Another day, another cocky, good-looking, maverick TV detective in another out-of-the-way town. This time we are in South Florida, for “The Glades,” premiering Sunday on A&E. That network has not produced much original scripted drama, but with mysteries taking off all over basic cable — “The Glades” is created by Clifton Campbell from USA’s “White Collar,” with Gary Randall, from TNT’s “Saving Grace” as an executive producer — it must have seemed like a smart investment; and the show they’ve delivered is an accomplished if occasionally vexing affair.
Matt Passmore plays Jim Longworth — sounds like “Jim Rockford” to me — a former Chicago policeman who moved south after being shot by his captain. (It was a case of mistaken adultery.) Longworth has taken his settlement and settled in fictional Palm Glades, where he has joined the local branch of the state police, a job he hopes will not interfere with his golf. (When he’s called away in the middle of a round to assess a headless corpse, he declares his ball a crime scene not to be disturbed.) “Trust me,” he says, “if it ever gets too busy or dangerous, I’m out of here.” (more…)