A "Three Rivers" stumble

Since CBS sent the pilot of "Three Rivers" to media outlets earlier in the summer, things have changed.

First, there was the recasting of one character (the role played by Juliette Binoche is now played by Alfre Woodard) -- a fine, harmless change.

But the problem the show faces now is the switch-up of episodes. The one you'll see premiering at 9 p.m. today on CBS is completely new. That in itself is not a problem. The problem lies in the lack of backstory audiences will have about a key character: Ryan Abbott (Christopher J. Hanke) is a newbie to the organ donation team. In fact, as the assistant to the transplant coordinator, he's had zero experience in medicine. Mostly, he's been a radio DJ and reporter. He's clearly out of his element.


In tonight's "Three Rivers" debut, we don't learn anything about Ryan's history. And when he confronts the ambivalent daughter of a potential organ donor in the hospital, it's a shocking, upsetting moment. It's a moment that might -- and should -- make viewers think, "What was he thinking? Does that really happen?"

Of course it doesn't. And of course television dramas take artistic license with their scripts. But if viewers knew of Ryan's novice status, they might better understand the outburst -- he doesn't know any better. Instead, the confrontation leaves a bad impression.

Here's hoping CBS works to quickly clarify Ryan's story (and, on a side note, puts the teeth back into Katherine Moennig's character that existed in the original pilot and seem stripped in the new debut).

Organ donation is an important topic for a show to highlight. Let's hope CBS doesn't blow this awesome opportunity.

To sign up on your state's organ donor registry, visit www.donatelife.net