Plot: Cheryl West (Virginia Madsen), determined to go straight, takes a job in a supermarket, which leads to a confrontation with the sleazy boss and an accusation of stealing from the register. Cal is working for the Hongs and finds himself in a decidedly unprofessional relationship with Mrs. Hong. Heather talks Hope’s screenwriting partner into shooting a modeling session.

Thoughts: Well, it was an improvement over the first episode, but so far this show is still just cycling through cliches rather than giving anything new or thoughtful. The unimaginative Cheryl-gets-framed plot was redeemed somewhat by the way it was resolved. Less forgiving is the Heather-wants-to-be-a-model subplot, which has gotten more tedious and ended the episode in a totally preposterous fashion. It seems the writers are just flopping back and forth between cliche and dreamland, skipping over everything in between. Unfortunately the in between is what makes good shows.

At this point, the only characters of any interest are Cheryl and Cal. Hope is more boring than engaging thus far, but at least she gives a glimmer of optimism. The rest of the cast is just rolling out well-worn roles. The police detective who doubts the ex-con, the detective’s idiot assistant, the store manager who harasses his female staff. Yawn.

One more week I think – if episode 3 doesn’t give something notable this show will probably drop by the wayside.