'The Agency' has its wires crossed

"The Agency" Airs: 9 p.m., CBS (Channel 5) Stars: Gil Bellows, Rocky Carroll, David Clennon, Ronny Cox, Will Patton, Gloria Reuben, Paige Turco Most closely resembles: "CSI" Aaron's advice: Tape it. We've had shows that celebrated the NYPD, the FBI, the Judge Advocate General, even the less-than-cuddly California Highway Patrol. Suddenly we have three shows - "Alias," "24" and this one - inspired by our super-secret Central Intelligence Agency. In light of recent events, however, viewers may have problems buying "The Agency's" glamorous treatment of our top spook shop. There's cloak-and-dagger in this drama starring "Ally McBeal" alum Bellows and CBS stalwart Carroll. But much of the work takes place back at the lab, where forensics meets forgery as the dedicated staff members help the brave field agents track down the international terrorists. For sheer drama "The Agency" can't hold a candle to "24," but "CSI" fans may stay tuned for it. "Inside Schwartz" Airs: 7:30 p.m., NBC (Channel 41) Stars: Breckin Meyer, Bryan Callen, Jennifer Irwin, Richard Kline, Maggie Lawson, Miriam Shor, Dondre T. Whitfield Most closely resembles: The last pathetic sitcom NBC aired in this time slot Aaron's advice: Forget it. Already the chorus is ascending from the nation's TV critics: Get this clinker off Thursday nights! The critical consensus is that the more promising "Scrubs" (now on Tuesdays) should occupy this cozy post-"Friends" time period. Instead we get this little nothing of a sitcom about a nerdy guy who harbors illusions that he is a great sportscaster. He's not even a good comedian. And despite frequent cameo appearances by jocks and semi-famous announcers (Dick Butkus, Bill Walton, among others), the sports references in this show are inane. In other words, 7:30 is still a great half-hour to walk the dog and do the dishes. Aaron Barnhart's fall TV preview is online at www.kansascity.com. @ART CAPTION:Gil Bellows stars in "The Agency." @ART:Photo (color)