James Wolk
Kristen Connolly
Nonso Anozie
Nora Arnezeder
Billy Burke

Developed by:
Josh Appelbaum
André Nemec
Jeff Pinkner
Scott Rosenberg

Drama, Thriller
2015-
CBS
TV-14

“Zoo,” which is a new part of CBS’s summer lineup and is based on the novel of the same name by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge, is a confusing sort of show. Is it supposed to be a thriller or a campy take on one? Since it’s the summer, you would think the latter. But there’s no real indication of that. As a thriller, it’s so watered down and derivative that you hope that that’s not what they’re aiming for.

Despite its title, “Zoo” isn’t about a zoo, per se. The premise is that animals, the world over I guess (in the first episode, Botswana and Los Angeles are the areas of focus), have gotten tired of being mistreated by humans. So they decide to fight back (in this case, bite back, as the main character, played by James Wolk, actually says at the beginning of the show). ‘Nough said.

So, in the first episode, we’re introduced to the thriller part that I mentioned, which is largely located in Botswana. (What an imaginative setting for wild animal attacks!) But that’s not it. Oh, no. “Zoo” is also part investigative journalism exposé and part medical (pathology) procedural.

But you can see the supposed thrills coming a mile away. And when they finally happen, the stuff’s old-hat. I’d rather watch “Jurassic Park.”

The journalism story line is similarly old-hat: The journalist, played by Kristen Connolly of “House of Cards,” is sure that the animal attacks are linked to a major company that recently began to supply the feed for zoo lions. This company is like the Monsanto of pet food, so they must be to blame, right? Not exactly. There has to be more to it than that. Obviously!

The pathology part, however, does contain something new: It focuses on animal pathology instead of human pathology. So there are animal cadavers instead of human ones, and the veterinary pathologist prefers animals (and certain foods) to humans. I know, that’s really nothing new, but I’m trying here.

Despite this show’s lack of compelling material and its confusing tone, I wouldn’t call it bad. It’s the summer, after all, and bad network TV goes hand in hand with the season. “Extant,” anyone? (Sorry, Halle!) The only problem is that cable TV has different ideas. For instance, “The Strain” knows how to provide entertainment that’s appropriate for the summer and that’s actually well-done at the same time. I can happily report that the actors don’t completely embarrass themselves, though. That’s more of an accomplishment than it sounds.

Since everyone (and their mother) has flocked to the cineplexes to watch “Jurassic World” this summer, “Zoo” may help them relive that experience. Plus, it has urgent music and pacing. So that’s something. As far as watching it week to week goes, I don’t know that I’ll do that. It’ll depend on my mood, the temperature outside, and whatever else is on. I guess that’s a maybe. …

The longer I watch “Zoo,” the worse it gets. Now, it certainly wasn’t that good in the first place, but it gradually gets worse from episode to episode. The change is so gradual that you may not notice it until you’re about halfway through the first season. But why am I still watching it?

Verdict: OK to Somewhat Bad

About: (Source: zoo)

ZOO is a global thriller about a wave of violent animal attacks against humans sweeping the planet. James Wolk will play Jackson Oz, a young, renegade American zoologist who spends his days running safaris in the wilds of Africa when he begins noticing the strange behavior of the animals. As the assaults become more cunning, coordinated and ferocious, he is thrust into the race to unlock the mystery of the pandemic before there’s no place left for people to hide.