ABC summer series'

Generally summer is a time for TV fans to catch up on what they missed during the regular season and watch the few cable and reality shows that air in the summer.

ABC has decided to capitalize on the lack of competition by premiering three new series. On June 20, the network aired the first episodes of "Scoundrels" and "The Gates." Today I'll be reviewing the premiere episodes and looking ahead to the future of both shows.

"Scoundrels"

This is a show about a family of criminals, who go straight after the father is sent to jail. The first episode was strictly for set up purposes. Ideally a great first episode sets up the story and draws the audience in.

"Scoundrels" was a pretty mediocre show with familiar characters and plotlines. The only saving grace came from the talent of the cast, who did their best to hide the material. Matriarch Cheryl West is played by Oscar nominee Virginia Madsen. She does most of the heavy lifting in the first episode as she chases her kids around town, trying to keep them out of trouble.

The accomplished cast also includes David James Elliott ("Jag"), Levin Rambin ("All My Children") and Patrick Flueger ("The 4400").

The problem with this show is that it's so predictable, there's no enjoyment left for the audience. Sundays at 9 p.m offers much better choices, among them "Leverage," which does a better job of portraying a fun group of criminals.

"The Gates"

This is ABC's attempt at a supernatural mystery. "The Gates" is about a private community whose citizens all have secret supernatural backgrounds. There are vampires, werewolves and witches so far. Of course more beings could show up if the show progresses.

The first episode follows the new police chief as he and his family move to The Gates. Apparently, killing using one's powers is not allowed inside the community, so when a vampire breaks the rules, the cover-up peaks the chief's interest.

While less predictable than "Scoundrels," "The Gates" suffers from the common problem of too much story. With all the special characters to keep track of, the show fells like it's trying too hard.

The episode did feature one nice twist at the end, but I'm not sure it's enough to keep viewers interested. There is also the idea that with "True Blood" on at 9 p.m. on Sundays, "The Gates" won't be able to compete for the same audience.