‘The Deep End,’ premiering Thursday on ABC

Promotions for ABC’s new legal drama “The
Deep End” emphasize that the series is from the same network that
brought you “Grey’s Anatomy.” But the two shows have more in common
than a network.

“The Deep End” uses the “Grey’s” formula: Put a
group of young, talented and slightly damaged people in high-pressure
situations. Like “Grey’s,” “Deep End” works because the group is
interesting.

Dylan (Matt Long) is the lawyer with a heart, Liam (Ben Lawson) is the hunk and Beth (Leah Pipes)
is the stereotypical bloodthirsty shark. Malcolm (Mehcad Brooks) is a
little hard to peg because the character feels like a last-minute
addition.

Addy (Tina Majorino) is the most interesting as she tries to go from weakling to warrior.

Toss in Billy Zane as the kind of
boss who’s the first target in any office shooting and the series has
potential. The end of “Boston Legal” and “Eli Stone” have left ABC without a legal drama. The evidence is clear that “The Deep End” capably fills that void.

The Deep End

8 p.m. EST Thursday

ABC

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