Sunday, October 5, 2008

"Easy Money": Sundays at 9 p.m. on CW

Basic story: Morgan Buffkin (Jeff Hephner) is the middle child in a Southwestern family that runs a high-interest-loan business. The smartest of the sharks, he's adored by tough-as-nails matriarch Bobette (Laurie Metcalf) but conflicted about whether he really belongs among this cast of odd, underachieving characters.

What it faces: The hour-long dramedy, part of a programming block from the independent production company Media Rights Capital, goes up against "Sunday Night Football" on NBC, as well as Fox's animated comedies "Family Guy" and "American Dad" and major network staples "Cold Case" on CBS and "Desperate Housewives" on ABC.

What you'll love: Metcalf and Hephner are the highlights of this show -- both are believable, likable and easy to watch in their roles as mother and son. The absence of teenage dramatics is especially refreshing, given the rest of the network's fodder this season. A few familiar talents (Judge Reinhold and character actor Nick Searcy) appear in the ensemble cast.

What you won't: Morgan's two siblings are excessively dumbed down, to the point that actress Katie Lowes has to force a Valley Girl-ism into every statement. Despite a lack of action, the pilot manages a level of intrigue because the world of fast-cash joints is seedily interesting. But as the focus shifts to Morgan's heritage, the plot seems destined to unravel too quickly.

Bottom line: "Easy Money" positions itself as a hard-edged family drama, a sort of kinder, gentler "Sopranos." Despite such strong leads, it's a shame this series seems headed for bankruptcy.

-- Holly E. Thomas