They're often stale, tedious, and rehashed plot lines that we've seen a thousand times over, but I'll admit this: "Da Vinci's Inquest" isn't bad. In fact, it's really good. If a cynical television viewer like yours truly can enjoy it, I think "Law and Order" buffs will eat this up with a spoon and smile through every box set, because it's every bit as good as those spin offs.

A Canadian television show, "Da Vinci's Inquest" season one (with no DVD Extras) that stars Nicholas Campbell as Dominic Da Vinci, a coroner and investigator who tries to juggle his personal life and his work obligations. While you groan at this premise, the series is saved by great performances particularly by Campbell who is crusty and charismatic while never trying to showboat. Whenever playing his character low key, he shines as a bonafide scene stealer given the best moments on camera, and delivering every line like Columbo.

His personal storyline is especially good as he is forced to work side by side with his wife whom he divorced after a bitter separation left their relationship barely in tact. On the side he's also dealing with an alcohol problem that promises to ruin his career sooner or later, if he doesn't come to grips with the problems in his life soon.