Roth stars in surprising gem 'Lie to Me'

Tim Roth stars as Dr. Cal Lightman in the Fox series "Lie to Me". The complete second season hit shelves Tuesday and shows that good drama isn't that hard to find. "Lie to Me" airs on Fox Mondays at 9 p.m.

By CAINE GARDNER

Film Critic

"Lie to Me" could perhaps be the most underrated show on television and to be honest, I only discovered it when I received the second season to review. To say I was surprised would be an understatement.

Oscar nominee Tim Roth stars at Dr. Cal Lightman, an expert with facial microexpressions and involuntary body language. In short, he's like Santa Claus. He knows when you've been bad or good, and just like good ol' Saint Nick, you'd better be good for goodness sake.

Lightman head the Lightman Group, a crew who help serve local and federal law offices as well as government agencies. Whether they're searching for missing persons, proving or disproving the accused or delving into the characters' pasts, the series is quick and full of tension.

My favorite episode of the season was "Fold Equity" when Lightman, Dr. Gillian Foster (Kelli Williams) and Ben Reynolds (Mekhi Phifer) try to locate a missing finalist in the World Series of Poker. I love the fact they use their skills against people who lie as part of their job.

The biggest bummer for me was learning Phifer wouldn't be back for Season Three do to the series going a different direction and the Lightman Group parting ways with the FBI.

With all the reality television clogging up channels, it's refreshing to find good solid dramas lurking in their shadows. The reason I believe shows such as "Lie to Me" go virtually unnoticed is due to the fact it takes more than plopping down on the couch and shutting your mind off for the next 60 minutes or so.

"Lie to Me" Season Two consists of 22 episodes on six discs and includes "Dr. Ekman's Blog" on each disc plus deleted scenes. On the sixth disc also has "Dr. Ekman/Dr. Lightman -- Lie Detection Tutorial," "Eli Locker -- An Honest Man" featurette and a gag reel.

Final Cut: "Lie to Me" is a nice powerhouse drama with excellent acting and intriguing storylines. So instead of choosing another episode of the latest celebrity poorly dancing show, go for something that will get your brain working and leave you satisfied. You definitely need check it out.

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Lie to Me: Season 2

(22-Episodes on six discs)

Starring: Tim Roth, Kelli Williams, Mekhi Phifer, Brendan Hines, Monica Raymund, Hayley McFarland