Previewing Memphis Beat

Not since Bowling Alley / Lawyer has there been an occupation title as wacky as Detective / Elvis Impersonator. But what else would you expect from the character formerly known as Earl Hickey. But Jason Lee has traded his trademark mustache for Elvis’ trademark sideburns (but his lack of hair keeps Lee from sporting the famous pompadour) for his new show Memphis Beat premiering tonight on TNT.

Besides a quick look opening and closing, we really do not get much of a view of Lee’s night job with most of the pilot on the beat (dare I say a Memphis beat) doing his best to solve the case of the week that involves an exploited elderly woman who at one point of the voice of Memphis as a popular DJ. But much to his dismay, this is also the day his new lieutenant shows up (in the form of Alfre Woodard, Desperate Housewives) and quickly sets herself apart from the former lenient one. Their first spat involves a lamp that Ralphie Parker’s dad would appreciate.

For those who can’t imaging Jason Lee as a detective, things get easier after DJ Qualls (Road Trip) is introduced as an uniformed officer with a knack for messing up. Though not listed in the credits, Memphis is another big character on the show from the locals to the music with Stax records getting plenty of spins in the first episode. Noted bluesman Keb’ Mo’ will even provide orginal compositions and performances for the show.

But bringing up the bowling alley / lawyer reminds me of Trust Me, the TNT series starring Tom Cavenaugh that lasted one season. The show was highly anticipated on my side with highly likable actors but the show just never came together. I get the same feel after one episode of Memphis Beat, the actor are great, but there is still something lacking to make it a great television show. Hopefully Memphis Beat finds its footing (and fast) or it will suffer the same fate as Trust Me.

Memphis Beat airs Tuesdays at 10:00 on TNT. The show is preceded by Hawthorne at 9:00 of which has its second season premiere tonight where Christina and her co-workers find themselves at a failing hospital after Richmond Trinity gets shut down.