“Ties that Bind” UP launches new cop & family drama

The UP Network continues it’s mission to “uplift” viewers with a new original dramatic series about cops and a family, “Ties that Bind.”

Kelli Williams (“The Practice”) is Seattle detective Allison McLean who with her partner, Devin Stewart (Dion Johnstone), arrests her brother, played by Luke Perry, for aggravated assault. This means his two teenaged children will go into foster care. But Allison and her husband Matt (Jonathan Scarfe) decide to bring the kids into their home, joining their own two teens. It’s a set-up for conflict, challenges and most assuredly, reconciliation.

I only saw the first episode and I liked it. The show is not exactly edgy but it’s more of a serious drama than we might expect from UP. If the series plays out from the first episode, it should be interesting, especially if it avoids preachiness and adds in humor. It reminded me a little of the recently concluded series “Parenthood.” However, it’s still a police procedural. Let’s hope it will be original.

I know I will like the series if it resolves conflict in non-violent ways even amidst violence and turmoil. I’m glad they have invested in a family drama that isn’t really for the little ones who should be in bed anyway.

Kelli Williams is always good.

I will be traveling so I’m going to set my DVR.