Summer TV Preview
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ENTERTAINMENT
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If you're gonna pound Cheetos on the couch all summer (way too hot to do it outside), you should at least know which TV shows to watch and, more importantly, which ones to avoid with every fiber of your being.
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DRAMAS
In Plain Sight (USA)
Premieres: June 1
The Good: Rather than chronicle the solving of murders, convicting of felons, and taking off of sunglasses, this crime drama follows U.S. Marshal Mary Shannon (a great Mary McCormack) as she keeps entrants in the Federal Witness Protection Program alive.
The Bad: Even with its fresh approach, it's still a cop show. Plus, her life at home is needless comic relief—McCormack's snappy dialogue delivers all the punches this show needs.
Like It? Try: Burn Notice (USA)
 The Closer (TNT)
Premieres: July 7
The Good: Kyra Sedgwick's the twangy detective with a sweets addiction who gets perps to spill their guts in the interrogation room. Now, in addition to popping murderers, Brenda and her unit face pressures from the L.A. City Council. Hope she's stocked up on Ding Dongs.
The Bad: Again, the cop drama train keeps on chugging, but if this show sticks to its guns, it's really worth the time.
Like It? Try: Saving Grace (TNT), Law & Order: Criminal Intent (USA)
 Generation Kill (HBO)
Premieres: July
The Good: From the creators of the best television this decade (i.e. The Wire) comes this seven-episode adaptation of a book by Evan Wright, who was embedded during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. HBO's calling this inside look at a group of Marines the "new face of American war." Considering how much we loved the "old face" (Band of Brothers), we're already stoked.
The Bad: With the exception of Jarhead, most dramatizations of Iraq have sucked. Let's hope that in the (often) capable hands of HBO, that trend is reversed.
Like It? Try: The Wire on DVD, HBO's 12-part Documentary Film Series (June 9–August 25)
Mad Men (AMC)
Premieres: July 27
The Good: Our favorite new show from last summer returns, taking us back to 1960s New York for the exploits—boardroom and bedroom—of adman Don Draper (Jon Hamm).
The Bad: While we're admitted fans, the show was slow to win us over. We hope we can jump right in this season rather than slogging through a few clunky episodes.
Like It? Try: Breaking Bad (AMC—they love their alliteration)
COMEDIES
Psych (USA)
Premieres: July 18
The Good: Our favorite pseudo-psychic police consultant is back on the job this summer, and we can't wait to see where his "heightened observational skills" get him this time around. Look for some casting bumps with Cybill Shepherd as Shawn's mom and Rachael Leigh Cook as his high school flame.
The Bad: Like any show with a quirky lead, the gag can only run so long. Here's hoping the show doesn't start trying too hard.
Like It? Try: Monk (USA)
REALITY
The Mole (ABC)
Premieres: June 2
The Good: After a four-year absence, ABC's bringing back the thinking man's reality show. Twelve players living in a remote area try to earn $500,000 by finding "the mole" who's trying to sabotage everyone. Think The Departed set in Chile, with fewer pretty people and even fewer annoying Boston accents.
The Bad: It's reality TV. There will be plenty of scheming, backstabbing, and even a little crying. But if you've read this far, you probably don't need the warning.
Like It? Try: Big Brother (CBS)
American Gladiators (NBC)
Premiered: May 12
The Good: You know the drill: Four everyday joes tackle a battery of obstacles involving gorgeous she-hulks (we heart Crush) and beefy behemoths of questionable brain power (Toa) and hygiene (Wolf). Spandex will be worn proudly, and brains will be scrambled by oversized Q-tips. Why did this show ever go off the air?
The Bad: Shut up, Hogan. Go visit your son in the slammer.
Like It? Try: WWE Raw (USA), the original American Gladiators (ESPN Classic)
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