‘Chronicle’ more decent Sci Fi fare Network unveils show with little competition

One of the most reliable sources of fresh, edgy summer programming is the Sci Fi Channel. The cable channel shows new episodes of its original series during the summer, where they stand out among the network reruns and burn offs.

Now, the USA network is going one step further – introducing a new show during a time when many people aren’t watching. But then, something different and well-done has a better chance of flourishing in a time of limited competition.

“The Chronicle,” which debuts at 9 p.m. today, takes viewers behind the headlines of the tabloid The World Chronicle, which is a cross between the Weekly World News and “Men in Black.” It’s a place populated by aliens, mutants and demons.

The innocent entering this world is Tucker Burns (Chad Willett). Despite his recently graduating from the prestigious Columbia School of Journalism, a stink of a student scandal lingers upon him, and no legitimate newspaper will hire him. So he finds himself outside the rundown structure which houses the Chronicle.

Figuring his reputation is already shot, the desperate Tucker takes the reporter job offered by crusty publisher Donald Stern (Jon Polito, “Homicide”). He soon meets his fellow reporter and alien abductee Grace (Rena Sofer, “Ed”) and gung-ho photographer Wes (Reno Wilson).

Tucker believes he’ll be writing fiction, but his beliefs in what is real are soon shaken by what he experiences both in the parallel universe that is the Chronicle office and while tracking a “bloodsucker” out in the field. He’s soon changing, to the discomfort of his yuppie girlfriend.

While it’s not among Sci Fi’s best, such as “Farscape” and “First Wave,” “The Chronicle” is good campy fun, and is much better done than the network’s sexy space spoof “Lexx.” It brings to mind the cruelly short-lived “Good vs. Evil” in its mixture of the mundane and the paranormal. It’s a charming way to while away an hour on a summer’s night.