Why do viewers find dramas about the Supreme Court supremely uninvolving? The new series "First Monday" (8 p.m., CBS) offers an object lesson in legal tedium, an unfocused story and the near criminal act of squandering a superb cast.
Any show starring James Garner, Joe Mantegna and Charles Durning is worth watching at least once. Unfortunately, the creators of "First Monday" don't have the good sense to give these three fine actors enough screen time. Our attention is diverted in about 90 different directions.
"Monday" opens on Justice Joseph Novelli's (Mantegna) first day on the Supreme Court. The crusty conservative Chief Justice Thomas Brankin (Garner) worries that the rookie might tilt the court towards bleeding-heart liberalism. And the court's resident liberals are hoping he will. But don't go looking for insightful political discussions or legal arguments here. Brankin smothers every conversation with football aphorisms. This seems particularly lamentable during a scene with the wheelchair-bound Justice Henry Hoskins (Durning). These two old pros deserve better dialogue, and viewers deserve more chances to watch them together.
Tonight's other highlights
John McEnroe hosts the new game show "The Chair" (7 p.m., ABC). "Dharma and Greg" and "Spin City" have been placed on hiatus.
Bugged-out by exterminator bills on "Gilmore Girls" (7 p.m., WB).
Palmer decides to air his family secrets in a speech on "24" (8 p.m., Fox).
More information from an unsavory informant (Lenny Venito) on "NYPD Blue" (8 p.m., ABC).
Amy throws the book at Kyle on "Judging Amy" (9 p.m., CBS).
Scheduled on "Dateline" (9 p.m., NBC): why two Florida brothers, who admitted to killing their father, have entered an innocent plea; an interview with nuclear scientist Wen Ho Lee, who was incarcerated for nine months on espionage charges that were later dropped.
"The Real World" (9 p.m., MTV) moves its false front to Chicago as it enters its 11th season.
Series notes
Fox shows and "Buffy" are repeats ... A SEAL goes on trial on "JAG" (7 p.m., CBS) ... Wendy feels threatened by Josh's bachelor humor on "Imagine That" (7 p.m., NBC) ... Intimidated by Donna's diary on "That '70s Show" (7 p.m., Fox) ... On back-to-back episodes of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (UPN), Willow uses occult powers to tap Buffy's subconscious (7 p.m.), and Buffy would rather die than see Dawn harmed (8 p.m.).
Kissing and telling on "Three Sisters" (7:30 p.m., NBC).
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