Secrets and spies: New TV drama ‘Eyes’ has ’em

The term “private eye” often conjures up the image of a dark office in a seedy part of town, with the gruff lone-wolf investigator aided by his faithful gal Friday.

“Eyes,” debuting at 10 tonight on ABC, offers an intriguing update on that old TV staple. Instead, the show is set inside a brightly lit architectural marvel, with all the characters attractive in their power business wear.

In the new series, the upscale firm of Judd Risk Management is headed by Harlan Judd (Tim Daly, “Wings”), who is both impulsive and sharp-witted. He’s aided by investigators Nora Gage (Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, “NYPD Blue”) and Chris Didion (Rick Worthy) and lawyer Leslie Town (Laura Leighton, “Melrose Place”). The firm tackles cases with high stakes, operates on both sides of the law, and uses lots of fun electronic toys.

What makes “Eyes” engaging is that in addition to having clients with secrets to protect, the firm’s staff has its share of secrets as well, including an intra-office affair and corporate espionage. No one is exactly as they seem in this fast-paced series created by reliable producer John McNamara, whose resume includes three too-short-lived programs, “Fastlane,” “Profit” and “The Fugitive” update (which also starred Daly).

“Eyes” completes a solid Wednesday night lineup of drama on ABC, replacing the reality freak show “Wife Swap.” With “Eyes” following the breakout hit “Lost” and the serpentine “Alias,” nothing will be as it seems on ABC.

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