So you've probably seen the (really dramatic) ads on TV for that new courtroom drama Raising The Bar, premiering Labor Day on TNT. It comes to us from Steven Bochco, who has graced us with such gems as L.A. Law, Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue. So you'd think this jammie would be at least marginally uncrappy. And after having watched the first two episodes, I can report that it is... um... marginally uncrappy. The plot has its twists and turns -- as the ads promise, there's all manner of intrigue, deceit, backstabbing and corruption. (Spoiler alert: the plot line I'm most intrigued by is the one involving a closeted gay character, who had a tryst with none other than Rickie Vasquez from My So-Called Life! Holler!)

Tags: Gloria Reuben, Jane Kaczmarek, John From Cincinatti, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, NYPD Blue, Raising The Bar, Steven Bochco, TNT, Zack Morris