ABCWhen The Catch joins ABC's TGIT line-up tonight, the latest slick produce from the ShondaLand production line will certainly bare more than a few similarities to those that came before it. After all, if it ain't broke, why fix it?
We say this with love, of course. We are absolute Shonda Rhimes disciples, gleefully surrendering our Thursday nights to her production company's creations. But we can recognize a few tried-and-true tropes when we see them. And the latest series, a sexy cat-and-mouse caper starring Mireille Enos and Peter Krause, is chock full of 'em.
The Catch centers on Enos' Alice Vaughn, a private investigator in Los Angeles at the top of her game, and Krause's Benjamin Jones, her fiance who scams her out of millions and disappears, prompting her very personal mission for revenge. Let the sexy intrigue begin! Executive produced by Rhimes and Betsy Beers, the series is under the direction of Grey's Anatomy and Scandal alum Allen Heinberg—and it's clear he studied up during his years at Shondaland Academy. In the spirit of The Catch's sexy investigators, here are the 12 Shondaland tropes to keep your eagle eyes peeled for during tonight's premiere. Happy hunting!
1. Delightfully artsy scene composition
You think Scandal's camera shutter scene transitions and through-the-looking-glass vantage points (Seriously, the audience is always playing peeping tom through the window on that show!) are fun? You ain't seen nothing yet.
2. The perfect pop soundtrack
These are the people that used Grey's Anatomy to turn that one Snow Patrol song into an instant tearjerker whenever we hear it. They know what they're doing.
3. A newbie who needs to be lectured about their new reality
Think Grey's Anatomy's interns. Think Quinn's first day at OPA. Think the Keating Five. And prepare to meet Sophie (Elvy Yost).
4. A massive twist in the first act
Duh.
4. A woman who bristles up against a societal norm because she cares too much about her job
The people who brought you Cristina Yang, Olivia Pope, and Annalise Keating would like to introduce Alice and her complex feelings about something basic women obsess over.
5. A hair-raising sex scene
You've seen How to Get Away Murder, right? You're ready.
6. A fateful voicemail that goes unanswered
When will these people learn to just pick up their damn phones?
7. An object central to their story
Think MerDer's Post-it. Think Olitz's jam in Vermont. Think Annalise's tumbler full of vodka.
9. Sleepless nights spent writing on walls
From the people who brought you Seattle Grace's whiteboards, OPA's window wall covered in head shots, and Annalise's chalkboard.
10. Outfits to drool over
Try not to lose you mind when Alice shows up in red. We dare you.
11. A newbie knowing more than they let on
Just keep your eye on Sophie. Trust us.
12. A twisted will they-won't they you can't help but root for
Duh. This is Shondaland. Have you been paying attention?
The Catch premieres tonight at 10 p.m. on ABC.