StarzEntertainment

It's easy to see why Kelsey Grammer took the lead role in 'Boss' (10PM ET Friday, Starz). For almost any actor, the role of Mayor Tom Kane would be the equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet.

The role of Kane lets Grammer present his dramatic bona fides and put his 'Frasier' (and, er, 'Hank') personas to rest, and he's so good as the driven politician that he alone is almost reason enough to tune in.

The problem is, the show that's been built around the actor (who's also a producer on the project) isn't nearly as interesting as what Grammer brings to the screen, and the sluggish pacing and melodramatic excesses of 'Boss' could put off those drawn in by the actor's confident star turn.

"I am Spartacus!"

Okay. No, I'm not. But if Starz's Spartacus: Blood and Sand is any good, it could reintroduce a new generation of fans to the legend of a slave taking on an empire. The original Stanley Kubrick-directed classic is an immortal part of entertainment history, but it's one of those films that you don't see on TV much in the age of DVDs.

According to a network release, Starz will premiere their take on Spartacus in 13 one-hour episodes kicking off Friday, January 22nd at 10 p.m. If you see previews for the series and get flashbacks to 300, you're not imagining things. It's clear the producers tapped into that stylized, graphic novel style for the show's visuals.

Shot in New Zealand, the show employs CGI, digital imaging tricks and other cinematic effects to sweeten the show's look.