Capsule previews of four new network series

The Orlando Sentinel (MCT) - A new TV season brings new series jockeying for your attention. TV critic Hal Boedeker assesses this race of four hopefuls and says one should race to the front of the pack.

_"The Mentalist"

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

Time slot: 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.

Premise: Former fake psychic Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) uses his authentic savvy to help the California Bureau of Investigation and clashes with Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney).

Main attraction: Baker charms as cocky sleuth who breaks the rules and outwits evil-doers. He's Columbo as cover boy.

Prognosis: Promising. Stunning opening suggests the potential. It's Baker's show, and he excels. But guest stars impress, too. The opener features Gail O'Grady, Jeffrey Nordling, Zeljko Ivanek and Steven Culp.

_"Gary Unmarried"

Rating: 3 stars

Time slot: 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.

Premise: Painting contractor Gary Brooks (Jay Mohr) struggles after divorce. Can he cope with overbearing ex-wife Allison (Paula Marshall)? Can he find love with saucy Vanessa Flood (Jaime King)?

Main attraction: In this uneven sitcom, Mohr clicks with two youngsters as Gary's children. Ryan Malgarini amuses as awkward son Tom.

Prognosis: Not good. This rare family comedy ranges from sweet humor to jarring innuendo to jaw-dropping shock. Mohr is too frantic, and Marshall is too harsh, but Ed Begley Jr. delights as a goofy therapist.

_"Knight Rider"

Rating: 2 stars

Time slot: 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.

Premise: A high-rated TV movie last season paved the way for this flashy spinoff of the David Hasselhoff series. Justin Bruening plays Mike, son of Hasselhoff's character.

Main attraction: The vehicle KITT, which is often a Mustang, but can transform itself into any Ford model. KITT also flies, offers first aid and travels by rail.

Prognosis: Nostalgia won't be enough. Silliness limits this cartoon, which forces actors to take a back seat to know-it-all KITT (voice by Val Kilmer). Mike can't remember his past, and he faces a strange future. And The Hoff isn't here.

_"Opportunity Knocks"

Rating: Not available at press time

Time slot: 8 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.

Premise: A game show travels to a home and asks family members how well they know one another. Knowledge pays off in money and prizes.

Main attraction: The focus on family, but will "Opportunity Knocks" be feel-good or feel-bad? The former certainly lifted "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

Prognosis: Can't say. Executive producer Ashton Kutcher says the series pushes people's comfort zones. But he adds, "This show is not really about breaking up families. It's about bringing them together." We'll see.

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© 2008, The Orlando Sentinel (Fla.).