Review of TNT's new series "Raising the Bar"

When you name your new series "Raising the Bar" of course it is obvious the show is about the legal system. But unfortunately, you are also opening yourself up to criticism if your show does not, in fact, live up to the implied standard of its name. And Steven Bochco's newest entry certainly has some ground to make up.

The master behind such hits as "NYPD Blue" and "Hill Street Blues," has moved from the squadroom to the courtroom with this look at the relationship between the DA's office and the Public Defenders. Taking place in NY, natch, the show stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Jerry Kellerman, a public defender whose shaggy hair and sloppy clothes make sure it is clear to the viewer he is a rebel who cares more about his clients than the system. And unfortunately for him, his cliche dialogue and high-horse antics distinguish him from no one who has ever doggedly fought for the little people. He goes up against a judge of questionable ethics in Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm in the Middle) and you will be none too shocked to see him in a jail cell for contempt by the end of the first episode.

Being a Bochco series, there is much sexual innuendo and sleeping around between all the players. Rounding out the PD's office is Gloria Reuben (ER) as Jerry's boss, Teddy Sears (Ugly Betty) as a rich boy trying to prove he can forgo corporate law and Natalia Cigliuti (All My Children) as the hot new girl who made the move from the Brooklyn PD's office. On the DA's side is Melissa Sagemiller (Sleeper Cell) who goes up against Jerry in more ways than one, her sleazy boss Currie Graham (Boston Legal) who only cares about winning and J. August Richards (Conviction) who has a hidden heart under his hardened exterior.

I must confess the show does get better. Episodes two and three move on from character development and focus on storyline. This is a welcome turn and the only thing that can save this show which as of now, holds no candle to TNT's other powerful dramas, The Closer and Saving Grace. But since it is Bochco, it should last at least the season and if the writing can get sharper and less cliched, this show might just end up - yep - Raising the Bar.