I am – Hercules!!

While surfing around at 9 p.m. wondering what to do until the arrival of the latest “Mad Men” (created and overseen by former “Sopranos” writer Matthew Wiener), consider having a gander at The CW’s “Easy Money” (created and overseen by former “Sopranos” writers Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider). I believe it may be my second-favorite new fall pilot and, come to think of it, the best pilot I’ve seen on the CW yet.

It’s an hourlong that follows a family operating a high-interest short-term New Mexico loan business, Prestige Payday. The family has grown rich off the misfortune of others by legally charging 25% weekly interest, which puts them somewhere between the loan-shark-y folks behind MasterCard and actual loan sharks. The always-great Laurie Metcalf plays boss mom.

The central character and adult middle child, Morgan Buffkin, proves good with his fists and exceedingly adept at outmaneuvering enemies of the family – something certain to come in handy given that a massive and menacing 500-pound Samoan has expressed an interest in getting into the outrageous-lending business himself.

Frolov and Schneider are veterans of “Northern Exposure” as well, and viewers might notice a bit of that series’ influence as Morgan wrestles with the idea that what he does for a living is pretty much completely evil.

Entertainment Weekly gives it an “B” and says:

… burns through a lot of TV clichés, from My Name Is Earl redneckiness to Saving Grace-ish action scenes, but there's an undercurrent of true emotion in Metcalf's tough-sweet demeanor. As her most-loved son, Jeff Hephner (The O.C.) gives a wonderfully low-key, charming performance, and with Judge Reinhold as a genial jerk, I'll keep watching.

The Associated Press says:

Acting chops aren't a problem for the odd but oddly endearing CW drama … has a solid ensemble headed up by Laurie Metcalf …

USA Today give it two and a half stars (out of four) and says:

… doesn't seem to know what or where it wants to be, landing in some netherworld between a broadcast comedy and an edgier cable drama. …

The New York Times says:

… “Easy Money” has as its executive producers Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider, alumni of “The Sopranos,” and it aims for a similar mood and tone of chiaroscuro. But it is as if they were using flashlights to produce it. It is as if Tony had gone around and explicitly rationalized his behavior to Anthony Jr. all the time by saying: “You know, kid, what we do here in the mob is no different from some of the things they’re doing down in Washington. I mean extortion, taxes, heck, same thing.” …

The Los Angeles Times says:

… easily the most intriguing new show of the season, if only because it relies on neither the great wealth, modern science or female bonding for its narrative thrust. … With undercurrents that would not be out of place in Shakespeare and top notes that are almost David Lynchian -- who is the old dude in the wheelchair with the parrot who keeps showing up in scene after scene? -- "Easy Money" is a welcome respite from television's fixation with either the overly lush or the overly noir. …

The Chicago Tribune says:

… one of the most interesting new shows of the fall season. … the whole enterprise benefits from smart pacing, intelligent writing and a specific sense of place. The creators of this comedically flavored drama clearly know what they're doing, and it's certainly worth taking a gamble …

The Washington Post says:

… Ambling along on a wavelength reminiscent of many an oddball amusement of recent years, "Easy Money" benefits from an ideally eclectic cast … The pace is languid and the ambiance laconic. "Easy Money" isn't the kind of show likely to clean up at Emmy time. But it has the same sort of eccentric, addled charm that marks an increasing number of current television shows -- a reaction, perhaps, to the high-tech, computerized, special-effected gadgetry available from so many other sources. This is a show you can curl up with and embrace -- but not too tightly, since whatever it has might be contagious.

The Boston Globe says:

… The premiere is sloppily made, as it careens loosely among plotlines and characters …

Variety says:

… Extremely topical, well acted and surprisingly touching … This world is inhabited by every type of get-rich schemer, social pariah and general loser, but is given enough depth and emotion to draw viewers in. Director Alik Sakharov deftly reflects this strange dichotomy of the pursuit of life, love and money amidst the sunny but stark landscapes of strip malls, strip joints and McMansions. Cast gives great perfs all around, especially Metcalf and Hephner, including a creepy guest spot by Judge Reinhold. It's character actor Nick Searcy, however, as the standoffish daddy Buffkin, who so subtly and perfectly portrays the dissociation of a morally bereft life.

The Hollywood Reporter says:

… a quirky, appealing drama … Although the premiere could be more energetic, there's enough going on to coax you to revisit the Buffkins. Hephner shows genuine star potential with his portrayal of brooding Morgan, the moral center of the show. His performance is reason enough to keep watching, though others also stand out. For example, Metcalf finds layers and layers within Bobbette, who will be increasingly challenged to hold the family together. …

9 p.m. Sunday. The CW.

Giant TV DVD Sale!!