Past Life will get post-American Idol spot for premiere

Fox continues to use American Idol as a magnet to attract viewers to sample its other shows, including newbies like The Human Target. And last year, Glee. With that same philosophy in mind, Fox's Past Life is getting an American Idol boost. On Tuesday, February 9, Past Life will premiere at 9 p.m. following American Idol.

From a programming point of view, they don't go together. You're not likely to get the same viewer lapping up the songs and shtick on Idol that will get into the psychic/sci-fi vibe of Past Life. But that's not the point because ultimately, this is about getting a sample. Past Life will be on Thursday, February 11-18 after Bones, then get another post-Idol goose on February 25-March 11.

Past Life is all about reincarnation. The premise, which has echoes of Fringe, Bones, Lie to Me, The X-Files not to mention Ghost Whisperer and Medium, is based on a book by M.J. Rose called The Reincarnationist, but the TV adaptation is penned by David Hudgins who has ties to Friday Night Lights. That's good pedigree to me.

The premise involves an odd-ball team solving age-old mysteries led by Dr. Kate McGann (Kelli Giddish), a psychologist who believes in the reincarnation because she's had an experience that has haunted her. Skeptical former New York cop Price Whatley (Nicholas Bishop) is her partner. They work at The Talmadge Center for Behavioral Health in New York City, run by Dr. Malachi Talmadge (Richard Schiff), who believes in the cause in his gruff, no-nonsense way. Comic relief is provided by the team's rookie, Dr. Rishi Karna (Ravi Patel).

I'll give Past Life a try for one reason, and that's not because it's coming on after American Idol. For me the draw is Richard Schiff. The West Wing veteran is a great actor. He did a terrific In Plain Sight last season. I'll check out Past Life for him.