Drive Premiere Review

Fox’s new drama "Drive" made its broadcast debut Sunday and it wrapped its series premiere in a one-hour episode in its regular timeslot the next night. "Drive" airs in the "Prison Break" timeslot and leads in to "24" and the series takes cues, including some stars, names and character background influence, from both other Fox shows. In addition to that, this is "The Fast and the Furious" meets "Death Race 2000" and despite previews that make the show look more flash than substance, the premiere has definitely planted a firm leg to stand on with thick plot foundations and solid lead characters.

The stars are gathered from all over TV and some movies. Everyone has their reasons for racing as the hook goes, but some are definitely proving more interesting than others and are surprisingly likable and intriguing. But most notably at the forefront is Nathan Fillion, whose wife (Amy Acker) has been kidnapped. Both are Whedon alums, Acker from "Angel" and Fillion from "Buffy" as well as being Captain Malcolm Reynolds, one of the greatest characters in sci-fi since Han Solo and unfortunately one of the most underappreciated.

Among the rest, there’s Kristin Lehman as Corinna, who has a personal investment and history with the race and is deeply sympathetic to Fillion’s character Alex Tully because of her past run-in with the race. You might recognize Lehman from several shows, including "Prison Break," but I remember her mostly from her first big electric small screen appearance on "The X-Files" as Invisigoth in the episode "Kill Switch." Yet another more interesting female at the lead has stolen the spotlight, and that’s Melanie Lynsky as new mom Wendy Patrakas who is trying to protect her baby Sammy from a father who scares us even though we know next to nothing about the man. You may recognize Lynsky from the Drew Barrymore film "Ever After" and before that, the Kate Winslet film "Heavenly Creature."

Fillion’s Alex and Lynsky’s Wendy are definitely in the lead places for my favorites. Close behind is a tie of two pairs, both seeming that they might intertwine. There’s Violet and her sick father John Trimble (Dylan Baker, whom you might know as Dr. Connors in "Spider-Man 2" and recognize him from about a dozen other miscellaneous roles). Their relationship as well as the humanity of their story is actually decently done as a sympathetic twist of humanity to all the others who are rather obsessed with the race. Tied with them is actually an underdog I never expected to come close to the head of my favorites, and that’s the Salazars, Sean and Winston (J.D. Pardo who’s appeared on "Standoff" and "The O.C." and Kevin Alejandro who’s appeared on "Ugly Betty" and "24"). This unlikely brotherly team has been united for the first time ever, and even as a rebel and outlaw who just met, they have a lot of potential for development as fascinating characters.

With so many contestants and racers and wheels and agendas, "Drive" is all over the map, and it’s gotten off to a speedy start and I’m with it so far. This series could have potential, especially in keeping viewers guessing who will actually cross the final finish line first and what will actually happen in the end. There’s a lot to consider, and if the show is successful, there’s no telling what a second season will be like or who will even be in it, because this format and plot might not lend itself to return ensembles like "24" and "Prison Break" or even "Lost" but it might have the staying power with these octane-fueled chase scenes, and better yet, some real meat on the bones of the race.

"Drive" is kicking into high gear, and viewers should hold on for the ride, because it’s getting bumpy and more dangerous as the road curves up ahead. If "Drive" keeps up its pace and makes good on its ride, then Fox may have its next big hit on its hands. I would definitely like to see "Drive" take off burning rubber!

Tune in and check it out Mondays at 8 p.m. on Fox, and visit www.fox.com/drive for bios, recaps and more.