letterten 2003-04 fall preview

debuts Wednesday, Sep 24, 10:00pm

premise from	It wouldn't be a television season without a new David E. Kelley show. Three inseparable brothers face family and career challenges in a this drama that celebrates small town life. Former high school hockey stars, they're now muddling through as Poland's mayor, police captain and unemployed paranoid. [CBS link]
stars	Randy Quaid ("National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation"), John Carroll Lynch, Chris Penn, Mare Winningham, Elizabeth McGovern, Ann Cusack, Megan Henning, Angela Goethals
producers	David E. Kelley, Michael Pressman
studio	David E. Kelley Productions, in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television

opinions
	Even though David Kelley put us (albeit briefly) through "girls club" last year, I'd never count him out. Randy Quaid shines at whatever type of role he takes on. Combine these two in a small New England town with a nice ensemble and a touch of "Picket Fences" -- this brotherhood could be around for awhile. I'm a big fan of NBC's "Ed" and I think this might have that type of vibe.
	At least Kelley made sure that the show looks right, capturing some superficial resemblance to New Hampshire. The actors are plausible as brothers and the show looks ready to capture some of the small town quirkiness Kelley brought to "Picket Fences." It's also clear that the women in the cast could become more interesting than the men in a hurry. Still, the chance to see Randy Quaid on ice skates will probably help this one outlive "girls club." From the clips, it was difficult to tell what the residents of Poland will be doing on a weekly basis, but there appeared to be lots and lots of snow and lots of hockey flashbacks.

my thoughts on "The Brotherhood of Poland, N.H."
	Probable full season. It's in a tough slot against "Law & Order" and the new "Karen Sisco," but it should hold its own. CBS might consider if this slot doesn't work, and if "Joan of Arcadia" falters, a Friday night move.