Just as Anna, Joel and I wrapped up our previews for most of ABC's new shows for this Fall, a latecomer arrives at the TV Squad offices: Day Break. And while the same rules apply, where we're not really supposed to "review" the episode we were given (hence the "NOT FOR REVIEW" notice with the DVD), there's really nothing stopping us from giving you the preview lowdown.

Premise of screener: Taye Diggs plays Brett Hopper, a cop who quickly learns he's been framed for the murder of an Assistant District Attorney. He's apprehended and booked at the station, as a murder weapon was found at his place. While in jail that night, he's stolen away to meet those who want him to take the fall for the murder. That's when things get strange, when he wakes up in bed again on the same morning, reliving the day once again. And then again. We don't learn why, we don't learn how, and we don't learn what Hopper must do to make this day stop repeating.

I say: While this show definitely has the Groundhog Day aspect to it, it's different in two important ways. First, this is not a comedy at all. Second, unlike Bill Murray's character, it seems so far that Hopper can indeed die, as he carries over wounds from the, um, previous day.

I really liked this show and can see it surviving quite well on ABC. However, I'm somewhat concerned that, by seeing the same day episode to episode, we'll get sick of it. Viewers like me will think of clever ways for Hopper to solve the mystery and get frustrated when he doesn't think the same way. There's a lot of "I bet that person/thing will play a part at some point" moments that will be interesting to see in later episodes. Still, so far this is entertaining stuff I'll be adding to my regular watching schedule.

Day Break premieres Wednesday, November 15 at 9PM, right in the place where Lost will take a break.