Eastwick

EASTWICK

Network: ABC

Premiere date: Wednesday, September 23 at 10:00 p.m., ET

Cast: Paul Gross, Rebecca Romijn, Jaime Ray Newman, Lindsay Price, Ashley Benson, Jon Bernthal, Veronica Cartwright, Sara Rue, Johann Urb, and Cybill Shepherd.

Synopsis (from ABC):

In the seaside village of Eastwick, three very different women are about to discover some bewitching talents they never knew they had. And once they get together-- watch out. Something wicked their way comes.

There was a time when Roxanne, Kat and Joanna didn't get along because of their preconceived notions of each other. Roxie was the extrovert artist, Kat the overworked wife and mom, and Joanna the wallflower local reporter. But after a weird encounter in the park and a few martinis, these three women have suddenly become fast friends. Together, they wish for their lives to change.

And that's when the mysterious Darryl Van Horne arrives in town. His wealth, charisma and bad boy sex appeal are an irresistible combination for the three ladies. Mysteriously, he helps them discover their unique powers in ways they never could have imagined. But by igniting their hearts' desires, he might just be opening Pandora's Box.

He might not be Jack Nicholson, but he is the devil, and he plays it well.

The free-spirited and artistic widow Roxanne lives by her own rules; with a much younger boyfriend and a cash flow problem, she doesn't exactly cultivate favor among her neighbors. But Darryl's arrival in Eastwick seems to indicate that a change for the better is coming for Roxanne and her teen-aged daughter, Mia. What doesn't change are Roxie's vivid dreams, which may be premonitions for an exciting but dangerous future.

Joanna just wishes she could shut her mouth sometimes, especially as the most inappropriate words spill out at the most inappropriate times. But Darryl tells this uptight, bespectacled reporter that, if she would just look someone straight in the eye, she can give a proper voice to what she wants... and get it. To her shock, it works - namely on her longtime crush, Will. But is it real?

Kat wants a change in her life. A nurse, she possesses natural healing abilities and has an uncanny green thumb. But her powers can be destructive too, as she discovers when Raymond, her unemployed husband who spends his days observing life from a hammock with a can of beer, becomes their unintentional target.

As these enchanting women realize their talents, it doesn't necessarily bode well for some of the locals. Darryl's wealth stirs the pot just as Eastwick is going through tough times. When he quickly buys up the local businesses, including the town's newspaper, candle factory and a long-empty mansion, the locals become understandably curious about just who Darryl Van Horne is.

Among the curious is Joanna's co-worker and best friend, Penny. Since Darryl appeared on the scene, Joanna's been spending more and more time with Kat and Roxie - which means less time with Penny. Left behind, she decides to investigate the man who's stolen her friend.

Bun, the head of the Eastwick Historical Society, is like the fun and kooky aunt that Roxie never had. When Bun suddenly plunges into a coma at the very moment the three women spark a connection, waking only to blurt a bizarre warning about Darryl, it becomes clear that she may be a key to his mystery.

Eastwick is turned upside down as these enchanting women come into their own, but it's still the best thing to happen to this small New England town in centuries.

Based on John Updike's celebrated classic and the popular movie, "Eastwick" is brimming with romance, mystery and dangerous charm, offering a tempting vision of the ultimate wish-fulfillment fantasy.

What We Say:

Lindsay Price gives us the librarian look

I was in no way excited about this series when I first learned it had been picked up by ABC.  Sure, the movie was funny and great...in the eighties!!  Sure, the eighties were great, but I wouldn't exactly classify them as the epitomy of all that was every great at the movies and on TV.  Still, John Updike's bestselling novel is as good a premise today as it was twenty-five years ago.

Now, after having the summer to consider the possibilities, and after seeing a few preview clips and a screener for the series, I can say that I mark this on my must see list this fall.  If you saw the movie, and remember it, you'll see that they've kept it pretty much the same, except for some small alterations (that is if my memory serves me well).  And at least in the pilot the focus seems to be a lot more on the relationship that these three unique women have with one another, and not as much on the magic that they seem to possess.  The magic does, however, begin to rear its head soon enough, but in a more organic and free-flowing way.  If none of that does it for you, I'll give you three other reasons to watch it.  1. Paul Gross does fantastic as Darryl Van Horne. He's no Jack Nicholson, but he's also fresh and adds an edge to the role.  2. Lindsay Price is hot, sweet, and innocent all at the same time and this is the perfect show for her.  3. Rebecca Romijn...need I say more?