Smallscreen News

Don't Be So Cruel, Memphis Beat preview on TNT

By April MacIntyre Aug 18, 2010, 4:05 GMT

Jason Lee - © Image of Sport / PR Photos

"Memphis Beat" Tuesday night airs Episode 9 “Don’t Be So Cruel” (August 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT) on TNT.

“Don’t Be So Cruel” – A city councilman's aid disappears on the day of his wedding to the councilman’s daughter. But a missing reporter, a cryptic phone message and a pair of cufflinks prove there’s more to the situation than a groom’s cold feet. Meanwhile, Dwight’s mother makes a big life decision that leaves Dwight a little uncertain about the future.

The show centers on Dwight Hendricks (Jason Lee), a quirky Memphis police detective with an intimate connection to the city, a passion for blues music and a close relationship with his mother. He is “the keeper of Memphis,” a Southern gentleman who is protective of his fellow citizens, reverential of the city’s history and deeply rooted in its blues music scene.

Despite his impeccable instincts as a detective, Dwight’s loose, relaxed style of police work rubs his demanding new boss, Lt. Tanya Rice (Woodard), the wrong way. But Dwight may eventually win her over to a Memphis state of mind, especially when he takes the stage at his favorite hangout to perform a legendary song or two.

The series co-stars DJ Qualls as Davey Sutton, a uniform cop who considers himself to be Dwight's protege. Also starring are Celia Weston as Dwight's effervescent mother; Sam Hennings as Charlie White, aka Whitehead, Dwight's seasoned, hypertensive partner; Leonard Earl Howze as Reginald Greenback, a fellow detective struggling to make ends meet with two teenage daughters; and Abraham Benrubi as Sgt. JC Lightfoot, an officer who uses Chickasaw tribal wisdom in his police work.

To get that perfect Memphis feel, the production team approached noted blues singer/songwriter Keb' Mo'. He will provide original compositions and performances for the show to supplement classic Memphis tracks.