During the promotional commercials for the show, there was little that attracted us to "A Gifted Man.
" Trying to bring a review to our loyal followers about as many shows as we can, we felt obligated to give this program our full attention.
The premier episode gave us pause for thought as the writing, acting and directing were at a higher level than initially anticipated.
Michael Holt (Patrick Wilson ) is a wealthy surgeon thanks to his high level clientele.
His attitude stems from his materialistic values and he looks down on everyone, having horrendous bed side manners.
He treats his staff as if they were materials that he buys and sells at will.
The cold demeanor that he displays has little effect on his assistant Rita Perkins-Hall (Margo Martindale ), who is the only person in his life that can put him in his place.
Rita is the strength that Michael needs to hold court in his practice.
She wheels and deals his professional life, making sure that his number one focus is in the operating room.
There is no one else in his life that could get away with saying the things she says to him.
Daily, she keeps his work schedule on track and his financial triumphs in the black.
Her backstory will develop in time and will show a long allegiance to Michael.
Anna Paul (Jennifer Ehle ) is Michael's ex-wife and comes to visit him, but unbeknownst to him she has been killed in a car accident.
Their conversation has reminiscing overtones that allows them to reconnect to the things that brought them together in the beginning.
The love they have for each other became diluted over the years they were together, which drove them apart.
This new situation will bring them together in a whole new way as Anna shows Michael where the true happiness in life can be found.
Christina (Julie Benz ) is Michael's sister who keeps him grounded from his professional life.
With her connections, Michael pursues an opportunity to release Anna into the afterlife but his emotions are in disarray.
Anton (Pablo Schreiber ) is a self proclaimed shaman who knows he can assist Michael in extricating Anna's spirit from his life.
When an attempt fails, Michael refuses to admit that he can still see her.
Anton does not give up because he is certain that Michael is lying and he can feel Anna when in his presence.
Kate and Autumn both work at Anna's clinic and through the first two episodes have played a small role in the storyline.
As the story expands, these two roles will grow as well.
The foundation of the show is still developing and is in the early stages of establishing with the audience a bond.
This is a crucial component for a show where each role is not complex but deep and need time to attach themselves to the viewers.
I definitely needed to watch the second episode before making a solid decision as to the rating for "A Gifted Man.
" This was mostly due to not being mentally prepared as the commercials were cheesy and lacked substance.
The 8 o'clock slot on a Friday night at CBS has been reserved for the supernatural shows: "Joan of Arcadia ", "Ghost Whisperer ", "Medium " and now "A Gifted Man ".
With the exception of the second show they are all story driven with audience appeal.
"Chuck " will begin its final season on October 28, 2011 and their following is extraordinary.
The challenge will be to hold the audience and possibly add viewers as the season progresses, maybe even building a following on DVD.
Next season will have an opening to grab the top spot with little competition in this time slot.