You're reading PILOT BUZZ CENTRAL!
#24 THE MAN
Who picked it up? No one... CBS rejected it!
When does it air? See above
Who stars? LL Cool J, Melinda Clarke, and Mia Maestro, among others.
Why should you care? If CBS wanted some edge, this show would offer it. Part procedural, part family drama, LL Cool J took command as Manny "the Man" Baxter and offered a fierce performance blended with a poignant sensitivity. The supporting cast gelled, too, especially the always effervescent Melinda Clarke.
Why should you worry? Because this is one of two great CBS pilots that they didn't pick up! Not that their other picked up pilots were bad -- but this show has much more promise than fading The Unit or their giant crapfest Moonlight. When nets start worrying this much about production costs, especially a net making plenty of money like CBS, TV fans can know that quality is not always in the net's best interest. Oh, and did we mention CBS wouldn't actually own this series? Greedy bastards!
Bottom line? When The Unit falters, they'll wish they had The Man to save them. Until then, enjoy getting trounced by Dancing with the Stars, House, and probably even Chuck, CBS!