A Colorful Though Not Indelible ‘Ink’

Stop the presses! “Ink,” the new CBS comedy pairing Ted Danson and his wife, Mary Steenburgen, as a divorced couple working together at a New York newspaper, finally makes its belated debut tonight.

And while the premiere may not generate big laughs, it is a polished, nicely written effort from “Murphy Brown” creator Diane English, the executive producer signed to run the show just weeks before it was originally scheduled to appear in September. It is certainly superior to the pilot that was scrapped by the network.

The opener introduces Mike Logan (Danson), the swaggering, self-confident star columnist of the New York Sun, who is stunned to discover that the paper’s new managing editor is none other than his ex-wife Kate (Steenburgen), whom he hasn’t seen in years.

Smart and direct, Kate quickly boosts the staff’s morale by encouraging it to “write a new page in this great paper’s history.”

To which the frustrated Mike curtly replies: “What a witch!”

Roaming the newsroom are Ernie (Charlie Robinson), a gruff police reporter with a dry wit; Alan (Saul Rubinek), a financial columnist who’s constantly broke; and Donna (Jenica Bergere), an eager editorial assistant who tells Kate, “I’m a sponge, but not in the creepy way you’re thinking.”

Much less appealing is Belinda Carhardt (Christine Ebersole), a loud, brassy society columnist who initially comes across as an annoying caricature.

Meanwhile, Abby (Alana Austin) is the sweet-natured, 15-year-old daughter of Mike and Kate, an adolescent doggedly playing matchmaker to reunite them.

Given the scant amount of time English had to rework the show’s original pilot, situation and direction, she has turned in a solid script with likable and mostly low-key characters who should wear well over the long haul.

As you would expect, there is a genuine spark between the leads, who deftly underplay their roles.

On the downside, Danson is essentially playing Sam Malone, which is hardly a stretch for the sitcom veteran. Happily, the delightful Steenburgen handles their light banter and occasional sparring with style and grace.

Given the chance to grow and evolve, “Ink” may be worth a few hearty cheers.

* “Ink” premieres at 8:30 tonight on CBS (Channel 2). It replaces “Pearl,” which moves to Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 30.