Matchmakers From Mt. Olympus

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Sunday, October 5, 2008

"Valentine": Sundays at 8 p.m. on CW

Basic story: A family of Greek gods -- matriarch Aphrodite; Eros; Hercules; and Phoebe, goddess of the Oracle of Delphi -- takes up residence in modern-day Los Angeles, where the deities use their powers to bring soul mates together. It's the mythological version of Match.com.

What it faces: The hour-long romantic comedy takes on NBC's "Sunday Night Football"; Fox's "The Simpsons" and "King of the Hill"; ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"; and CBS's "The Amazing Race 13." The series is produced by Media Rights Capital, a production firm to which CW has leased its Sunday night programming block.

What you'll love: The concept is refreshingly original, and if you're a fan of Greek mythology, you might like the contemporary interpretations of the storied figures.

What you won't: The trite romantic quandaries meant to be set right by the Valentine family are made worse by hackneyed dialogue, unsympathetic characters and uninspired over-acting. Even the family's home is cliched -- it's as though the set designers pulled the look straight from the Martha Stewart Living Greek Goddess Collection. Cue the eye rolls.

Bottom line: Kudos for a new idea, but this show leaves little to love. Here's hoping Cupid's aim gets better with time.

-- Michelle Thomas