TVSquad

Who would've thought The A-Team would work in 2009? OK, so Leverage is slicker, better scripted, and it features 89% less explosions than The A-Team, but the show's concept sure reminds me of Hannibal and B.A. Baracus' 1980s exploits as "soldiers of fortune."

TNT's freshman drama centers on a group of criminals turned Robin Hoods who pull off elaborate schemes to take down the dirty dogs of corporate America. So far, Leverage has earned decent ratings and high praise from critics (Squadder Debra McDuffee called it "the best new show this season."), and TNT is rewarding it by green lighting a second season.

TNT has ordered 15 season two eps of Leverage. There are no plans to move the show from Tuesday nights, where it has flourished since its premiere last December. Fans of good TV everywhere should be pleased.

So what's the key to the show's success? I think it's a combination of things. The ensemble cast, headed by Timothy Hutton, is a joy to watch, and the show feels modern and retro at the same time. Like Burn Notice, Leverage repackages old school TV concepts (the heist, the Robin Hood angle, covert ops-type stuff) with high style and fast-paced storytelling. Simply put, it's not the most original thing, but it's a lot of fun to watch. Oh, and I can't forget to credit Christian Kane's awesome hairdo. I'm sure that has a lot to do with it.

TNT also recently announced the development of two new scripted series: Time Heals, a medical drama starring Jada Pinkett, and The Line, starring Dylan McDermott as an undercover cop. Both series are expected to premiere later this year.