ABC’s new slate of shows is clearly the strongest.

Still, I’m not sure how their military drama ‘Last Resort’ is going to go.

I tuned in Thursday out of curiosity. I’m a big fan of Andre Braugher, Scott Speedman and Dichen Lachman.

Let me start out by saying the show is definitely high concept.

In a nutshell, the USS Colorado is ordered to fire nuclear weapons on Pakistan. The order is routed through a secondary relay tower in Antarctica. Braugher’s Captain Marcus Chaplain and Speedman’s Commanding Officer Sam Kendal have their keys at the ready when they decide to question the order.

Essentially, the Colorado surfaces far enough to show that there has been no attack on American soil. While they radio in for confirmation of the order, they are fired upon by another submarine.

When the crew realizes they were fired upon by Americans they’re understandably concerned. When it’s broadcast on television, though, the U.S. Government reports that Pakistan downed the Colorado.

In an attempt to find a safe haven until they can figure it out, the Colorado docks at a small island with a NATO base. There, Braugher essentially declares the island a small nuclear country and tapes a video to be released to the world about what really happened.

That’s how the first episode ends.

First, the good: Braugher is a steady presence on the show. He’s always been a good actor – and he continues to be here. He’s so good, he straddles a fine line. Is his captain really doing what’s best for his crew or is he a little unbalanced?

Speedman’s Kendal is also intriguing. He calls his wife – played by the suddenly everywhere Jessy Schram – to tell her not to believe any lies about him. Despite his dedication to his wife, they’re clearly setting up some forbidden love story with Daisy Betts’ character. There’s a lot of longing glances from afar going on.

Ironically, while I tuned in for Speedman I was more drawn to Daniel Lissing’s conflicted character James King. His back story is the one I’m most looking forward to investigating – including what his mission was and how he’s responsible for what is transpiring now.

‘Last Resort’ is clearly a political show – and that’s fine. I just think a lot of military types are going to be rubbed the wrong way by the program’s message.

Not only is the premise of the project that the military will kill their own to start an unjustified war – but also that you should always question orders when you might not necessarily believe in them.

Now, I’ve never been in the military. I do believe they serve a vital service to this country and deserve respect. I’m guessing it’s a big no-no to question orders, though.

If the ‘Last Resort’ crew members are portrayed as heroes for defying orders, I’m guessing there’s going to be a certain portion of the population that aren’t going to like it (especially in today’s political climate).

‘Last Resort’ debuted to 9 million viewers – that’s not a strong number. It is essentially just slightly above last year’s ‘Charlie’s Angels’ reboot (and that died a quick death).

While I’d be curious to see where they’re going with this show – I don’t think ‘Last Resort’ will survive past half a season.

Is it too early to request Speedman grow his hair out and return to the ‘Underworld’ franchise where he can walk around in all of his gratuitous shirtless glory??

What do you think? Did you like ‘Last Resort’?