The Americanization of "Cracker" seems destined not to please much of anybody.
Fans of the British series, which stars Robbie Coltrane as cranky, difficult, crime-solving psychologist Gerry "Fitz" Fitzgerald, aren't going to be happy to see Robert Pastorelli ("Murphy Brown") in the role. And they aren't going to be happy with the way the show - which is seen on cable's A&E - has been toned down for Americans.First-time viewers, on the other hand, are going to be put off by the fact that Fitz is such a thoroughly unlikable character. He cheats on his wife, drinks, smokes, gambles and is your basic lout.
He does solve crimes, however. And the crime aspects of Thursday's pilot (8 p.m., Ch. 4) are the best thing about "Cracker."
Actually, it's a rewrite of a British episode. A young woman with an obsession with Fitz is luring young men back to her apartment, handcuffing them to her bed and electrocuting them.
(This is definitely not a show that's suitable for the entire family.)
The story gets rather tense and somewhat involving - not to mention a bit annoying because it's the first of a two-parter that won't conclude until next week.
And while there are a number of likable characters, you feel sorry for them because they have to put up with Fitz. He makes everybody around him miserable.
Whether Americans are going to tune in every week to watch a this jerk solve crimes is highly questionable.