FacingKate

How did USA become basic cable's most popular channel? They found a formula that works, and they stuck with it.

This week sees the season premieres of USA's 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' (Tuesday's debut, introducing a new detective played by Saffron Burrows, marks the beginning of season 9) and 'In Plain Sight' (starting its third season on Wednesday). Both series feature USA doing what it does best: offering quirky crimefighters who nail bad guys even as their own lives are falling apart.

Hey, remember that guy you liked on that show who you thought was going to become a big star but never got the break he deserved? Well, according to the Hollywood Reporter, two of television's "that guys" are finally getting their chance.

Amaury Nolasco, who is probably best known to audiences as Fernando Sucre on 'Prison Break,' and who also has been putting in time on shows like 'Southland' and feature films like the upcoming 'Armored,' will be joining the cast of 'The Quickening,' a new pilot for A&E. He'll be playing the ex-husband of fellow-detective Maggie Bird (Radha Mitchell), who is relegated to deskwork after she develops bipolar disorder.