-- Merlin on SyFy (Jan. 6): The show, in its fourth season, is sure to get darker as Morgana leaves Camelot to pursue her magic and revenge against Merlin, Arthur, and especially Uther. Here is a quick summary of the first episode, titled "The Darkest Hour":
Merlin faces his toughest challenge yet when Morgana's blinkered determination threatens not only Arthur's future, but the very balance of the world. With her magic stronger than ever, the sorceress summons the mighty Callieach to tear open the veil between the worlds. Hellish creatures pour forth, killing any who succumb to their touch. With Uther a shadow of his former self, it falls to Arthur and his loyal knights, including Lancelot, to protect the kingdom. But it will take more than just swords to vanquish their enemy and Merlin is shocked to the core when he discovers the only way to restore the equilibrium requires a sacrifice of unimaginable proportions.
-- Shameless on Showtime (Jan. 8): Now in its second season, this remake of the popular British series has certainly taken on a life of its own in its little corner of Chicago. Here is Showtime's take on the first episode of the new season:
In the Season 2 premiere, despite her breakup with Steve, Fiona tends bar at a local hotspot with Veronica, hangs out with a successful young business executive, and enjoys her youth; Debbie runs a daycare with Carl; Ian takes over at the Kash and Grab when Kash leaves town; Lip runs a Little League book and helps Kev out with their annual ice cream/pot truck; despite Eddie's disappearance, Sheila takes small steps to finally leave the house; Frank loses a bet and surrenders Liam as collateral.
-- The Firm on NBC (Jan. 8): This new show is a continuation of story from the 1991 novel of the same name. Taking place 10 years later, Mitch McDeere and his family (see photo above) have tried to reestablish their lives after he turned on the mafia. Of course, nothing is that easy, and we shall see what happens when you piss of the mob. Sunday's program is two hours long and will be followed by a one hour show on Thursdays. The good part is that John Grisham has not only given his blessing for this program, but he is helping to produce it. And NBC has already committed to 22 episodes, which is either confidence or a brash gamble. We shall see after the premiere.
Here is NBC's summary of the new show:
As a young associate, McDeere brought down the prestigious Memphis law firm of Bendini, Lambert & Locke, which operated as a front for the Chicago mob -- and his life was never the same. After a difficult decade, which included a stay in the Federal Witness Protection program, Mitch and his family now emerge from isolation to reclaim their lives and their future -- only to find that past dangers are still lurking and new threats are everywhere. The executive producers are Grisham, Lukas Reiter ("Law & Order," "Boston Legal"), John Morayniss ("Haven," "Hung"), Michael Rosenberg ("Hung," "Skins") and Noreen Halpern ("Rookie Blue," "Hung").
January is off to a great start.
Update: The Firm was not renewed for a second season, according to The Futon Critic. I could not even get through the pilot, so I am not surprised. As usual, a good idea was bright wrapping for an old detective/lawyer show.
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