First Impressions

“Big Brother 2” is about to be evicted for another year.

Hidden cameras have been set aside for the foreseeable future.

And it’ll be awhile before anyone else is munching on sheep’s eyes or live beetles to overcome a so-called fear factor.

In other words, summer is just an ugly memory. Let’s throw out the welcome mat for a fall TV season, in which 33 new series will be unveiled over the coming weeks.

You’ll spy one trend involving spirited action shows built around the Central Intelligence Agency. Beyond that, there are light comedies, heavy dramas and an unscripted program following teams hopping around the world for big money. And, as usual, you can expect a flock of familiar faces taking another crack at prime-time popularity--from Jason Alexander and Kim Delaney to Ellen DeGeneres and Dana Delany.

Our annual task is to assess each show’s premise and promise, which is what follows from this point forward. Keep those remote controls handy. You’re going to need them.

SUNDAY

“The Education of Max Bickford”

8 p.m. CBS

Premieres Sept. 23

Premise: Mr. Holland’s next opus, with Oscar-winner Richard Dreyfuss heading his first series, playing a proud college professor.

Etc.: Max Bickford’s ego is bruised when he’s passed over for a promotion that instead goes to Andrea Reese (Marcia Gay Harden, an Oscar-winner for “Pollock”), a renowned author and one of his former students. A widower with two children, Bickford bonds with his basketball-loving son (Eric Ian Goldberg), but clashes with his rebellious daughter (Katee Sackhoff), a freshman attending his university. The latest complication for Bickford is the unexpected arrival of his best friend, Steve. What’s so complicated about that? Steve just had a sex-change operation and now his, uh, her name is Erica (Helen Shaver).

First Impressions: Dreyfuss earns high marks with a tailor-made role that has depth and substance, leaving plenty of room for further character development.

“Men, Women & Dogs”

8:30 p.m. WB

Premieres Oct. 7

Premise: Four twentysomething guys hang out at a dog park, using their canines as chick magnets and chatting about pets, problems and relationships.

Etc.: Bill Bellamy plays Jeremiah, a charming chef and master of the one-night stand who has a penchant for seducing beautiful women with a slice of scrumptious chocolate cake. When faced with commitment, however, he runs faster than Carl Lewis going for the gold. Clay (Daniel Pino) is the naive, sensitive pal nursing a broken heart. Eric (Niklaus Lange) is a dense surfer whose dog gets more pampering than his resentful girlfriend (Heather Stephens). And Royce (Mike Damus) is the group’s penny-pinching yuppie.

First Impressions: Cute canines but the guys are real hounds.

“Alias”

9 p.m. ABC

Premieres Sept. 30

Premise: An espionage drama from J.J. Abrams (“Felicity”) about a comely college student leading a double life as a globe-trotting agent for the CIA.

Etc.: The typical collegian perceives midterms and finals as the ultimate in pain. Undercover gal Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner), an agent for a covert division of the CIA, endures real torture. You know, the kind involving a foreign operative who starts yanking molars when she refuses to divulge state secrets. Sydney thinks her father (Victor Garber) has a dull, monotonous job. Imagine her surprise when she discovers he’s working for the same side. Or is he?

First Impressions: A slick cross between “Felicity” and “La Femme Nikita.” Let’s call it “La Femme Felicity.”

“Law & Order: Criminal Intent”

9 p.m. NBC

Premieres Sept. 30

Premise: A second sibling from creator Dick Wolf, with crimes seen from the perspectives of perps and police.

Etc.: Vincent D’Onofrio plays Robert Goren, an observant, diligent detective for New York’s major case squad. He has a tough female partner (Kathryn Erbe) and an unflappable boss (Jamey Sheridan). Courtney B. Vance plays the no-nonsense district attorney who prosecutes their cases.

First Impressions: D’Onofrio (“The Cell”) is an intense, imposing actor worth watching, as are Sheridan and Vance. Judging from an early episode, this is the most conventional of Wolf’s three cop shows, and initially it’s the least intriguing.

“Off Centre”

9:30 p.m. WB

Premieres Oct. 7

Premise: Two best friends with opposing views on the opposite sex move in together.

Etc.: Euan (Sean Maguire) is a brash Brit who thinks nothing of simultaneously sleeping with two women. Mike (Eddie Kaye Thomas) is a staid sort who believes in honesty, fidelity and commitment with his girlfriend (Lauren Stamile). Their respective views are put to the test when they move to a posh New York hotel whose occupants include rock stars, starlets and supermodels.

First Impressions: More than merely off center, this amateurish, oversexed outing from the makers of “American Pie” illustrates why the WB should stick with teen dramas and leave the comedy to others.

“UC: Undercover”

10 p.m. NBC

Premieres Sept. 30

Premise: Shootouts and showdowns galore as elite crime-fighters for the Justice Department bring down the bad guys.

Etc.: The unit headed by Oded Fehr (“The Mummy Returns”) includes undercover cops Jake Shaw (“Homicide’s” Jon Seda), an agent with natural instincts (“I feel it; I do it”), and Alex Cross (Vera Farmiga), a former attorney adept at accents. Support comes from Monica (Bruklin Harris), a tough cookie who supplies the background for each assignment, and Cody (Jarrad Paul), a techno whiz and resident wiseacre. More often than not, the team finds itself at odds with Paul Bloom (Brian Markinson), an ambitious bureaucrat who prefers to do things his way, regardless of the risk.

First Impressions: As generic as its title, this dreadful crime drama employs quick cuts and flashy camera work to compensate for cardboard characters and weak writing.

MONDAY

“One on One”

8:30 p.m. UPN

Already premiered

Premise: A ladies’ man has a new girl in his lifeNa 14-year-old daughter with attitude to spare. Etc.:

Flex

Alexander plays a charming TV sportscaster who was married at 18, a parent at 19 and divorced at 20. Now his ex-wife has taken a job out of the country, making him the full-time father to headstrong Breanna (Kyla Pratt). Does he have what it takes to be a responsible parent?

First Impressions: Mirthless and mindless. As the only new sitcom on UPN’s fall schedule, this is “One” too many.

“Crossing Jordan”

10 p.m. NBC Premieres Monday

Premise: Jill Hennessy provides law and order as a medical examiner who gets her old job back in Boston.

Etc.: Part Grissom, part Quincy, Hennessy’s Dr. Jordan Cavanaugh has been known to get her Irish up. She thinks like a cop, cares too much about her cases and has an obsessive desire to solve crimes. Oh, and she has a slight problem with anger management, which explains why she just lost her job in L.A. Back in Beantown, Jordan cuts up cadavers for the Massachusetts Coroner’s Office, where she answers to Garrett Macy (Miguel Ferrer), a stressed superior with high blood pressure and an ulcer. Ken Howard (“The White Shadow”) plays Jordan’s father, a crusty ex-cop still haunted by the unsolved murder of his wife.

First Impressions: Hennessy is self-assured and sexier than ever, but plausibility is not one of the show’s strong suits. The early nickname for this one was “Cutesy, M.E.”

TUESDAY

“Emeril”

8 p.m. NBC

Premieres Tuesday

Premise: Emeril Lagasse serves up himself in a situation comedy about the host of a popular cooking show.

Etc.: Producers Linda Bloodworth and Harry Thomason (“Designing Women,” “Evening Shade”) provide the ingredients here as the busy Lagasse spends more time in the studio with his trusty producer (Lisa Ann Walter) and outspoken stage manager (Sherri Shepherd) than at home with his wife (Mary Page Keller). Robert Urich plays Emeril’s agent, a friend who offers a male perspective in a workplace brimming with brassy women.

First Impressions: A work-in-progress; the first pilot was a bland batch of warmed-over cliches topped by a star who needs more seasoning as an actor. “Undeclared”

8:30 p.m. Fox

Premieres Tuesday

Premise: Seriocomic triumphs and travails of college freshmen, courtesy of “Freaks and Geeks” creator Judd Apatow.

Etc.: Meet Steve Karp (Jay Baruchel), a square, skinny kid eager to open a “whole new era” in college even though he has no major. His new friends include Lloyd (Charlie Hunnam), a charming Brit who likes the ladies; Lizzie (Carla Gallo), an excitable brunet with a controlling boyfriend; Rachel (“Dawson Creek’s” Monica Keena), a blond as insecure as she is pretty; Ron (Seth Rogen), a chunky guy who idolizes Adam Sandler; and Marshall (Timm Sharp), who tends to be insensitive. Meanwhile, Steve’s bitter father, Hal (Loudon Wainwright III), whose wife says “she feels dead inside,” becomes one of the guys.

First Impressions: A promising entry that promptly goes to the head of this season’s class by virtue of solid writing and an appealing cast.

“The Guardian”

9 p.m. CBS

Premieres Tuesday

Premise: A fast-track corporate attorney runs afoul of the law and gets sentenced to community service.

Etc.: Nick Fallin (Simon Baker) was arrested for doing drugs. As a result, he must report to Alvin Masterson (Alan Rosenberg), a by-the-book administrator in Pittsburgh’s Allegheny County whose office represents children who are abused, neglected or otherwise at risk. Another person attempting to keep Fallin in line is his father (Dabney Coleman), a wealthy fellow who runs an upscale firm with a roster of demanding, deep-pocketed clients. Can Fallin follow the rules and do things Masterson’s way? He’s a fish out of water where kids are concerned, but it’s clear he has a conscience, which will come in handy for those needy youngsters. First Impressions: Baker makes it interesting as a flawed protagonist with rough edges. He’s an attractive lead in an absorbing hour that doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, which is a refreshing approach.

“Bob Patterson”

9 p.m. ABC

Premieres Sept. 25

Premise: Jason Alexander as a popular self-help guru who’s having problems helping himself. Etc.: A seemingly self-assured man who has motivated millions (Bob’s mantra is “If you can see it, you can be it”), this neurotic, self-absorbed author of the best-selling “I Know More Than You” can’t find a way to inspire himself, largely because his wife walked out on him eight months earlier. Bob preaches assertiveness, but he can’t muster the confidence to ask a beautiful woman on a date. And he’s having trouble writing the speech for his next seminar. “You’re creatively constipated,” says his longtime producer, Landau (Robert Klein), a friend and confidant who will do anything to improve the situation, though he usually makes it worse.

First Impressions: Yes, creative constipation certainly is a problem here. In the disappointing pilot, double-entendres and the objectification of women are the show’s idea of witty writing. As executive producer, Alexander must motivate his own staff to generate funnier scripts--and fast.

“24”

9 p.m. Fox

Premieres Oct. 30

Premise: High-level intrigue, with each episode covering one hour in the personal and professional lives of counter-terrorist agents on the trail of an assassin. Etc.: Tick, tick, tick. With events unfolding in real time, CIA operative Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) has 24 hours to thwart the assassination attempt on presidential candidate Sen. David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert). More bad news: Bauer’s boss suspects the agency has a double agent and warns him, “Don’t trust anybody.” Meanwhile, Bauer’s teenage daughter (Elisha Cuthbert) has disappeared.

First Impressions: Cool, crisp and thoroughly compelling. There’s a palpable sense of urgency in the pilot, which is not only innovative but intelligent, a rare combination on television these days. The question is whether producers can sustain the suspense over an entire season.

“Smallville”

9 p.m. WB

Premieres Oct. 16

Premise: Faster than a speeding school bus. Able to leap tall football players in a single bound. Meet the teenage Clark Kent, who comes to grips with his destiny in Kansas.

Etc.: Based on DC Comics characters, this one-hour action-adventure adds twists and turns to its contemporary tale. As an occasionally awkward, alienated teen who is fearful of being labeled a loser, the humble Clark (Tom Welling) saves the life of Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) and literally falls over himself around Lana Lang (Kristen Kreuk). One thing that hasn’t changed: Clark can still be victimized by kryptonite, which happens to be the component of Lana’s green necklace, a fact no one has grasped ... yet.

First Impressions: Cleverness abounds in this flashy reworking of the Superman mythology, which has everything going for it: a potent premise, swell storytelling and stellar special effects. If subsequent episodes measure up to the terrific opener, this will be one super show.

“Scrubs”

9:30 p.m. NBC

Premieres Sept. 25

Premise: A comedy from the co-creator of “Spin City” about young medical interns at a teaching hospital.

Etc.: After four years of pre-med, four years of medical school and tons of unpaid medical loans, John Dorian, better known as J.D. (Zach Braff), realizes one thing: He “doesn’t know Jack.” That’s too bad, because his superiors, the paternal Bob Kelso (Ken Jenkins) and the condescending Phil Cox (John C. McGinley) are expecting competent medical care from each of the new interns. That includes J.D.’s best friend, Chris (Donald Faison), as well as Elliott (Sarah Chalke), a cute, competitive blond who instantly catches J.D.’s eye. A word of warning, however. Appearances can be deceiving at this hospital, where elderly patients pretend to be dead and father figures can be evil incarnate.

First Impressions: The prognosis is uncertain at this point because the producers are operating as if they haven’t decided whether to strive for sheer silliness or biting farce with heart--and a brain.

“Philly”

10 p.m. ABC

Premieres Tuesday

Premise: Kim Delaney trades in her badge for a briefcase and a heavy emotional load as the lead of co-creator Steven Bochco’s legal drama.

Etc.: “My partner is in a mental ward, my caseload just doubled and a fat judge just made a move on me.” Welcome to the real world of Kathleen Maguire (Delaney), a scrappy idealist with just 11 months under her belt as a defense attorney in Philadelphia. Maguire isn’t intimidated by overbearing judges, opposing counsel or deceitful clients. But there’s little she can do when her emotionally unstable partner (Joanna Cassidy) suddenly exposes her breasts in open court. Desperate to survive, Kathleen accepts the assistance of Will Froman (Tom Everett Scott), a disreputable opportunist from the public defender’s office. Kyle Secor plays her ex-husband, the city’s district attorney.

First Impressions: Bochco (“NYPD Blue”) pushes the envelope again in this outrageous, over-the-top hour in dire need of a reality check. Don’t expect much brotherly love in this surreal setting as Delaney scrambles to stay a step ahead of her foes.

WEDNESDAY

“Enterprise”

8 p.m. UPN

Premieres Sept. 26

Premise: The fourth spinoff of “Star Trek,” the late Gene Roddenberry’s celebrated sci-fi series.

Etc.: Scott Bakula (“Quantum Leap”) plays Jonathan Archer, the commander of a 22nd century starship whose regime precedes captains Kirk, Picard, Sisko and Janeway. Archer’s crew includes a chief engineer (Connor Trinneer), a Vulcan officer (Jolene Blalock) and a British security officer (Dominic Keating).

First Impressions: A pilot was unavailable.

“According to Jim”

8:30 p.m. ABC

Premieres Sept. 26

Premise: He’s married ... with children. Jim Belushi stars as a slovenly husband with a patient wife and two rambunctious daughters.

Etc.: Jim’s idea of good parenting is playing a game that enables him to drink beer and watch football--two of his favorite pastimes--while his energetic youngsters are off doing something else. Jim loves his kids, but he’ll never be named father of the year, a realization that keeps his good-natured wife, Cheryl (Court- ney Thorne-Smith), on her toes. “You’re a beautiful woman,” he tells Cheryl, who replies without missing a beat, “You’re a lucky man.” Truer words were never spoken.

First Impressions: The original title was “The Dad.” No matter. It’s still a dud.

“The Amazing Race”

9 p.m. CBS

Already premiered

Premise: Two-person teams race around the world on a frantic 35,000-mile adventure for a prize of $1 million.

Etc.: Stripped of money, credit cards and maps, energetic couples cross continents by plane, train and automobile, making their way from one check point to another as swiftly as possible.

First Impressions: Fast and exciting, the first hour illustrated a potential for drama and suspense, not to mention the possibility of someone getting run off the road.

“The Bernie Mac Show”

9:30 p.m. Fox

Premieres Nov. 7

Premise: The stand-up comedian reluctantly agrees to raise his drug-addicted sister’s three children.

Etc.: When Mac’s sister checks into rehab and sends her youngsters to L.A., they get a stiff dose of his tough-love approach. “Mi casa is mi casa,” he explains, warning them to stay away from his TV, DVD and record collection. “You better not touch my James Brown. Or somebody’s gonna get hurt.” But when he says “hurt,” he’s just kidding. “I’m gonna kill them kids,” he says directly to the camera. “I’m gonna snap their neck.” No, really, he’s kidding .

First Impressions: Edgy and irreverent, this comedy possesses a unique, combative style that sets it apart from all others. Mac’s bark is clearly bigger than his bite, but will parents be offended by his jokes regarding physical harm toward the kids? Stay tuned.

“Wolf Lake”

10 p.m. CBS

Already premiered

Premise: A clan of wolves lives in a Pacific Northwest town where it shares a hairy little secret: They can morph into humans.

Etc.: Lou Diamond Phillips plays a police detective seeking a shape-shifter he fell for in Seattle, and his presence poses a threat to the community.

First Impressions: Substantial changes were made in the first pilot, which was murky, mystical and confusing. The retooled version was unavailable.

THURSDAY

“Inside Schwartz”

8:30 p.m. NBC

Premieres Thursday

Premise: Broadcasters provide play-by-play for the uneventful love life of Adam Schwartz, an aspiring sportscaster pining for the ex-girlfriend who recently dumped him.

Etc.: Eve (Maggie Lawson) is the only woman Adam (Breckin Meyer) ever loved, and he’s finding it tough to move on. Encouraged by friends, he gingerly takes a dip in the dating pool, where his luck is no better. Upon discovering he’s at dinner with a mother of four children, a referee pops up out of nowhere, blows his whistle and declares, “Too many players on the field.” In his next date, Adam shares a goodnight kiss with a beautiful but overly amorous woman. Same referee, another whistle: “Illegal use of the tongue. Loss of second date.” And so it goes, with the show’s other gimmick being the periodic cameos of sports celebrities such as basketball star Bill Walton and boxing referee Mills Lane.

First Impressions: A knockout, this is not. Hapless and hopeless is more like it. Will NBC ever find a compatible comedy for “Friends”? Gosh, whoever thought we’d say bring back Steven Weber!

“The Tick”

8:30 p.m. Fox

Premieres Nov. 1

Premise: A superhero spoof following the misadventures of a mysterious blue avenger. Etc.: Hanging out on rooftops, the big, blue, sculpted Tick (“Seinfeld’s” Patrick Warburton) scopes out crime with help from Arthur (David Burke), a mild-mannered accountant who battles evil as Moth Man. Joining them in a neverending fight for what’s right are Capt. Liberty (Liz Vassey), a Wonder Woman-esque heroine who carries a torch, and Batmanuel (Nestor Carbonell), a Latin Lothario who carries a torch for Capt. Liberty.

First Impressions: Warburton’s deadpan delivery is pitch-perfect on such loopy lines as “I will spread my buttery justice over your every nook and cranny.” There are other examples of dandy dialogue, but the pilot quickly loses steam, settling for sophomoric high jinks over wit. Here’s hoping this offbeat entry hits its stride in subsequent episodes.

“Elimidate Deluxe”

8:30 p.m. WB

Premieres Oct. 11

Premise: A relationship show in which singles go on dates in luxurious locales.

Etc.: The travelogue element allows the “picker” to plan activities in striking settings such as Maui or Miami Beach. Cameras follow the contestants as suitors are vetoed one by one, leaving only Mr. and Ms. Right.

First Impressions: At least these singles aren’t chained to one another. Can you imagine producers trying something that stupid?

“The Agency”

9 p.m. CBS

Premieres Thursday

Premise: Gil Bellows (“Ally McBeal”) plays the spy game in another ensemble drama about the CIA.

Etc.: Bellows is Matt Callan, an undercover operative still mourning the mysterious death of his brother, a fellow agent. Other cast members include Will Patton as a veteran who may know something about that demise, David Clennon as head of the fraud department, Paige Turco as his new recruit, and Rocky Carroll as an administrator. Ronny Cox rounds out the cast as their superior.

First Impressions: The bland Bellows appears to be the weak link in an otherwise capable cast. Shaun Cassidy, who created the underappreciated spy show “Cover Me,” is an executive producer, which could yield decent story lines even though his previous CBS series, “American Gothic,” quietly flew under the radar a few years ago.

FRIDAY

“The Ellen Show”

8 p.m. CBS

Premieres Monday at 9:30 p.m.

Moves to its regular slot Friday

Premise: Ellen DeGeneres is back, playing an Internet executive who swaps the stress of L.A. for the tranquility of her small hometown.

Etc.: On the day she returns to bask in the glow of admiration from old friends and neighbors, Ellen decides to move in with her sweet mother (Cloris Leachman) and flaky sister (Emily Rutherfurd), a woman attracted to losers. She also becomes reacquainted with her senior prom date (Jim Gaffigan, who starred in last year’s “Welcome to New York”) and a teacher (Martin Mull) from high school. And in case you were wondering, the answer is yes. Ellen Richmond is gay, which her mother evidently was clueless about despite the presence of those Wonder Woman and Martina Navratilova posters in Ellen’s bedroom.

First Impressions: It’s good to see DeGeneres again, but a few more laughs would be even better.

“Danny”

8:30 p.m. CBS

Premieres Friday

Premise: In his first series, he narrated “The Wonder Years.” This time, Daniel Stern steps in front of the camera as a recently separated father who runs a bustling community center.

Etc.: Bearded and big-bellied, Danny (Stern) oversees the Wreck Center, a complex converted from abandoned buildings that serves as a haven for kids, teens and the elderly. He’s raising two teens (Julia McIlvaine and Jon Foster) and living with his father (Robert Prosky). He’s also adjusting to the singles scene as a result of a separation from his ex-wife (Joely Fisher).

First Impressions: Mildly amusing at best, but can Stern carry his own show?

“Maybe It’s Me”

8:30 p.m. WB

Already premiered

Premise: A mortified 15-year-old girl copes with a quirky family.

Etc.: Molly Stage (Reagan Dale Neis) lives in Rhode Island with four siblings, a frugal mother (Julia Sweeney) and a soccer-loving father (Fred Willard). She recently dropped her glasses, braces and baby fat, which can only improve her social standing with boys, especially the dreamy Nick Gibson, her secret crush of 11 years. One brother wants to be a Christian rock star; the other is a bad boy who sells bogus Rolexes. Meanwhile, twin terrors Cindy and Mindy are always bickering. No wonder Molly freaks when Mom invites Nick over for dinner.

First Impressions: Occasionally clever and nicely acted, this lighthearted comedy comes with a superfluous gimmick: pop-up bubbles designed to yield amusing tidbits about Molly and her eccentric brood. Perhaps that notion would have seemed fresh a few years ago, but at this stage, it gets tiresome quickly.

“Thieves”

9 p.m. ABC

Premieres Friday

Premise: Two longtime lawbreakers are recruited as operatives for the Justice Department. Etc.: Johnny (John Stamos) is known as “king of the sting.” He’s charming and debonair. Rita (Melissa George) is a beautiful blond with a volatile temper. She has difficulty working with others, especially men. They bicker, they banter, they get on each other’s nerves. After botching a robbery, they’re forced to work for the Feds, who need them to recover “missing” property. “Serve your government or serve your time in jail,” one of the cops tells Johnny. It’s a no-brainer for this dapper duo, who will have to prove there can be honor among thieves.

First Impressions: Fair-to-middling fluff that will rise or fall on the chemistry of its attractive stars. Intricate, anything-goes plots would be a plus, but what happens when they inevitably hook up? One word, people: “Moonlighting.”

“Pasadena” 9 p.m. Fox

Premieres Friday

Premise: Lies. Secrets. Scandals. Murder. And a powerful family that will do anything to cover up its transgressions.

Etc.: This serialized drama revolves around the Greeleys, an illustrious family of bluebloods who own the Los Angeles Sun, the “most widely read and influential paper in California.” It unfolds through the eyes of Lily (Alison Lohman), a pampered 15-year-old prep student who suspects something is amiss following a startling incident in her family’s sprawling mansion. The large ensemble includes Dana Delany and Martin Donovan as Lily’s parents.

First Impressions: Handsomely produced but awfully chilly, this humorless soap opera opens slowly but promises darker, more complex episodes. We’re guessing viewers will show minimal interest in its development.

“Reba”

9 p.m. WB

Already premiered

Premise: Singer Reba McEntire makes her series debut as a separated soccer mom with a dysfunctional marriage that hits a sour note.

Etc.: Reba Hart (McEntire) has a chaotic domestic life that has all the makings of a hit country tune. After 20 years of marriage, her soon-to-be-ex husband (Christopher Rich) is planning to marry his pregnant dental hygienist (Melissa Peterman). Meanwhile, her pregnant 17-year-old daughter (JoAnna Garcia) is about to marry her brainless boyfriend (Steve Howey). Will it get any worse? Don’t ask Reba, who can only throw up her hands and ask rhetorical questions like “Why is it we’re the only house in Texas without a gun?”

First Impressions: McEntire, who earned rave reviews for her stage role as Annie Oakley, misses the bull’s-eye. Here, she’s strictly off-key with a cartoonish concoction that’s so bad it’ll make you sing the blues. Walk on.

“Raising Dad”

9:30 p.m. WB

Already premiered

Premise: Bob Saget returns to prime time as a recent widower with a full houseNtwo daughters and a live-in father.

Etc.: Matt (Saget), a popular English teacher, works at the high school where his daughter Sarah (Kat Dennings) is a student. That poses a problem every time Matt tells an embarrassing story about her personal life, which happens more often than she prefers. It’s ruining her cool reputation and, worse, it’s generating friction at home. Given half a chance, Matt may one day reveal embarrassing stuff about his younger daughter, Emily (Brie Larson), who’s been faking injuries to leave school and spend time with her doting grandfather (Jerry Adler). First Impressions: Saget seems to think he’s funnier than his moribund material, which was created by Jonathan Katz (“Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist”). Where are the Olsen twins when you need them?

SATURDAY

“Citizen Baines”

9 p.m. CBS

Premieres Saturday

Premise: Another ensemble drama from prolific producer John Wells (“ER,” “The West Wing,” “Third Watch”), with James Cromwell as a seasoned senator who leaves politics behind after losing his latest bid for another term in Washington.

Etc.: After 25 years on Capitol Hill, Sen. Elliott Baines (Cromwell) faces a new and equally daunting campaignNan existence in Seattle with his daughters Ellen (Embeth Davidtz), Reeva (Jane Adams) and Dori (Jacinda Barrett). Ellen may run for Congress, Reeva wants to run away from her husband, and Dori would like to run her life without interference from Dad. First Impressions: Cromwell gets our vote as one of the season’s most well-drawn characters, an upstanding yet controlling man of the people who must make major adjustments after a lifetime of public service. Jump on his bandwagon from the start.