In taking an illuminative approach, HBO gives audiences a comprehensive series that covers an impressive amount of ground.

This is TV sugar with an IQ and a pulse -- clever, revved-up, often funny, sometimes devastating.

"Army Wives" is a series that sucks you in on the strength of its characters.

Relentlessly odd as "Meadowlands" can be, don't be surprised if it seduces you.

This show has no illusions of being anything more than a solidly made and terrifically entertaining TV distraction, neat and crisp as citrus soda.

This is not a shoot-the-moon, wholly unique story, but it's comforting and thoughtful.

In essence, you're watching the parts of life we're never supposed to see play out before our eyes, and the effect can be either uncomfortable but fascinating or whiny and dull.

While it's hard to predict how this new chapter will play among deeper fans of the "Terminator" mythology, the rest of us have to ask ourselves if watching reboots of robot battles once a week is worth our time.

Unless you're a cold, cynical, seen-it-all kind of guy (or chick), odds are you'll find a lot to like about the first episode.

Served up this time as the main course instead of an ensemble hors d'oeurve, Kelsey Grammer's Frasier Crane has been toned down from his overbearing "Cheers" years. He's slightly less pompously goofy, making him far more acceptable in these larger doses.[16 Sept 1993, p.B6]

Choosing to build a series around an antihero is one thing. But making it impossible to root for him doesn't bode well for repeat business. [12 Mar 2012, p.E1]

In serialized form, The Fugitive is nothing more than "Touched by an Angel on the Lam." Kimble moves from town to town, staying a step ahead of Lt. Gerard, a step behind the one-armed man, and inevitably involved in the life of someone he meets on his peripatetic way. [5 Oct 2000, p.E2]

Jayne Brook seems miscast as the idealistic deputy mayor who hires Mannion, and the general flavor of The District is one of leftovers, that is, we've had it before and it's tasty, but reheating it once or twice is the absolute limit. [7 Oct 2000, p.C1]

As free-spirited Phoebe, Milano, who replaced Lori Rom in the cast after the original pilot had been shot, needs seasoning, and maybe some warm clothes. Combs' Piper, the "earthy and creative" one, simply seems uneasy as a witchy woman. [7 Oct 1998, p.C10]

There's something weirdly charming about the pair's chemistry.

The pilot is enough to make you curious -- if it holds your attention to the end, that is.

Those still smarting over [Judging Amy's] cancellation may take a while to warm up to the way "Close to Home" wraps justice in a small fuzzy blanket.

A few kinks are painfully apparent. Foremost among them is the blowhard persona Colbert forces on us for half an hour. It feels like a weaker extension of "The Daily Show."

A touch of "Friends" with "Odd Couple" undertones.

You probably can tell that this thing isn't bound for the sitcom hall of fame, but it's a good time.

Against everything else available to viewers, "Huff" is premium cable-grade content without the "wows" that justify the extra expense.

"Hex" may not be stupendous TV, but for a decent summer thrill, nothing on broadcast holds a candle to it.

As enjoyable as it is to keep up with Vince (Adrian Grenier) on the eve of attaining superstardom in "Aquaman," "Entourage" has yet to display much substance.

It's all very quirky. Too quirky, maybe, for an audience that is used to spaceships, robots and explosions.

You won't be quoting lines from it over Friday morning coffee, but it is, if not good, then good enough.

"Kidnapped," which gives us a frequently riveting story populated by intriguing, complex characters, is regular-grade TV trying too hard to be gourmet.

No series following an easy delight like "Grey's Anatomy" should be this much of a downer.

If you don't like Woods' frantic, frequent speeches, and you can't get out of the "Without a Trace" Thursday habit, best to steer clear.