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Crossing Jordan

As the NBC promo says, "'Crossing Jordan' is the best new crime drama on television " and you won't get any argument here. Of course, the statement doesn't hold water when you realize it is the only new crime drama on broadcast television. Despite exposing the promo, "Crossing Jordan" is a solid show with enormous potential. Unfortunately, creator Tim Kring decided to make the drama an ensemble cast that forced a group of uninteresting characters into the spotlight alongside its star, Jill Hennessy. For those of you unfamiliar with the plotline, the show centers on Dr. Jordan Cavanaugh (Hennessy, formerly of "Law & Order") as a Boston medical examiner who goes above and beyond her job description by investigating and solving the murders of people on which she is supposed to be working. Toward the end of each of her investigations, Cavanaugh enlists the help of her father, Max (Ken Howard), a retired police officer.

It is the interaction between father and daughter where the show breaks down the crime from different perspectives until -- POOF! -- the crime is solved. The role-playing game is somewhat eerie, but works perfectly within the show and gives it an added twist unlike any drama on television. Once the cases fall into Jordan's lap, they begin, innocent enough, but several missing ingredients are needed to explain how this dead body ended up on her table. They are quickly discovered and, from there, she heads off (sometimes with police assistance, other times not) to investigate the crime. When she typically runs into a roadblock, she searches for help from her father. The two of them sit at the kitchen table studying the facts and looking over the gruesome autopsy photos until they decide to play a game of "Who do you want to be: killer or victim?" By playing out the crime in their heads, they envision several scenarios until one clicks. It's as eerie as it sounds, more so because it is father and daughter playing the roles of victim and killer.

This bizarre role playing is the highlight of the show and if the entire hour was centered on Jordan's investigating abilities, then it would get a terrific recommendation. However, to fill up space, the show focuses on five of Jordan's coworkers. This is where the show loses any edge it may have gained and makes you want to change the channel. It isn't that the five aren't good actors; they are just given incredibly boring cases (storylines) that barely hold your interest.

If you weren't waiting for Jordan's character to reappear, then this show would be a snooze-fest. But if you can hold out until then, you will see there is no need for an early bedtime, due entirely to the character played by Hennessy. While her Jordan character isn't exactly one you would root for or even want to be friends with, she is the glue holding the show together and is strong enough to make up for the severe weak links of "Crossing Jordan." Even though the show doesn't hit home on all of its potential, this Monday 10pm/9c drama is indeed "watchable." That, of course, isn't saying a lot.

Written by: Brad Carroll

Reviewers Rating: 7
Reader's Rating: 9.09
Reader's Votes: 133

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