Premise
After successful lawyer Jason Payne (Chris O’Donnell) has a nervous breakdown, he is assigned support in the form of Shultz (Adam Goldberg), another attorney with psychiatric issues. Shultz soon completely integrates himself into Payne’s life both professionally and personally.

Note: Rachel Leigh Cook, who plays Payne’s troubled friend in the pilot, is reportedly leaving the series.

Where Have We Seen This Before
The Odd Couple of law mixed in with a little insanity (ala the movie Crazy People, replacing advertising with law)

Our Take
The pilot may be amusing, but the show could very easily get “lost” among all the different 9pm dramas out there. It is also important to note that Head Cases is only on the schedule until January when it will be displaced by American Idol.

Familiar Faces
Chris O’Donnell (Movies Batman & Robin/Scent of a Woman), Adam Goldberg (The Street)

Premise
The Pentagon plays the backdrop for Jerry Bruckheimer’s new one-hour drama. When the safety of the nation is the ultimate goal, conflicts between military officials and civilians arise. Their interactions are revealed as they ultimately come to decisions that affect the nation and the world.

Note: The character of the lead actor’s wife has been eliminated since the pilot was shot.

Where Have We Seen This Before
The “Behind the Scenes” nature of The West Wing in the Pentagon

Our Take
E-Ring faces the same challenge as the other new 9pm dramas, a glut of choices for the viewer. Complicating matters in January will be the return of American Idol to the 9pm time slot.

Familiar Faces
Benjamin Bratt (Law & Order), Dennis Hopper (Movies Speed/Easy Rider)

Premise
Related follows the lives of the four Sorelli sisters. They live their separate lives in New York while also coming together when needed as a family.

Note: Since the pilot, the producers have replaced Laura San Giacomo with actress Kiele Sanchez. However, Sanchez may actually be playing the second-oldest sister whereas Giacomo played the eldest.

Where Have We Seen This Before
The NBC series Sisters

Our Take
Chemistry between the actresses playing the sisters will play a key role in determining the success or failure of this show. As that dynamic has been changed since the pilot, it is hard to predict what might happen.

Familiar Faces
Jennifer Esposito (Spin City), Lizzy Caplan (The Pitts), Kiele Sanchez (Married to the Kellys/That Was Then)