Aquarius

On paper, this series sounds like the cheesiest of setups, and indeed, viewers should be forgiven for feeling a little weary of crime dramas. That said, Aquarius is well-written, and as usual, good writing, deft characterization, and swift plotting make up for the downsides. For example, another show would use the period setting as an opportunity to unleash primo vintage costumes and settings; Aquarius is rather visually blah. But the show does manage to wring excitement out of a truly hokey and hackneyed premise, injecting urgency by introducing a vulnerable young girl who's on a collision course with disaster. The viewer knows it, but the characters on-screen don't, which adds dramatic weight to what otherwise might be a rather rote drama. Duchovny is reliably good and well-used in a sardonic, deadpan role. Gethin-as-Manson and Damon also are live wires, fun to watch do terrible things. This one's worth a look, particularly for Duchovny fans or those fascinated by the Manson family.