This Bridge delivers!

There's a gem emerging in the summer TV sock drawer - our pals over at FX continue to deliver some creative, hard-edged alternatives to network. Following in the footsteps of The Shield, Sons of Anarchy and The Americans, their new series - The Bridge - looks to be a gripping new addition.

Like The Killing, The Bridge is inspired by a Scandinavian TV series of the same name, with the action moving to the U.S./Mexico border crossing between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, the titular bridge being where a murder victim is found that will involve law enforcement from both sides of the border. Demian Bichir is the detective from Chihuahua, holding onto the last vestiges of honor in the midst of a corrupt polic force. Bichir's eyes have the narrowing size-up of Robert De Niro in his prime. Diane Kruger (Inglorious Basterds) as his American counterpart is trying to function despite what appears to be Asperger's syndrome, and redefines blunt in moments that would normally call for extreme empathy. Forget National Treasure - Kruger is amazing here, with a haunted, self-conscious stare that reminded me of Rooney Mara's Lisbeth Salendar. Both performances aren't showy - they - and pretty much everything about the pilot - are anchored in solid realism, with near feature film production values and a unique atmosphere, beautifully shot. Genre vet Ted Levine rounds out the cast as Kruger's weary boss. Based on the 90-minute initial episode, The Bridge stands a good shot of becoming the show that The Killing should have been.

The networks are flooded with serial killers lately - The Following, The Killing, Hannibal, Dexter - I hope The Bridge doesn't get lost in the Visqueen. I know I'll definitely be tuning in next week - you should definitely check it out, Wednesday's at 10 on FX. What I want to know is, what the hell is in Anabeth Gish's husband's secret room?!?