New Fall Shows

Basic story: What would happen if the ladies from "Sex and the City" solved crimes and fashion crises? And what if they dissected evidence while discussing their love lives? A homicide inspector (Angie Harmon), a medical examiner (Paula Newsome), an assistant district attorney (Laura Harris) and a crime reporter (Aubrey Dollar) get the bad guys and look fabulous while doing it in this series based on novels by James Patterson.

What it faces: The episodic drama is up against NBC's critically beloved but ratings-challenged "Friday Night Lights," CBS's new drama "Moonlight" and various offerings on Fox, including baseball this week and the debut of "The Next Great American Band" on Oct. 19.

What you'll like: "Women's Murder Club" has an old-fashioned feel. Don't expect any of the high-tech special effects found in "CSI" or "Bones." Instead, think "Columbo" or "Kojak." The men, including Rob Estes as the ex-husband of Harmon's character and Kyle Secor as an office nemesis for the assistant district attorney, are solidly secondary characters. TV is definitely the place for actresses this season.

What you won't: Women talking cute while discussing dead bodies is a little hokey. ("Did I mention he smells the same?" the homicide inspector says dreamily of her ex-husband.) And do we really need another crime drama?

Bottom line: Those wanting to wind down after a long workweek may enjoy this easy-to-follow drama. Here's looking at you, ladies.

-- Amy Amatangelo