Looking at the synopses for CBS' new dramas, I couldn't help but sigh, "Been there, done that."

On the surface, we have two new cop shows, yet another show about a woman taking control of her life, and yet another rehash of "The Fugitive." But underneath, the shows are much more original.

The first cop show, "The District," stars "Coach's" Craig T. Nelson as the slightly eccentric, tough-as-nails new police commissioner in corrupt Washington, D.C. Jack Mannion is sandwiched between an egotistical mayor on the brink of scandal, an underhanded chief of patrol, and a police force filled with officers who are either on the take or just don't care anymore.

"The District" can be overly dramatic at times, especially when Nelson's character steps up on his soapbox. But overall, the show is intense and entertaining, with a powerhouse cast that includes underrated character actress Lynne Thigpen.

"C.S.I." follows a team of crime scene investigators in Las Vegas. Of course, each of the six main characters has his or her own story to tell. There's the tough-shelled single mother, the maverick, the young hotshot, the gruff boss and the tentative rookie.

The show's fast pace can be a bit distracting at times. With one episode following four separate storylines, it was not only hard to keep track of the action, but difficult to get emotionally involved with the characters. Some creative direction and art direction are what sets this drama apart from the rest.

CBS' crime spree continues with an update of "The Fugitive." This time around, the innocent doctor on the run is played by Tim Daly, and his pursuer is Mykelti Williamson.

This series seems to bring nothing new to the story that was already a 1960s TV series and a 1993 feature film. But the idea of a wrongly convicted man on a desperate cross-country search for his wife's killer is a compelling one. Watching "The Fugitive" gives a strong sense of déjà vu, but if it's a good TV memory, then why not?

The networks hit gold last season with empowering, female-driven dramas like "Once and Again," "Providence" and CBS' own "Judging Amy." CBS is hoping that lightning strikes twice with "That's Life," a light drama about a 32-year-old bartender who fulfills a lifelong dream of becoming a full-time college student, much to the dismay of her blue-collar friends and family.

The ensemble cast is led by Heather Paige Kent, who is charming as a woman both excited and scared by the possibilities that her new life path holds. Big guns Ellen Burstyn and Paul Sorvino play her parents. The whole premise of the show is about overcoming adversity, so the outcome is pretty obvious, but the story takes some unexpected twists, making it a worthy journey.

• "The District" and "That's Life" air Saturdays this fall on CBS.
• "The Fugitive" and "C.S.I." air Fridays this fall on CBS.

• Past Remote Access columns

Want to talk about your favorite (and least favorite) TV shows?
Let Denise know.

Note: Denise's column, Remote Access, appears every week in our Entertainment section. To be notified by e-mail of the newest entertainment column, click here.