Tim Minear

Inside preview: As promised, I watched the first three episodes of Fox’s The Inside last weekend. The more I saw, the more I grew attached to the series, which follows a band of cute and clever FBI agents (led by the no-nonsense Peter Coyote!) who investigate violent crimes. What I liked about the show: It’s created by Buffy vet Tim Minear, and it retains some of that epic, mystical feeling. The ensemble cast, led by newcomer Rachel Nichols, works together well. And so far, no mystery has ended the way I thought it would.

What didn’t I like? The eps I saw are constructed Law & Order-style, with a clear beginning, middle and solution to the crime. If I know Minear and his writing team (which includes several Whedonverse alums), I expect a larger, more complicated storyline will eventually shine through. Also, I found Inside’s violence and blood to be excessive at times. Judge for yourself when the show debuts June 8. Posted 1:46 p.m.