USA Network's Crime Drama, In Plain Sight
A Drama About Witness Protection and Dysfunctional Families
Aug 15, 2008
"In Plain Sight," USA Network's series about the Witness Protection Program (WITSEC), has a simple storyline. U.S. Marshal Mary Shannon, played by the immensely appealing and talented Mary McCormack, protects people who give testimony against criminals that want them dead. This protection comes with a heavy price. Those who participate in the program must take one bag of their belongings and relocate to Albuquerque, New Mexico. As if that's not bad enough, they must cut all ties to family (except spouses and children), friends and their former professions.
A Quirky Cast of Characters
Due to the secretive nature of her work, Mary herself is unable to fully discuss what she does with her loved ones; she must be content to banter with her partner, ultra-deadpan trivia maniac Marshall Mann (Frederick Weller) and her nervous, unpredictable boss, Stan McQueen (Daniel Ben-Victor). As is par for the course with male-female pairings on television, Marshall and Mary have feelings for each other. Marshall, however, is a womanizer, whereas Mary is sort of, maybe, in a relationship with another man -a gorgeous baseball player named Raphael Ramirez (Christián de la Fuente) who wants more from Mary than she can give.
Family Dysfunction
Mary's weak, sexy sister, Brandi (Nichole Hiltz), and her alcoholic, hot-to-trot mother, Jinx (Lesley Ann Warren) are the bane of her existence. In last weeks' episode, Mary mused, "My family is literally going to be the death of me." After Jinx and Brandi move in with Mary (uninvited and unwanted), their problems begin taking over Mary's life. Jinx flits from man to man and job to job, whereas Brandi's desperation for love and acceptance takes her into dangerous, criminal waters, involving a very bad boyfriend and a suitcase full of crystal meth. Meanwhile, Mary's father (who is discussed but unseen) is a notorious lawbreaker who has been on the FBI's Most Wanted List for 30 years. If you're wondering how Mary passed the security checks to become a U.S. Marshal while toting this type of family baggage, you're not alone.
A Weak Storyline
A law enforcement series always struggles with balancing the characters and the straight-ahead crime-solving aspects of the story. When the formula is correct, a series can go on for decades (e.g., "Law and Order"). Unfortunately, "In Plain Sight" is losing its focus. Mary has taken a back seat to her more colorful, but less relevant, mother and sister. Lately, the viewer has been treated to the sight of Jinx auditioning for "Sweet Charity" (note: Lesley Ann Warren's still got it), and numerous episodes of Brandi in revealing outfits, whining about something she's brought on herself. Where are the witnesses, and why aren't they being protected?
Imperfect, But Promising
The series finale takes place this Sunday. When "In Plain Sight" returns, will it be retooled to maintain a better balance between Mary's work and family life? It's worth finding out. Despite its flaws, the series has too much promise to be abandoned.
