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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed shows.

In Plain Sight

EMAILPRINTSERIES: USA, Sunday 10:00p (60 minutes)

In Plain Sight
56
6.2 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 19 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 35 votes
Read user comments
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Show Info

Genre(s): Drama

Created By: David Maples

First Air Date: June 1, 2008

Summary

Starring Mary McCormack, Frederick Weller, Cristián de la Fuente, Nichole Hiltz, Lesley Ann Warren, Todd Williams, and Paul Ben-Victor

Following the trend of tough-talking female law-enforcement cable series such as TNT's "Saving Grace" and "The Closer," USA Network serves up Mary McCormack as U.S. Marshal Mary Shannon, who helps those in the witness-protection program.

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

80

Newark Star-LedgerAlan Sepinwall

In Plain Sight is a definite for any summer TV To-Watch list; don't cross it off until you've seen at least one.

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80

New York Daily NewsDavid Hinckley

Mary doesn't win 'em all, but In Plain Sight is a W for USA.

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75

Entertainment WeeklyKen Tucker

The plots are often unbelievable. But I like Mary, especially as she's set up in the series premiere, complete with a wacky mom.

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70

Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRob Owen

Unlike "Monk," which is essentially warmed-over "Columbo" with a more interesting character in the lead, In Plain Sight augments its plain premise with a full cast of colorful characters.

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70

Los Angeles TimesRobert Lloyd

The plots are a little obvious--you can usually stay a jump or two ahead of the revelations--but the actors keep you well distracted.

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70

Washington PostTom Shales

The plot and subplots of the premiere eventually deteriorate into pandemonium, but McCormack remains the steadying center that makes the show intelligible and, more important, involving. And, perhaps more important still, fun.

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60

The New York TimesAlessandra Stanley

This latest hardboiled-but-dedicated babe with a badge follows all the clichés of the genre but knows it and will find ways to twist the formula in novel, interesting ways.

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60

PopMattersMichael Abernethy

With this shaded tone and careful plotting going for it, In Plain Sight is a welcome addition to USA’s line-up of detective shows. Especially when it keeps focused on the new places and new identities, rather than the old memories.

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60

TV GuideMatt Roush

The show is entertaining enough on the job that it doesn’t need so-called comic relief.

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50

New York PostLinda Stasi

It's all a bit ridiculous and the writing is scary, although the stars are first rate and the locales are pretty good too.

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50

Philadelphia Daily NewsEllen Gray

McCormack, a rangy actress who looks more comfortable in Mary Shannon's tank tops and casual jackets than she ever did in the lawyerly business suits she wore way back on "Murder One," manages to make all this crankiness intermittently endearing.

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50

San Francisco ChronicleTim Goodman

In Plain Sight, in addition to some of the worst character names you'll ever see, has deeper problems in the writing.

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50

Philadelphia InquirerJonathan Storm

In Plain Sight may not offer the newest characters on the block, but they're diverting, and at least they can spell.

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50

USA TodayRobert Bianco

The writers overplay the banter and allow Mary to become so harsh, you wonder why even the most devoted partner puts up with her. But for the most part, as long as McCormack and Weller are together, or sharing time with their boss (Paul Ben-Victor), the show functions as harmless hot-weather pleasure.

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40

Boston GlobeMatthew Gilbert

Ultimately, that episode leaves only a vague sense of the rich territory that In Plain Sight could have explored with better writing.

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40

Chicago TribuneMaureen Ryan

In Plain Sight is another attempt at mixing the jokey and the serious within a loose procedural format. But Sight’s writing is distressingly predictable, and McCormack’s character is the least interesting thing about the show.

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40

Hollywood ReporterBarry Garron

Apart from its New Mexico setting and its witness protection angle, little stands out here. Stories are less than suspenseful and characters are mainly two-dimensional.

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30

VarietyBrian Lowry

Balancing comedy and drama within this sort of framework requires a delicate touch, and precious little about In Plain Sight achieves that equilibrium.

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30

LA WeeklyRobert Abele

In Plain Sight already seems tired with its crime-of-the-week, flawed-protagonist self.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this show is 6.2 (out of 10) based on 35 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Jeff H gave it a9:
This show got better with almost every episode. I'm even starting to like de la Fuente's stiff-as-a-board character. I think it will settle in as a pretty great show after time. As to the plots... just think about some of the insane things that have happened on other workplace dramas like ER or Grey's. It's TV. If they just showed the boring days at work, then no one would watch.

Kristin D. gave it an8:
I have enjoyed the shows so far, although the writing could stand a bit of improvement. The characters are engaging and the banter is enjoyable.

Ervin M. gave it a4:
Could be a good show, but relegates stars to typical Hollywood dysfunctional characters. Nothing redeeming about current story plots. Predict short life w/o major rewrite. Too bad. I was a deputy US Marshal and know how interesting this program could be-challenging Law & Order.

Ted gave it an8:
Great partners and interesting stories make for fun viewing. The sophisticated banter in the icing on the cake but it's probably over the heads of a lot of viewers. Mom and sis add nothing, however.

Terry gave it a9:
I really enjoy the show. I hope they leave it on.

Missy H gave it a9:
Not the greatest I've seen, but I certainly enjoy it and make a point of watching.

Chris J. gave it a9:
The characters blend well. The story is pretty average but is made up but excellent characters, and actors. I enjoy the conversations they have. Action is abound in this show and is a nice change of pace. McCormack is a strong woman but isn't an overbearing or a feminist.

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