out in the Hamptons after being blamed for the death of a New York Hospital board member. Now in its second season, this lighthearted comedy is sure to add some summer humor to your winter TV schedule.
“Pretty Little Liars” (ABC Family), Monday, 8 p.m.: Another summer hit, “Pretty Little Liars” returns to answer the question of who is A. The story centers around four girls whose friend Allison mysteriously disappeared years ago. The girls receive text message from someone who refers to himself as A and seems to know everything about their lives. The series returns with more thrills than the first season. From teacher student affairs to bank robberies, this season is sure to be filled with more suspense and mystery.
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