I’m frustrated and I blame it on Mary McCormack.

No, not that kind of frustration, although McCormack certainly could provoke it. I’m talking about the feeling that comes when a highly anticipated show falls short, as is the case with USA’s In Plain Sight.

In Plain Sight, which was called Mary Sunshine when first announced, stars McCormack as Mary Shannon, a U.S. Marshal who relocates and protects people in the witness protection program. Mary is a strong, independent woman who is good at her job and is treated as an equal by other officers, including her quirky partner, Marshall (Fred Weller). Marshal Marshall, heh!

Sounds like a great premise, right? Early reviews suggested that In Plain Sight would serve as the female equivalent to another successful USA series, Burn Notice. I even read a comparison to the much-lamented Karen Sisco. Plus, the fab Lesley Ann Warren plays Mary’s mom, Jinx. Cool. … continue reading

Springtime sweeps have come and gone, but don’t turn off your TV just yet. While you can expect more than your fair share of reruns, there are lots of new shows hitting the small screen this summer — and some of them are even scripted!

Throw in returning favorites like The Closer, Weeds and My Boys, and it’s shaping up to be a halfway decent TV line-up for women (well, if you don’t count all the reality-show rejects leftover from the fall writers strike). Check out our guide to the good, the bad, and the WTF of summer programming.

SCRIPTED SHOWS

(All show times based on EST)

In Plain Sight

(June 1 at 10 PM on USA)

The Premise:

Mary McCormack packs some major heat (oh, and she carries a gun, too) as a U.S. Marshall who relocates people into the federal witness protection program. She’s a pro at helping witnesses start new lives — the problem is she can’t seem to get her own under control.

The Prediction:

DVR-worthy! USA has a good track record (Monk, Psych, Burn Notice) for creating this type of cool yet quirky detective series. Now if they’d only bring back the 4400.

Swingtown

(June 5 at 10 PM on CBS)

The Premise:

In the midst of a gas crisis, unrest in the Middle East and the social and political upheaval of 2008 1976, a family moves into an upscale Chicago suburb, looking for a little more peace and quiet. They find just the opposite, thanks to their swingin’ neighbors.

The Prediction:

Wow, CBS is airing a show about swingers? Didn’t see that one coming. While it seems better suited for HBO or Showtime, I’m definitely intrigued by the concept — and by Molly Parker (Deadwood), who plays the wife.

Fear Itself

(June 5 at 10 PM on NBC)

The Premise:

Each week, a different “Master of Horror” brings his or her (most likely his) thrilling tale of blood and guts to a TV near you. Stars set to appear in an episode include Cynthia Watros (Lost), Shiri Appleby (Roswell), and Elisabeth Moss (The West Wing).

The Prediction:

I liked this show the first time I saw it … when it was called Tales from the Crypt. I’ll probably stick with Swingtown in the 10 p.m. slot. … continue reading

UPDATED POST: This post was first published on Friday. But there's new news. Read on!

Last week, the rumor mill had Sarah Jessica Parker starring as one of the fiancées in the madcap comedy Boeing-Boeing — she was to play the Italian air hostess. Given that she has some solid Broadway history and even more interesting Off-Broadway history, that could have been fun casting. However, it seems the rumor mill was not correct this time. Alas. The latest casting news is not exactly depressing, though — Gina Gershon will be the Italian assistente di bordo.

You may know her better as Corky.

Gershon doesn't have a lot of Broadway history — just a stint as Sally Bowles in Cabaret. But apparently she was good. I almost wish Boeing-Boeing was a musical so I could see her sing live. (Although I suspect it would be different than this Prey for Rock 'n' Roll excerpt.)

The other actress recently cast in Boeing-Boeing is Mary McCormack (West Wing, K Street), as the German flight attendant. … continue reading