New on the tube

'Hack' Airs: 8 tonight, CBS (Channel 5) Stars: David Morse, Andre Braugher, Matthew Borish, George Dzundza Nutshell: Tedious story of ex-cop forced to drive cab and solve crimes incognito while dealing with personal problems. The ongoing mystery of Andre Braugher's career continues on "Hack," where he plays the former partner of ex-detective Mike Olshansky (Morse). (Speaking of mysteries, what persuaded the brilliant minds at CBS to call this show "Hack"? Even "Olshansky" would've been better.) Last season Braugher had to compete with a cattle call of supporting actors even though his character's name was in the title of ABC's "Gideon's Crossing." Here, the supporting cast is just three, Morse's lead is drab, almost lifeless - and Braugher still can't buy a scene. Perhaps the new producer will change that. Yep, they've already switched show runners on "Hack," usually a sign of imminent cancellation but maybe not. (The previous show runner was working on two series; a CBS spokesman said the network wanted someone dedicated to "Hack." For more, see StarGazing in Preview.) Anyway, it's a low-risk Friday night series, so CBS will probably give it some time. Check back in a month; maybe things will have perked up. "Robbery Homicide Division" Airs: 9 tonight, CBS (Channel 5); episodes repeat 10 p.m. Saturday, USA, starting Oct. 5 Stars: Tom Sizemore, Barry "Shabaka" Henley, Klea Scott, David Cubitt, Michael Paul Chan Nutshell: Violent, stylized cop drama set in L.A. I guess I expected more from Michael Mann, now a high-powered Hollywood director who in the 1980s gave detective shows a shot in the arm with "Miami Vice." This show could make a small-screen star out of Sizemore, a well-traveled film actor who gets in your face as effectively as he does the people he's grilling. Guest star Mario Van Peebles is thrown in to give tonight's premiere added kick. But the gunplay and murder scenes - stretched out with slow-motion and instant replay - are much too much. I sure hope all the critics who are currently clucking their tongues at Fox's "Fastlane" aren't giving Mann a pass because he has "Ali" and "The Insider" on his resume. This is "Fastlane" in the slow lane, "Miami Vice" for a more bloodthirsty age, high-definition savagery turned into exquisite music video. Perhaps if there were some dialogue to go with all the killing, "RHD" would feel more worthwhile. Occasionally Sizemore breaks out of the "CSI" procedural banter and flexes his acting muscle. Not often enough, though. "That Was Then" Airs: 8 tonight, ABC (Channel 9); episodes repeat 9 p.m. Saturday on cable's ABC Family Stars: James Bulliard, Tyler Labine, Kiele Sanchez, Brad Raider, Tricia O'Kelley, Andrea Bowen, Bess Armstrong, Jeffrey Tambor Nutshell: The second of two new series about 30-somethings transported back to teen-agerhood takes itself too seriously. There is a very intriguing twist to "That Was Then" that makes it unlike any other time-travel show I've seen. I almost feel like divulging it now, because I doubt you're going to stick around for 55 minutes of the first episode to see it revealed. Especially if you've already seen the WB network's lighter, more charming "Do Over" (7:30 Thursdays, Channel 62), you'll find Travis Glass (Bulliard) too earnest, the friends and family who surround him too dreary and the story twists just not amusing enough. Like I say, the plot twist at the end may wind up redeeming future episodes of "That Was Then," but for now you may find yourself wishing afterward that you could travel back in time and get that hour back. To reach Aaron Barnhart, phone (816) 234-4790 or visit the TV Barn Web site at www.tvbarn.com. @ART CAPTION:David Morse (left) and Andre Braugher star in "Hack." @ART:Photo (color) @ART CREDIT:CBS