ABC CONTINUES TO DOMINATE the summer’s new programming, following up “The Gates” and “Scoundrels” with “Rookie Blue.” (OK, dominating the sleepy summer TV season is like being the hottest guy at the local truck stop – but still.) And we like the network’s latest, “Rookie Blue.” Yes the formula is pure “Grey’s Anatomy” – take young new hires in [insert profession here] and show them battling their way through the rough early years. That’s been done with lawyers with ABC’s “Deep End” – and even astronauts in its whacked-out “Defying Gravity.” So “Rookie” is hardly original. That said, we think girl-next-door lead Missy Peregrym will be a strong draw. A standout from the sadly canceled “Reaper,” she fares well as a likeable and vulnerable newbie bumbling her way through her first bust – which coincidentally is of an undercover cop. But, like “Grey’s,” “Rookie” will live and die on smart writing for an ensemble cast. The premiere had its moments – but it’s June, and successive episodes will need to shine even brighter if “Rookie” is to catch on. Even odds on a well-done genre drama that we would have much rather seen in the fall. 6/30/10.
THE MARKET: Will “Rookie Blue” on ABC make it to a tenth episode? The show premiered on June 24. Trading will close immediately after its scheduled sixth episode on July 29. If ten episodes air, shares are worth $100. If not, they’re worth $0. Remaining episodes aired after a cancellation decision will not count toward the 10-episode requirement.
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