CBS takes safe path in 2 new series ‘Dr. Vegas’ a predictable medical show; ‘Clubhouse’ lacking in depth

This fall, CBS will celebrate being No. 1 in the ratings last season by … taking no chances.

After all, with it taking so long to gain enough viewers, why risk offending anyone?

That would explain the two new dramas “The Eye” is unveiling this weekend.

First, at 10 tonight, is the paint-by-numbers “Dr. Vegas.” See, it doesn’t take a lot to create a sellable series. Take a hot location (Las Vegas) and a hot viewing trend (medicine) and cast it with familiar names (Rob Lowe, Joe Pantoliano, Tom Sizemore). Mix them all together, and how can it fail?

Well, that’s simple – offer no fresh ideas and do that ineptly.

In the series, Dr. Billy Grant (Lowe) is the in-house doctor at the Metro casino. Billy has an addiction, and let’s just say Las Vegas is totally the wrong place for him to be. He got the job after saving the life of Tommy Danko (Pantoliano), the casino manager.

Lowe again plays the flawed moral compass, as he did in “The West Wing” and last season’s underappreciated “The Lyon’s Den.” This time, Pantoliano is the lovable goombah (as in “The Handler”), rather than what he does best, the psychotic mook (“The Sopranos”). Sizemore (“Robbery Homicide Division”) is largely wasted as Vic Moore, the casino’s gambling director and enforcer.

“Dr. Vegas” can’t decide if it wants to be a serious drama or a lighthearted romp. And the viewer, who gets pulled along as the show lurches in every direction, probably will end up queasy.

“Clubhouse,” debuting at 8 p.m. Sunday, succeeds somewhat better only because it has less lofty ambitions. It’s that rare thing, a sweet family drama. Talk about the kiss of death in today’s mean-spirited TV landscape.

“Clubhouse,” which moves to its regular 9 p.m. Tuesday time slot Sept. 28, tells the story of Pete Young, a 16-year-old who becomes a batboy for his idols, the New York Empires.

Pete (played by Jeremy Sumpter) lives with his single mom, Lynne (Mare Winningham), and rebellious older sister Betsy (Kristen Storms). The Empires are all-consuming to him because his only memories of his deadbeat dad were going to Empires’ games.

But what should be the fulfillment of a fantasy turns complicated for Pete. For one thing, he’s cutting school and trying to keep the job a secret from his mother. Also, being a boy among overgrown boys isn’t as enjoyable as he pictured it. In addition to doing all the grunt work of his job, he has to deal with a territorial head batboy and arrogant players. He has to find a way to do what’s right without losing his dream.

“Clubhouse” enjoys a strong cast, including Winningham, Dean Cain as the team’s captain and Christopher Lloyd as the gruff equipment manager.

If only they weren’t trapped in such a piece of predictable schmaltz. Unless “Clubhouse” gains a little depth, it’s likely to be a quick strikeout.

Dale McGarrigle can be reached at 990-8028 or dmcgarrigle@bangordailynews.net.