Capers

I always enjoy movies and TV shows about heists, cons and the like. Recently, the airwaves have been filled with them.

While some, like AMC's "Hustle," have really shined, others, such as FX's "Thief," have not. I had high hopes for "Thief," in part because it starred Andre Braugher, but it really fizzled thanks to its deliberate pace and irritating characters. "Heist," an NBC show that ran at the same time, had a little bit more charm to it (and I thought a more clever crime) but didn't find an audience and ended its six-episode run with an unresolved cliffhanger.

The latest entry in crime-on-TV is "Smith" (CBS, 10 p.m.) starring big-time actors Ray Liotta (Goodfellas) and Virginia Madsen (Sideways). Liotta plays a seemingly normal guy with a wife and family who is the leader of a gang of thieves in reality. Some of Liotta's gang includes Simon Baker and Amy Smart.

I have yet to see a pilot (thanks for the DVDs, CBS) so I can't say whether or not it's worthwhile, but I will be checking out tonight's episode at least.

TUESDAY'S BEST BET: So much TV, so little time. Oscar-winner Joel Grey guest stars on tonight's "House" (Fox, 8 p.m.), which is followed by "Standoff" at 9 p.m. If you want to watch "Smith" and don't want to change the dial, CBS airs the season premieres of "NCIS" at 8 p.m., followed by "The Unit." ABC kicks off its new run of "Dancing with Stars" (8 p.m.), which I might find myself missing. "Law & Order: SVU" makes its season debut tonight (NBC, 10 p.m.) as well.