FALL TV PREVIEW: NBC’s GENRE GAMBLES…

With the failure of experimental genre shows Surface, Threshold, and my beloved Invasion two seasons ago and an entire graveyard worth of serials (Kidnapped, Vanished, Smith) this season, I was afraid that the networks would be more cautious this year and attempt safer, more standard fare.

While I’m sure this season will not be without its share of lawyers, cops, and doctors, NBC has recently picked up three genre series for the Fall, at least a couple of which can’t be considered “safe.”

What do we have to thank for these shows? Well, there was ONE breakthrough serial/genre hit this year…and Heroes just happened to be on NBC. Expect one of these three shows to be paired with Heroes during its sophomore season:

The Bionic Woman

A re-imagining of the classic 70s show of the same name, this one probably would have caused more eye-rollings than perked ears if it wasn’t for the inovlement of Battlestar Galactica producer David Eick. Early word has this version’s Jamie Sommers ( Brit import Michelle Ryan) more of an everywoman than super-spy who is robotically enhanced after an auto accident.

The supporting cast includes Mae Whittman (Arrested Development) and BSG’s Katee Sackhoff, who will hopefully be pulling double-duty with Eick, staying on both shows.

Journeyman

Pitched as a sci-fi/fantasy/romance, this show has Rome’s Kevin McKidd as a time traveler who alters the past to change people’s lives, but also often causing a ripple effect that drastically changes the future. Suckers for time-travel (yup, that would be me) should be intrigued by this Quantum Leap/A Sound of Thunder sound-alike which is gathering impressive buzz.

Chuck

From The O.C. creator Josh Schwartz comes this spy dramedy (mmmm…shades of first season Alias) about a computer whiz (relative newcomer Zachary Levi) who accidentally downloads the CIA mainframe to his brain. Umm…okay. Firefly’s Adam Baldwin co-stars.

NBC had the strongest development schedule last year (I loved Kidnapped, Studio 60 had great pedigree it could have eventually delivered from, and the excellent Friday Night Lights and 30 Rock will be joining Heroes in returning next year) and--despite its affection for drivel game shows—the network is slowly rebuilding itself.

With network upfronts this coming week, we’ll find out what shows the other networks are developing (*please no Cavemen*please no Cavemen*) as well as the rest of NBC’s slate.

Check into the Lounge later for more commentary on this upcoming Fall TV season.