New dramas hope viewers are willing to commit

‘Justice’
With high-energy and stylized visuals, it’s no surprise that FOX’s new series, “Justice,” (FOX, Wednesdays, 9 p.m. ET) comes from Jerry Bruckheimer. This courtroom drama focusing on media-savvy lawyers and their media-magnet cases wants to be the next “CSI,” a procedural drama that keeps tight focus on the procedures.

Attorney Ron Trott (Victor Garber) tells his colleagues their work is “trial by TV,” and he could be describing the series. The fast-paced storytelling and unnecessary but terrifically fun eye candy is the most appealing part of “Justice,” helping to mask any potential plot holes or unrealistic action. Several strong actors known primarily for supporting roles (Garber, Kerr Smith from “Dawson’s Creek,” Eamonn Walker from “Oz”) form a legal team with strong chemistry that give the special effects and stories something to hang on. In particular, Garber fans will be thrilled to see him playing a charmingly devious character who actually expresses more than one emotion.

“Justice” remains engrossing throughout its entire hour, but the real payoff comes in the last few minutes, after guilt or innocence has already been decided in court, when viewers learn whether or not justice was actually done.    —Andy Dehnart

‘Six Degrees’
In an alternate universe exists a magical island called Manhattan where bosom friendships are formed over manicures and everyone is attractive, interesting and connected to everyone else by six degrees — none of whom are Kevin Bacon.

FREE VIDEO 'Six Degrees' Random New Yorkers see their lives criss-cross in 'Six Degrees.' MSNBC

Created by J.J. Abrams of “Lost” fame, “Six Degrees” (Thursdays, 10 p.m. ET, ABC) bears a striking resemblance to that other island where mysterious forces draw together a disparate group of people. Unlike “Lost,” this mythic Manhattan doesn’t house a magnetic hatch (or comic relief). Instead, action is propelled by the simple act of a stranger, which ripples through the life of another. (Think “Lost” meets MySpace.com.)

“Six Degrees” goes something like this: Public defender Carlos has a crush on Mae, who's hiding out with recently widowed Laura who bonds over Sonic Youth (and nail polish) with advertising whiz kid Whitney who wants to hire photographer/recovering addict Steven (the vastly underrated Campbell Scott). There’s also Carlos’ new best friend Damian, a gambling addict and limo driver whose dark past means bad things for mystery Mae. While “Six Degrees” isn’t as hard to follow as it sounds, Abrams ain’t making it easy for an audience to suspend disbelief. Then again, two years ago “Lost” sounded stupid, too.   —Helen A.S. Popkin