Coming to A&E tonight is the all new original drama, Breakout Kings.

Driven by the fact that there are few things more dangerous than a prisoner who has just escaped, and tired of following protocol and resorting to outdated methods of law enforcement, veteran U.S. Marshals Charlie Duchamp (Laz Alonso) and Ray Zancanelli (Domenick Lombardozzi) are taking an unorthodox approach to their work: using former fugitives (Jimmi Simpson, Malcolm Goodwin & Serinda Swan) to catch fugitives.

“Breakout Kings” follows U.S. Marshals Charlie Duchamp (Laz Alonso) and Ray Zancanelli (Domenick Lombardozzi) as they form a special task force composed of the three most elusive convicts Ray ever captured: Lloyd Lowery (Jimmi Simpson), a former child prodigy and behaviorist/psychiatric expert who excels in psychoanalysis; Shea Daniels (Malcolm Goodwin), an ex-gangbanger who knows how to work the system, both in prison and on the street; and Erica Reed (Serinda Swan), a sexy expert tracker who learned her trade from her bounty hunter father. Charlie and Ray also employ the services of Julianne Simms (Brooke Nevin), a civilian who acts as the “funnel” for the group – all information, tips and data go through her.

You are very protective, do you want to talk about it? – Lloyd

The “Pilot” episode of Breakout Kings introduces the two U.S. Marshals who have come together to form a new task force team with three former fugitives in order to chase down fugitives. These ex-criminals include, Lloyd, a psychiatric expert, Shea, the “entrepreneur,” and Erica, the ultimate con artist. Probably because of the rewards they are given if they do their job and behave on the job, the three former prisoners work very well together. The same cannot be said for U.S. Marshals, Charlie and Ray who do not seem to have an understanding as to exactly which one of them is leading the team. This makes for a very uncomfortable group environment. Thankfully, their issues do not get completely in the way of the tasks at hand. Otherwise, this show would definitely be unbearable. Also working with the team is Julianne, a civilian who acts as an assistant, more or less.

During their first job, Lloyd persuades Shea into not becoming a fugitive again, easy as it could be without “big brother.” Although honestly with these guys not really bringing anything incredibly unique to the table and acting as more consultants and undercover plants without weapons, it is hard to place what is so special about this type of premise…which is already on TV.

Interestingly enough, the problems that both the U.S Marshals and the former fugitives face on the job are not nearly as interesting as Lloyd’s personal life. Jimmi Simpson (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) really gives his character life and is definitely the most captivating character in the series. Viewers are teased with two phone calls between Lloyd and his mother and these conversations speak volumes about the relationship between the two. Lloyd seems to be the only one of the three former fugitives who is trying to move from his criminal past and unfortunately, that past is all his mother sees. This relationship is just heartbreaking and it is portrayed in such a perfect way. If there are any emotional moments in the first episode that will get to your head and your heart, they are Lloyd’s brief phone calls with his mother. Not only that, but Lloyd’s chemistry with con, Erica gives viewers more humour to look forward to in the next 12 episodes.

While Breakout Kings may take three ex-fugitives from various prisons to solve crime in various major cities, it certainly isn’t a breakout hit on television. Breakout Kings simply doesn’t reach the level of depth and intensity that is exuded from the promos. Some aspects of the show are gritty, but it is just not dark enough, or enough of whatever it aims to be in its tone. After watching episodes 101 and 103, I want The Cleaner back…and since that is not going to happen, I’ll stick with Leverage and White Collar. Still, feel free to watch Breakout Kings…it just might find its groove.

Breakout Kings the series premiere airs tonight at 10/9c on A&E.